Boat Sunpad Cushions: A UK Guide to Templates, Foam and Marine Fabric

Quick answer: A boat sunpad is a cushion made to fit the flat deck at the bow or stern of a motor cruiser, sports boat or RIB. Because no two decks are the same shape, the best sunpads are made from a paper template of your own deck. Choose marine vinyl or waterproof Sunbrella, quick-drain foam, and ties or fixings that suit your fittings.

Shop-bought sunpads are cut to fit "most" boats, which usually means a gap at the bow, a pad that slides when you get under way, or foam that stays wet for days after a squall. This guide covers shapes, templates, foam, fabric, fixings and winter care for boats in UK waters.

What is a boat sunpad?

A sunpad (or sun pad) is a large flat cushion that turns an unused area of deck into somewhere to lie down. You will see three main types on UK boats:

• Bow sunpads sit on the foredeck or over the forward cabin roof. They are usually tapered or curved to follow the shape of the bow.
• Stern or aft sunpads sit on the engine hatch or bathing platform area behind the cockpit seating. They are often rectangular with clipped or rounded corners.
• Cockpit sunbeds are infill cushions that turn a table and seating area into one large flat bed.

Many boats use a set of two or three pieces rather than one, so the pad can be lifted to reach a hatch or locker underneath.

Why does a made-to-measure sunpad fit better?

Deck shapes vary between makes, models and even model years. A bow sunpad that is 2 cm too wide will ride up against the rail. One that is 2 cm too narrow leaves a gap that collects water.

A made-to-measure sunpad is cut to your own deck, so it follows the curve of the bow, clears cleats and hatches, and sits flat. We cut within 6 mm (maximum ±2.5 cm) of the size you order and remake the cushion free if we miss that.

How do you measure a boat for a sunpad?

For anything other than a simple rectangle, make a paper template. It is quicker and far more accurate than measuring curves with a tape.

1. Clean and dry the deck, then tape down a large sheet of kraft paper, builder's paper or old wallpaper lining.
2. Trace the outline of the area the pad will cover with a marker, following the edge of the deck, rail or moulding.
3. Mark the position of hatches, cleats, grab handles and any fixing points such as press studs or snap fasteners.
4. If the pad will be in two or more pieces, draw the split lines where you want them, for example either side of a hatch.
5. Write "top" on the side facing up and mark which end points to the bow.
6. Cut out the template, check it on the deck once more, then photograph it next to a tape measure.

For a plain rectangular stern pad you can measure length and width in centimetres instead. Our guide to measuring cushions in centimetres covers tapered and angled shapes.

Which fabric should you choose for a boat sunpad?

On a boat, the fabric has to cope with salt spray, sun cream, wet swimwear and long hours of sun. We make boat cushions in two types of fabric only:

• Marine vinyl. Sunbrella Horizon marine vinyl is a marine-grade vinyl made for boat seating. It is waterproof and wipes clean, which makes it the usual choice for sunpads that stay on deck.
• Waterproof Sunbrella fabric. A softer, woven feel for owners who prefer fabric to vinyl, while still keeping water out.

Most standard Sunbrella fabrics are water-repellent rather than waterproof, which is why we don't use them for boat cushions. Our guide to waterproof cushions explains the difference. To see colours in daylight on your own boat, order swatches; the swatch cost comes back to you as a one-time code on your order.

What foam works best for a sunpad?

Choose quick-drain foam. Its open cells let water run straight through instead of soaking in, so the pad dries in hours after rain or spray rather than days.

Ordinary upholstery foam holds water like a sponge. On a boat that can mean a damp pad, a musty smell and mould under the cover. Our quick-drain foam, called Dryfast in the builder, carries a 5-year foam warranty.

For thickness, most sunpads sit between 7.5 cm and 10 cm. Go thinner where a pad must clear a rail or a windscreen, and thicker for a cockpit sunbed that people will sleep on.

How do you stop a sunpad sliding or blowing away?

Ties are the simplest fix. Ours come in matching fabric and can be placed to suit your rails, cleats or grab handles, so tell us where they need to go when you send your template.

We don't add rubber or non-slip backing. It traps water against the deck, stops the cover being washable and voids the warranty. Before getting under way at speed, it is still good practice to stow loose sunpads below.

How should you look after a sunpad over winter?

Rinse off salt and sun cream with fresh water and mild soap, let the pad dry fully, then store it somewhere dry and ventilated, ideally ashore.

• Rinse with fresh water after a day at sea, especially in summer.
• Stand the pad on its edge so the foam drains and dries faster.
• Store off the floor in a dry garage, loft or locker, not in a sealed plastic bag.
• If the boat is laid up afloat, take the cushions home rather than leaving them under a cover all winter.

Our Sunbrella cleaning guide has more detail on stains and mould.

How do you order a made-to-measure boat sunpad?

For simple shapes, start in our custom boat cushion builder: choose a shape, enter your sizes in centimetres, then pick your fabric, foam and ties. For curved bow pads and multi-piece sets, email your template photos and measurements to operation@fabricakraft.com and we will confirm the price once we have them.

You can order a complete cushion, a cover only for your existing foam, or foam only. Standard shapes take 2–3 weeks to make and template shapes 5–6 weeks. UK delivery is free, with import duty and VAT paid, so there is nothing to pay on arrival.

Each sunpad is made to your measurements, so it can't be returned for a measuring error. Check your template twice. Kitting out a fleet, a charter boat or a new build? See our boat builders and marinas page. For inland boats, read our narrowboat cushions guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best material for boat sunpad cushions?

Marine vinyl, such as Sunbrella Horizon, is the most common choice because it is waterproof and wipes clean. Waterproof Sunbrella fabric is a softer alternative. Pair either with quick-drain foam.

How thick should a boat sunpad be?

Most sunpads are 7.5–10 cm thick. Go thinner where the pad must clear a rail or windscreen, and thicker for a cockpit sunbed.

Can I get a sunpad made from a template?

Yes. Trace the deck area onto paper, mark hatches and fixings, then send us photos of the template with a tape measure in shot. Template shapes take 5–6 weeks to make.

Can I just replace the cover on my old sunpad?

Yes. You can order a cover only. Measure the foam itself, edge to edge, rather than the old cover, which stretches over time.

Do you deliver boat cushions across the UK?

Yes. UK delivery is free, with import duty and VAT paid, so there is nothing extra to pay when your cushions arrive.