Boat & Marine Upholstery on the Jersey Shore
Custom marine upholstery built to handle salt air, sun, and open water. Boat seats, helm cushions, cabin interiors, and covers, crafted right here in Monmouth County.
Your Boat Needs a Shore Specialist
If you own a boat on the Jersey Shore, you already know what salt air does to just about everything. Metal corrodes. Gel coat fades. And upholstery? It takes the worst beating of all. Between the constant UV exposure, salt spray off the Atlantic, morning dew, afternoon rain, and the general chaos of a day on the water with friends and family, your boat's upholstery is fighting a war on multiple fronts every single time you leave the dock.
Get a Free Marine Estimate
Why Marine Upholstery Is a Different Discipline
Most furniture upholstery shops will tell you they can do marine work. And honestly, some of them mean well. But marine upholstery is a completely different discipline. The materials are different. The construction methods are different. The adhesives, threads, foams, hardware, all of it has to be specifically engineered for a marine environment. Use indoor foam on a boat seat and you'll have a mold problem within a season. Use regular thread and it will rot out in two years. Use the wrong vinyl and the sun will crack it before Labor Day.
Built by Boaters, for Boaters
At Coastal Craft Upholstery, marine work is not a sideline. It is one of the core reasons we opened this shop. We grew up on the water here in Monmouth County. We've spent our lives fishing the Shark River, cruising the Navesink, and running out of Belmar and Manasquan inlets. We know what the Jersey Shore does to a boat because we've lived it. When we build a set of helm cushions or recover a full cockpit, we're building it the way we'd want it done on our own boat.
Whether you've got a 19-foot center console you trailer to the Shark River or a 42-foot sport fisher docked at the Atlantic Highlands Marina, we treat every project with the same attention to detail. We use only marine-grade materials, we build patterns specific to your hull, and we stand behind our work season after season. You'll notice the difference the first time you hose off the cockpit and everything still looks brand new.
The Jersey Shore boating season is short enough as it is. You shouldn't have to spend half of it dealing with cracked seats, waterlogged cushions, or faded covers. Let us handle the upholstery so you can focus on what matters: getting out on the water with the people you love.
Custom Boat Seats That Actually Last
Boat seat cushions are the single most used and most abused part of any vessel. People sit on them, stand on them, spill on them, drag fish across them, and leave them baking in the sun all summer long. They need to be built tough enough to handle all of that without falling apart, while still being comfortable enough for a full day on the water.
Get a Boat Seat Estimate
Custom-Built for Your Hull
We build custom boat seat cushions from scratch for every project. That means we come to your boat, take precise measurements, and create patterns that match your specific hull layout. No generic off-the-shelf cushions that almost fit but not quite. Every seat we build drops into place perfectly because it was made for your boat and your boat alone.
Bench Seats & Bow Cushions
Bench seats and bow cushions are where most of your passengers spend their time. We build these with high-density closed-cell marine foam that won't absorb water, won't develop mold, and holds its shape season after season. The foam gets wrapped in a moisture barrier before the marine vinyl goes on, which adds another layer of protection against the elements. For bow cushions on boats like Grady-Whites, Robalo, and Sea Hunt hulls, we template each section individually so the fit is seamless.
Leaning Posts & Jump Seats
Leaning posts take a beating because they're right in the action: you're standing against them while fighting a fish, leaning on them while running to a spot, or using them as a backrest at anchor. We reinforce leaning post cushions with marine-grade backing board and use heavy-duty UV-resistant thread at every seam. Jump seats get the same treatment. If it folds, flips, or hinges, we make sure the upholstery works with the mechanism, not against it.
Custom Colors & Piping
Your boat is an extension of your personality, and the upholstery should reflect that. We offer the full range of marine vinyl colors from top manufacturers like Nautolex and Spradling. Want to match your hull stripe? We can do that. Want contrast piping, diamond pleating, or embroidered logos? All of that is on the table. We'll bring vinyl samples right to your boat so you can see how they look in natural light against your gel coat.
Where the Captain Sits Matters Most
The helm is where you spend the majority of your time on the water. Whether you're running 30 miles offshore to the canyons or cruising the Shrewsbury River on a Sunday morning, your helm seat needs to deliver real comfort and solid support. A worn-out, cracked, or waterlogged helm cushion isn't just ugly. It makes every trip less enjoyable and can actually contribute to back fatigue on longer runs.
Get a Helm Seat EstimateErgonomic Foam Layering
We build helm seat cushions with an emphasis on ergonomic support. That means using multi-density foam layering: firmer foam at the base for structural support, softer foam on top for comfort. The result is a seat that supports you properly during a rough inlet crossing but still feels great when you're anchored up in the Navesink for hours.
