Installing a malibu skin

WBLskier

I have a small silver dollar sized hole in the backrest vinyl of the backseat of my 1998 Malibu Echelon. I either need to get it repaired or just order a new skin for the whole seat. I can get the skin for $185. I haven't priced out getting it repaired, but I have to think it is close to that or more. Has anyone installed that skin, and how difficult is it? I think it is pulled tight and stapled on the back, but i don't really recall. I'm not sure if I would need to hire a professional to install the skin anyway. Any thoughts? Thanks.

Jordan

You can install any skin yourself if you have patience and an electric staple gun.

The trick is to get the tension right...too loose or too tight and you will get wrinkles.

FWIW I redid all of the skins in my boat, it turned out as good as any that I have seen. That said, it definitely took me longer than I thought it would.

Since you are only doing one piece, it shouldn't be a big deal. One key tip is to get the piece warmed up before you install it...I laid my pieces out in the sun for 15 or 20 minutes before installing. It makes the vinyl much more pliable and easier to stretch.

Wayne

Get the skin, overall you will be happier with the result. In addition to what Jordan said you could trial fit the new skin over the existing one just to see if you have the courage to attempt it. An upholstery shop will probably swap out the skins in a hour (labor) if you bring them the piece.

east tx skier

Start in the middle and work your way out. Be patient, and use stainless steel staples.

Good luck.

oldjeep

Getting a skin installed is cheap. I paid a local upholstery guy $20 do install one on my bayliner after the seat base had gotten cracked from someone stepping on it. Mine were plastic bases and you needed a "real" staple gun to shoot them.

Chef23

I helped a friend do his last year and I would say the back seat backrest should be pretty easy to do.

Steven_Haines

I just upholstered my entire boat. It was a very simple process! You can do it!
I couldn't find stainless staples in my area so I ordered monel staples from west marine. A box of 1000 staples is 29.99 plus tax and shipping.
Good luck!
Steve

Steven_Haines

where are you getting the skin from

DW

@WBLskier: I would go to the Malibu Crew website and get the information on Malibu skin replacement. Best source for them on that site.

OldManRiver

I bought skins from Chee for my '98 Echelon. He has all the > 7-year-old Malibu boat seating patterns. Pretty much anything you need to know is in the link below. I still have a couple skins yet to install, but it's not too tough with the right porter cable pneumatic stapler and right SS staples. Hope your skins/install goes well.
http://www.themalibucrew.com/forums/index.php?/topic/47163-chee-skins/

Steven_Haines

I got my skins from Chi also. I got complete interior for a closed bell delivered to my door for 1100 dollars. the upholstery is thick and well put together! Che has been doing Malibu's upholstery for years and is the only one you'll find recommended on the Malibu crew web site. if you want his personal email address I can pass it on to you.

1jeremy

Hey everyone, new to this forum, but have read some posts about chee building replacement seat skins for older malibus. I have a 97 sunsetter lx that is in good shspe but the rear seat has come apart in the usual spot. Can I please get chees contact info to see if he would still be interested in making skins?

DonT

I've been following the ongoing saga of Chee on the malibu forum and it appears that he is missing in action. I do not know the details, but several have paid for skins with no delivery of product. I cannot comment on the reasons, only the net effect.

1jeremy

Ok, thanks. Thats too bad, really hard to find good craftsmanship and someone you can trust with your stuff. I do have a local guy I can use for a good repair as long as the vinyl can be matched decently.

Billy_728

+1 for Chee Maua

Steven_Haines

1jeremy,
I sent you a pm w Chee's contact info

kstateskier

Word of warning about Chee. He has been an institution on the Malibu Crew for years as the "guy" for Bu skins. However, over the last 4-6 months 10-12 members have sent money to Chee for skins and to date, Chee has disappeared with their money. Obviously there are alot of theories but our hope is its something medical and Chee is alive and well. But who knows, things happen. Several of the members are out $2500+ with no responses from Chee since summer 2014.

I wouldn't recommend going the Chee route at the moment.

oldjeep

Yup - there is a thread over there with another source - guy who currently works for Malibu and does skins for the older boats in his spare time. No cash until they are ready to ship.
- Contact info is in first post
http://www.themalibucrew.com/forums/index.php?/topic/52994-malibu-interior-work-recommendation/

Steven_Haines

If that's true, I guess I got really lucky! I got mine in no time and also got a replacement skin at no charge. The one replaced had some stitching coming loose.
I hope all is well with Chee and that the Fellas from the Malibu Crew get they're issues resolved!

MrB

@WBLskier I had a skin replaced several years ago by the dealer but they didn't use stainless steel staples and they rusted off. Be sure to use STAINLESS STEEL staples. They cost more but it's worth it!

oldjeep

@MrB Better off using Monel than stainless

Steven_Haines

+1 on the Monel staples!

MrB

@oldjeep @Steven Haines I'll have to google Monel staples. Not familiar with them. But Thanks, I'm sure you're correct.

Steven_Haines

I got mine at West Marine

oldjeep

Home depot sells them too.