Owner buying guide

Buying replacement Boston Whaler cushions

Record dimensions, snap positions, and color details before ordering.

By Boston Whaler Owners · Research-based guide · Updated September 30, 2026

Catalog replacement or custom upholstery?

For a boat that still has its original seating layout, investigate a model-specific replacement and confirm its dimensions. For altered woodwork or a difficult color match, compare a custom upholstery quote. Buy only when the pattern, color, attachment plan and return conditions are clear. This is a comparison of published information, not a hands-on ranking of suppliers.

First identify which cushion you need

On an early 16/17-foot Whaler, the bow cushion, console-front cushion and pilot-seat cushion are different purchases. Record the actual seat configuration, including changes made by previous owners. Photograph the top, underside and mounting points; measure the footprint, thickness and snap spacing.

For example, Specialty Marine’s vintage bow cushion lists 1961–1976 hulls and dimensions of 55 × 23 × 2 inches. The listing describes recesses for bow-rail uprights, which leave gaps if no rail is fitted. It is a candidate to investigate for an early hull, not confirmation of fit on every 1975 Katama. It is also not identified here as the product Mark bought.

Specialty Marine: specific patterns, with details to resolve

The Nauset, Sakonnet and Eastport console-front set lists two pieces, each 12 × 35 × 2 inches, with hook-and-loop straps for the seat and snaps for the backrest. The supplier describes marine vinyl and two-inch high-density foam, but also warns that a larger original console and seat existed. These named applications should not be silently extended to a Katama’s different seating.

A useful example of why measurements matter appears on its pilot-seat cushion set page. At our review, the description gave a bench depth of 11⅝ inches, while the size chart gave 15 inches; both gave a 37.5-inch width and 2-inch thickness. Ask the seller to resolve that discrepancy in writing before ordering that set.

Also consider how you store the boat. Specialty Marine’s care guidance describes water-resistant cushions with open-cell foam, recommends covering them outdoors, and advises prompt drying if the foam becomes saturated. A buyer who leaves seating exposed should factor that care into the decision.

Boston Whaler Boat Parts: match the exact application

A catalog may span several generations of boats. Boston Whaler Boat Parts’ 72-quart cooler cushion, for instance, names the non-classic 170 Montauk and specifies a 27.5 × 15 × 2-inch cushion with loose male snaps. That is useful information for the named cooler application, not evidence that it replaces a Katama seat.

Use this supplier when you can match the exact shape, dimensions and attachment arrangement. Ask for unclear foam, material or year-range details. A similar model name or appearance does not establish original-equipment manufacture or compatibility.

Custom upholstery: a route for changed seats and difficult matches

Boston Whaler’s customer-support page refers owners of older boats to Anderson’s Manufacturing & Upholstery for replacement cushions. That manufacturer referral is a useful starting point for an inquiry; it does not confirm a current pattern, price or completion date.

Alternatively, ask a marine upholsterer to assess the seat you actually have. As one example, Pro Stitch’s custom-cushion service describes marine fabric or vinyl, reticulated foam and mesh underlining. It distinguishes simple cushions made from measurements from curved seating that may need an onboard pattern. These are that shop’s advertised services, not products tested by this site.

For any custom quote, specify who supplies the pattern, whether old foam or backing will be reused, the proposed materials, whether fitting is included, and what happens if the finished cushion does not fit. Get deposit, cancellation and remake terms before ordering.

Use a sample for color

Specialty Marine’s cushion color guidance distinguishes parchment, off-white and bright white, and notes that lighting and screens affect appearance. Ask for a physical sample when matching existing upholstery. Compare piping as well as the main vinyl. Our Katama owner account explains why a present-day color name and a historical factory specification are separate questions.

Check return exposure before fitting

Our practical recommendation: resolve fit and color questions before moving snaps or modifying the product. Save the product page and written supplier confirmation with the order. Policies can change; the seller’s current terms govern the purchase.