2003 X2 interior burned!!!

[JimN]

Well, I have had no luck finding a used interior for my new to me X2. Title was signed today and it is officially mine. Got a great deal I think. Now it is time to rebuild the interior. I have called many many shops in my area (Nor-Cal). Most do not want to touch the interior without seat frames/panels and fabric to pattern. It’s going to be a tough job. I think I am up for the task to create the panels and foam. Then bring the boat to a shop to have all the panels covered.

I do believe I am going to make all the backing panels from HDPE. It will outlast any fabric that is applied to it. Plywood is so much easier but not sure that is the material of choice. I am a building contractor by day and restore airplanes as a hobby. I could easily produce aluminum panels but is still not the right material. I do have a few question that you guys might be able to answer.

1. What material thickness are you guys seeing the bottom cushion frame made? 1/4”-1/2”-etc?
2. What thickness is the sundeck backer panels?
3. I am seeing in photos of the X2 that there is a depression on the lower side of the engine cover. It looks like it is needed to cleared the throttle body. Does anyone have dimensions of this panel?

Since this X2 is the only one I have ever been in or even seen for that matter I am going into this blind with a stripped boat and lots of interior pics from the internet. Yes I could just drop it off at a shop for lots of $$$ and say call me when it’s done. Hell, that’s no fun!

I really appreciate the feedback you guys have already given me. I hope this to come out well and get my family on the lake this summer!


bp

1/4" HDPE might be OK for panels that remain vertical and don't receive any force/stress, but seats (cushions and backs) will need 1/2", at least. Star Board is commonly used for this application. Make your patterns first and allow about 1/2" gap for the fabric and foam- if you make them too close, you'll never open or close the hinged panels and the loose ones won't stay in place.

[John Johnson]

Someone just posted a full brand new X23 interior on the for sale threads. Not sure it can be retrofitted but worth a look.

[Timr71]

So, here's a bunch of thoughts about this project:

- you can totally do this, make the seat bases for your interior, but it's going to take some planning and some if it is tedious work
- First, you should answer these questions: 1. How much $ are you willing to spend? 2. What is your desired outcome? Do you want a show quality factory looking interior, or something that is functional, or something in between.
- What are you going to use for the captain's chair?
- One approach you can take (this is what I did) is to find a captain's chair that you like and can order, then also order the same vinyl and colors so you can create all of your remaining interior to match it.
This is just an example: https://www.wholesalemarine.com/wise...eat-78849.html

I used https://veada.com/helm-seats/captain...h-bolster.html Veada, but it looks like they're currently not selling any seats until 2020

You need to find a local upholster, and show them your boat in it's current state. If you can find someone that you can work with locally, you can make stuff and try to fit it. There will be times when you'll have to pull staples out to reshape foam to get it right. But hopefully you can find someone who would be willing to work with you on such a thing. And, maybe they have the ability to purchase the foam that you need.

If you want a factory look then you'll need a high end upholstery shop...someone like Viper. But I can tell you right now that that is going to be very expensive, maybe $7-10K.

The flip side if that you could get a really nice looking interior for probably half that, if you're willing to do a lot of the heavy lifting and you can live with something that is nice looking but not exactly factory in it's look and feel.

Good luck! And post lots of pics. BTW, over on iBoats there bunches of guys who have sewn their own interior and they get into deep discussions about what vintage sewing machines are good for marine interiors. That's a whole different level of work.

[Timr71]

Someone just posted a full brand new X23 interior on the for sale threads. Not sure it can be retrofitted but worth a look.

I just looked at that post too...probably worth at least investigating. That's factory quality vinyl and it probably has the logos embroidered on it. Will those colors work? (Don't ask me, I'm color blind. )

[John Johnson]

I just looked at that post too...probably worth at least investigating. That's factory quality vinyl and it probably has the logos embroidered on it. Will those colors work? (Don't ask me, I'm color blind. )

It's grey and white. Like the OP X2. The description of the vinyl is vague (not clear whether bases are included, etc.). Perhaps someone who knows these hulls better will chime in.

[ClipperSky]

It looks like it’s just rolls of factory fabric. I sent him a private message.

[JimN]

Might not hurt to call local dealers and see if they have anything like this in stock, so you can look, measure, check gaps, materials, etc.

[ClipperSky]

Can anyone tell me the foam thickness of the seat bottoms on a similar boat do mine? Also I am in need of the backer thickness? 1/4”,3/8”, 1/2”?

Much appreciated guys!

[lentiman]

Saw your local listing here in SF. That sucks man, best of luck.

[Shaun R]

We had a lot of flooring late last year in central Texas and you may get lucky finding a salvage boat someone is parting out. The only hard to replicate interior piece would be the observer seat door.

[Weekendpass]

Have you searched for boat salvage yards? I have seen quite a few boats because the owner ripped the tower off the boat when towing. Just a thought.

[37tr3n5k]

https://mohave.craigslist.org/boa/d/redding-2008-mastercraft-xstar-full/6874417472.html

I have no idea if this is any help.

[FoggyNogginz]

Sorry if someone has already mentioned this, but Great Lakes Skipper often has leftover MC vinyl and backing available. Sometimes they have Captain's seats as well.

https://www.greatlakesskipper.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=MasterCraft+vinyl

[ClipperSky]

Thanks guys for all the info. I did talk with the guy in Redding with the full interior. I found his ad 24hrs after I dropped the boat off at the upholstery shop. Contract is signed and deposit was given. I will keep you Gus updated on the shop doing the work and progress pics!