Specialists in everything that is sewn on board, the managers of Voilerie Sellerie Epure tell us the key points to check on a second-hand multi: "Sewing work is labor-intensive. That's why you shouldn't neglect this item when choosing a boat."
Interior cushions
The renovation of the covers can be simple even if it depends on the shape of the cousins and the material. They can be cleaned or changed. "But be careful with the condition of the foam! Indeed, changing foams represents a budget." To check it, you need to check that the foam is not crushed or moldy. Foam that has taken on moisture will smell bad. Similarly, a fabric that has been pitted by moisture is also worth changing, it can't be cleaned.
"It is difficult to estimate a budget for this item, which depends on the shape and materials chosen, but the complete renovation of a 40-foot catamaran's saloon starts at 4,000 euros excluding tax.
External cushions
For the exterior upholstery, so-called "outdoor" products are used. The foam is special and cannot become waterlogged. For the fabric, it is advisable to take acrylics or said fabric coated PVC (type Skaï). These fabrics are very UV resistant, they do not fade in the sun, do not crack and do not rot.
There are many solutions for attaching cushions to the deck, some of which are very aesthetically pleasing or avoid hurting your feet. "On a polyester boat, it's easy to install fasteners, or even to plug up the old holes. On an aluminum boat, it's more complicated, because you have to drill into the hull, install stainless steel screws that need to be insulated to prevent corrosion."
Covers and cockpit protection
On a multihull, it is common to close the cockpit with awnings and transparent covers. On a second-hand boat, it is necessary to check their condition, the crystal must be translucent and the zippers must work. Beware, this kind of protection is a big budget, because they represent a lot of material and require a lot of labor. They are custom-made pieces, designed for each boat.
Lazy bag
We don't think enough about checking the lazy bag. On a catamaran, this mainsail protection costs from 1,500 to 3,000 euros HT.
Epure saddlery manufactures them in acrylic fabric for its good resistance to UV, taking particular care to avoid scratching. Indeed, if the acrylic supports well the bad weather and the UV, a regular rubbing on the fabric cuts it. To protect it, it is necessary to place PVC reinforcements at key points.
The bottom of the lazy bag is constructed with a grid to drain water and prevent mold.
Straps
On a multihull, the straps are used to lift the tenders, the lifelines... Their life span depends on their maintenance. During the winter, the straps must be dismantled and stored away from the sun. A check by an expert guarantees their solidity. Sometimes only the seams are burned out, they can be redone. Sometimes the straps have to be changed. "To know if a seam is burned, you just have to scratch the thread with your fingernail. If the thread breaks, it's ruined...".
Sails Saddlery Epure
Located in the Pole Nautique du Canet, the Epure sailmaker works on everything that can be sewn on a boat, both in manufacturing and in repair. Directed by Sylvie Chorlay and Francesca Guzzo, this 5 year old company with 10 employees supplies the saddlery and most of the covers of the Catana and Bali, but also a very large number of private customers or shipyards. In parallel to its nautical activities, this company also makes medical seats, motorcycle saddles and works in garden decoration with shade sails.