Bolster Seats
Bolster seats and flip-up bolsters are becoming standard on modern center consoles, and we recover them regularly. The hinge mechanisms, spring assists, and mounting points all have to be accounted for during the upholstery process. We disassemble each bolster, recover or replace the foam, wrap it in marine vinyl, and reassemble it so the flip mechanism works exactly the way it did from the factory. We work with all the common bolster brands and styles.
Cockpit Coaming Pads
Coaming pads line the gunwales of your cockpit and give you somewhere comfortable to sit during a long drift or a slow troll. They also protect the fiberglass from rod butt damage and general wear. We build coaming pads with closed-cell foam and marine vinyl, custom fit to your hull's specific contour. Snap fasteners, screw studs, or Velcro attachment, whatever your boat needs, we've got it covered.
Make Your Cabin Feel Like Home
If your boat has a cabin, you know it's your home away from home during those multi-day trips or long weekends at the marina. The cabin interior should feel inviting, comfortable, and well-maintained. But the reality is that cabin upholstery takes a lot of abuse: humidity below deck is a constant battle, and the confined space means cushions get compressed, stained, and worn faster than you'd expect.
Get a Cabin Interior Estimate
Salon & Dinette Cushions
The salon is the main gathering space below deck, and the dinette is where you eat, play cards, and hang out when the weather turns. We build salon and dinette cushions with marine foam that resists moisture absorption, wrapped in marine-grade fabrics that are easy to clean and resistant to mildew. We can match your existing color scheme or do a complete refresh that transforms the space. If your dinette converts to a berth, we design the cushions so the conversion is smooth and the sleeping surface is actually comfortable.
Berth Cushions
A good night's sleep on a boat makes all the difference between a great trip and a miserable one. We build berth cushions with proper sleep comfort in mind, not just thin foam slapped into a vinyl cover. We use high-quality marine foam in sleeping-appropriate densities and wrap them in breathable marine fabrics that help regulate temperature. V-berth cushions, aft berth cushions, and side berths are all custom-templated to fit your hull's unique shape.
Headliners & Wall Panels
Headliners are the fabric or vinyl panels on the cabin ceiling, and when they start sagging or peeling, the whole cabin looks tired. We replace headliners using marine-rated foam-backed fabric and proper marine adhesives that hold up in the humidity. Wall panels and accent panels get the same treatment. The goal is a cabin that looks and feels fresh every time you step below deck.
Custom Covers That Protect Your Investment
A quality custom boat cover does more than keep the rain out. It protects your gel coat from UV damage, keeps bird droppings and tree sap off your decks, and prevents your upholstery from fading during all those months your boat sits between uses. Off-the-rack covers from marine supply stores never fit quite right. They leave gaps, pool water in the wrong spots, and wear out fast because they're constantly shifting and chafing.
Get a Cover EstimateSunbrella Canvas, Custom-Fitted
We build custom-fitted boat covers using Sunbrella marine canvas, which is the gold standard in the industry. Every cover is patterned directly on your boat to ensure a snug, form-fitting shape. We add reinforcement patches at stress points, install proper drainage grommets, and use heavy-duty zippers and snap fasteners that can handle years of use.
Mooring & Storage Covers
Mooring covers are designed for when your boat is sitting at its slip or on a mooring ball. They need to shed water, resist UV, and breathe enough to prevent condensation buildup underneath. We build mooring covers with support poles and tie-down systems that keep the cover taut and prevent wind damage. Winter storage covers get additional reinforcement because they have to handle months of snow, ice, and wind without failing.
Center Console T-Top Enclosures
T-top curtain enclosures turn your center console into a three-season boat. We build full enclosures with clear vinyl windows, zippered entry panels, and reinforced seams. They're perfect for those early spring and late fall runs when the Jersey Shore weather is unpredictable. When you don't need them, they roll up and stow neatly.
Comfort Under Sail on the Shore
Sailing on the Jersey Shore has a character all its own. Whether you're racing out of the Shrewsbury River Yacht Club, day-sailing off Sandy Hook, or living aboard at a Keyport marina, your sailboat's cushions play a huge role in how much you enjoy your time on board. Sailboat cushions are uniquely challenging because the spaces are irregular, the angles are never standard, and every inch of the interior has to serve double duty.
Get a Sailboat Estimate
V-Berth & Settee Cushions
V-berth cushions are probably the most custom-shaped cushions in the marine world. The triangular bow of a sailboat creates angles and tapers that are different on every boat. We template every v-berth in person, working around chain lockers, anchor windlasses, and storage compartments to create cushions that fill the space perfectly. Settee cushions in the main salon get the same precision treatment. We use marine foam in comfort-rated densities so these areas work as seating during the day and sleeping surfaces at night.
