Bolster backing material - " whaler board "

abl1111 · #1 04-03-2010, 09:42 PM

I want to upholster my 23' Tsunami. I have 1/4" starboard there now - it's too thin for a backing

I read in the past that there is a material called whaler board because I think Boston Whaler used to sell it. It's like phenolic ( maybe it is phenolic ). I like the qualities of the stuff; inert and rigid.

Anyone have a line on this material ?

I have also read that guys here have used 1/2" starboard - has this stood the test of time ? My 1/4" stuff w/ no bolster material warps in the sun/heat...

kneedeep · #2 04-03-2010, 11:14 PM

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[/image] check at home depot they sale a pvc board used to finish a garage door opening 1x6 or 1x8. i used it for my bolsters. it holds staples and t-nuts well. i just glued 1" foam to it and covered it with pleated vinyl.

uncleboo · #3 04-05-2010, 11:02 AM

I recommend the PVC board as well. We use it in the fabrication of louvers, but, most building supplies carry it. Azek is one brand. It's cellular PVC and is easy to work with. I made a leaning post seat for a friend using stainless steel staples to hold the fabric on. Worked well.

willydewitt2 · #4 04-05-2010, 03:20 PM

Used PVC press board as backer for my bolster pads. Staples well... best option.

abl1111 · #5 04-05-2010, 05:37 PM

Thanks guys - I'll check out "Homey" to see if they have it...

Hopefully it's lightweight too. Does it come 1/2" ?

McGillicuddy · #6 04-05-2010, 07:11 PM

On Uncle Boo's recommendation I went and found a sample of the Azek product. I'm impressed. Took staples like a champ and holds them firmly. Very good cut-ability
and very light. A little pricey but much lighter and cheaper than star board or marine board, and it met all my tests. Durability? only time will tell, but if they are selling it as decking and house trim, it should prove solid for years to come. Good call.

abl1111 · #7 04-05-2010, 09:53 PM

How does a bolster connect to the boat ? I know there is some sort of flush mounted stud kit - how do they work ?

Oh, and what is the most durable padded fabric out there ?

NoBones · #8 04-05-2010, 10:07 PM

It's called a Rivnut .
They work great!

See ya, Ken

uncleboo · #9 04-06-2010, 09:12 AM

It is available in 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, 3/4 and 1" that I'm aware of. There are several manufacturers out there.

uncleboo · #10 04-06-2010, 09:18 AM

We build replacement louvers for older homes as well as for new construction. I've been selling them for over 6 years and have never had anyone complain about the materials. If the situation arises, PVC glue works extremely well, (buiding up layers to achieve a certain thickness).