Cockpit Cushions
Cockpit cushions on a sailboat need to handle everything the elements throw at them while still being comfortable enough for long passages. We build cockpit cushions with quick-dry foam and marine fabrics like Sunbrella that drain fast and resist mildew. Snap or Velcro attachment keeps them secure even when the boat heels, and they're designed to be easily removed and stored when things get rough.
Ride in Style on the Water
Jet ski seats take incredible punishment. Between the constant water exposure, the UV beating, and the physical impact of riding waves, the seat is usually the first thing to deteriorate on a personal watercraft. The foam gets waterlogged and heavy. The vinyl cracks and peels. The staples rust out. Before long, you're riding on a soggy, uncomfortable mess that makes every outing less fun than it should be.
Get a Jet Ski Seat EstimateFull Seat Rebuild Process
We recover jet ski and personal watercraft seats for all major brands: Sea-Doo, Yamaha WaveRunner, Kawasaki Jet Ski, and more. The process starts with stripping the old cover and foam, inspecting the seat pan for damage, and then rebuilding with fresh closed-cell foam and marine-grade vinyl. We match original colors or go full custom if you want something that stands out at the Shark River ramp.
Foam Replacement & Custom Colors
If your seat is spongy or heavy when you lift it, the foam is shot. We replace it with closed-cell marine foam that won't absorb water no matter how many times you roll it. On the cosmetic side, we offer the full range of marine vinyl colors. Want to match your hull graphics? No problem. Want a two-tone scheme with contrast stitching? We do that all the time. Some customers even add grip panels in high-wear areas for better traction while riding.
Why Marine-Grade Materials Matter
The materials we use on your boat are specifically engineered to survive the harshest conditions on earth. Here's what goes into every project.
Marine-Grade Vinyl
Nautolex, Spradling, and Ultraleather: UV stabilized, antimicrobial, and rated for years of sun and salt exposure.
Sunbrella Marine Canvas
The industry standard for boat covers and outdoor marine fabric. Solution-dyed acrylic that won't fade, backed by a 10-year warranty.
UV-Resistant Thread
Tenara PTFE thread that will not deteriorate from UV, rain, salt, or chemicals. Lifetime thread for lifetime seams.
Closed-Cell Marine Foam
Will not absorb water, period. No mold, no mildew, no soggy seats. Maintains shape and buoyancy season after season.
Stainless Steel Hardware
316-grade stainless snaps, screws, and fasteners that resist corrosion in saltwater environments.
Marine Adhesives
3M marine-grade contact cement and adhesives formulated to bond in high-humidity, high-heat environments without failing.
Why Indoor Fabric Fails on Boats
We get this question all the time: "Can you just use regular upholstery fabric on my boat seats? It's so much cheaper." The short answer is no, and here's why. Indoor upholstery fabrics are designed for climate-controlled environments. They're not engineered to handle UV radiation, saltwater exposure, constant moisture cycling, or the extreme temperature swings that happen on a boat.
Regular open-cell furniture foam acts like a sponge. Once water gets in (and it will), the foam becomes a breeding ground for mold and mildew. It gets heavy, it smells terrible, and it never fully dries out. Marine-grade closed-cell foam is manufactured with a structure that physically cannot absorb water. It costs more upfront, but it will save you from replacing your cushions every year or two.
Standard polyester thread breaks down under UV exposure. Within a season or two, your seams will start popping. Tenara PTFE thread is completely immune to UV degradation. It's the same thread used on commercial sails that spend years in the harshest conditions on the planet. The thread will outlast the vinyl.
Even the snaps matter. Regular brass snaps corrode in salt air and leave green stains on your vinyl. We use 316-grade stainless steel hardware on every marine project. It costs a few dollars more per project, but the difference in longevity is measured in years, not months.
The bottom line is simple: marine upholstery done right with the right materials will last five to ten years on the Jersey Shore. Marine upholstery done with indoor materials might last one season. We only do it right.
Five Steps to a Brand New Boat Interior
From the first dock visit to the final installation, here's exactly how we handle every marine upholstery project.
Dock Visit or Drop-Off
We come to your marina to measure and photograph everything, or you bring pieces to our shop. Whatever works for you.
Assessment & Patterns
We evaluate condition, take precise templates, and build custom patterns unique to your boat's hull and layout.
Material Selection
Pick your vinyl colors, thread, piping, and foam densities from our full marine sample library. We'll guide you through every option.
Craftsmanship
Every piece is cut, sewn, and assembled by hand in our Monmouth County studio. No outsourcing, no shortcuts.
Installation & Delivery
We install at your marina or deliver to your door. Everything fits perfectly because it was built for your boat.
Getting Your Boat Ready for Summer
Every spring, boat owners across Monmouth County face the same ritual: pull the cover off, survey the damage, and figure out what needs to be fixed before launch day. We see a rush of marine upholstery work between March and May, and the smart move is to get ahead of it. If you wait until June, you might miss weeks of the season waiting for your turn.
Spring Commissioning Checklist
- Inspect all seat cushions for cracking, fading, or mold
- Check seams and stitching for UV deterioration
- Test snap fasteners for corrosion or looseness
- Examine foam for water absorption (lift cushions, heavy means waterlogged)
- Clean and condition all vinyl with marine-rated products
- Check boat covers for tears, worn grommets, and broken zippers
If you find issues during your inspection, don't wait. Call us in February or March and we'll have everything ready before you splash in April. We schedule marine projects by appointment so you know exactly when your boat will be done.
Winterizing Your Upholstery
How you put your boat away in the fall determines how your upholstery looks in the spring. Most of the marine upholstery damage we see could have been prevented with proper winterization. Here's what we recommend:
- Clean all vinyl and fabric with a marine cleaner before covering
- Apply UV protectant to all exposed vinyl surfaces
- Remove cabin cushions and store them in a dry, ventilated space
- Prop cockpit cushions to allow air circulation underneath
- Make sure your boat cover is properly fitted and supported
- Check for any small tears or seam issues and repair before winter
A little effort in October saves a lot of money in April. And if your cover is showing its age, fall is actually the best time to order a new one. We're less busy, turnaround is faster, and your boat will be protected all winter with something that actually works.
Before & After Showcase
Real projects from real boat owners on the Jersey Shore. Every transformation was done by hand in our Monmouth County shop.
Center Console Full Recovery
Complete helm, leaning post, and cockpit cushion recovery with Nautolex marine vinyl and custom contrast piping.
Sailboat Cabin Refresh
Full v-berth, settee, and salon cushion replacement with new marine foam and Sunbrella fabric. Night and day difference.
Custom T-Top Enclosure
Full center console enclosure with clear vinyl windows and roll-up panels. Built for early spring and late fall fishing.
What Affects the Cost of Your Project
Every boat is different, so every marine upholstery project is priced individually based on the specifics of your vessel and your needs. We don't believe in one-size-fits-all pricing because it always leads to compromises somewhere. Here's what goes into your estimate:
Smaller boats with a few cushions will naturally cost less than a 40-footer that needs a complete interior and exterior overhaul. But even on the same size boat, the number of individual pieces matters: a center console with 12 separate cushion sections is more labor-intensive than one with four large bench seats.
Material choice is the other big variable. Standard marine vinyl from Nautolex is excellent and cost-effective. Premium options like Ultraleather or Sunbrella marine look and feel amazing but come at a higher price point. We'll walk you through the options and help you find the sweet spot between your budget and your expectations.
We provide free, detailed estimates on every marine project. No surprises, no hidden fees. What we quote is what you pay.
Get Your Free EstimateSize of Boat
Larger boats mean more material and more labor hours
Number of Pieces
Each cushion is individually templated and sewn
Material Choice
Standard marine vinyl vs. premium Ultraleather or Sunbrella
Foam Condition
Reusing good foam vs. full replacement with marine foam
Custom Details
Diamond pleating, piping, embroidery, two-tone designs
Access & Location
Dockside work vs. shop work, marina proximity
Marine Upholstery FAQ
Answers to the questions we hear most from boat owners across the Jersey Shore.
NJ Marinas & Boat Yards Along the Shore
We work with boat owners at marinas and boatyards up and down the Monmouth County coastline. Dock visits, measurements, and installations available at all locations.
Atlantic Highlands Marina
Atlantic Highlands
Shark River Municipal Marina
Belmar / Neptune
Brielle Yacht Club
Brielle
Hoffman's Marina
Brielle
Lockwood Boat Works
South Amboy
Comanche Cove Marina
Keyport
Highlands Marina
Highlands
Navesink Marina
Red Bank / Fair Haven
Manasquan River Marinas
Brielle / Point Pleasant
Shrewsbury River Yacht Club
Red Bank
Monmouth Cove Marina
Port Monmouth
Sandy Hook Bay Marina
Highlands / Atlantic Highlands
Marine Upholstery Across Monmouth County
We provide marine upholstery services, marina visits, and delivery across every town in Monmouth County, NJ. Coastal towns highlighted. That's where most of our marine work happens.
Your Boat Deserves
Shore-Tested Upholstery
Get a free estimate on your marine upholstery project. We'll come to your marina, assess everything in person, and give you an honest quote with no pressure and no surprises.