Source for Vinyl by the Roll

[ricfer]

Q1: where in the United States can Noutolex [sic] OEM Vinyl [upholstery material] be purchased by the roll in plain or striped pattern and in the classic [Boston Whaler boat interior upholstery color] Parchment?

[Moderator's note: moved from a non-boating forum to THE GAM for discussion.]

[jimh]

My advice: see the article "OEM Sources and Recommended Vendors" in the REFERENCE section:

https://continuouswave.com/whaler/refer ... upholstery

I also asked your question to GROK.COM, which spent 33 seconds of computer time assembling this reply:

Nautolex (commonly misspelled “Noutolex”) is an OMNOVA Solutions marine vinyl brand. The classic Boston Whaler “Parchment” (beige/off-white) interior color—especially in plain or striped/heat-sealed/quilted patterns used on older classic hulls—is difficult to source exactly by the full roll today. It is widely regarded as discontinued or restricted in the original OEM form.

Key U.S. sources and options

Authorized Nautolex distributors (best starting point for any remaining stock, plain patterns, or close matches by the roll/yard):

• The Miami Corporation (Cincinnati, OH) — 800-543-0448 / miamicorp.com. Longtime major marine vinyl distributor; they carry Nautolex lines and other marine vinyls (including some parchment/beige options from Spradling/Morbern).Older forum reports note they could not always source the exact classic 1" quilted parchment.
• Reliatex (Miami, FL) — 305-592-3220 / reliatex.com.
  
• Others from OMNOVA lists:
  • Rochford Supply (MN)
  • Bainbridge International (MA)
  • Foam Products of Tyler (TX)
  • National Fabric Company
• Marine OEMs can sometimes buy direct from OMNOVA (800-457-9900 / omnova.com).
• Specialty Marine (specialtymarine.com) — Specializes in classic Boston Whaler cushions and parts. They regularly use “OEM parchment” (with brown piping) or close smooth parchment vinyl on finished cushions for 13’–25’ classics, Montauks, Outrages, etc. They do not publicly sell raw vinyl by the roll, but they are the most practical source for authentic-looking finished upholstery and may be able to advise on or source material.

Close commercial alternatives available by the yard/roll
(marine-grade, UV/mildew resistant, often 54" wide):

• Spradling Softside Marlin Parchment (or Navigator Parchment) — solid beige; sold via Miami Corp, Albrights Supply, JT’s Outdoor Fabrics, Decorative Fabrics Direct, etc.
• Morbern marine lines (e.g., Cantech or similar whites/beiges historically used on Whalers; available quilted in some cases via Action Upholstery Supply and others).
• Midwest Fabrics and similar sell Nautolex by the roll (Grand Cayman, Capitano, Colorado, Beacon, Sofdura, etc.) in off-white/putty/beige tones that can be close matches.
• Other parchment/beige marine vinyls (Wakefield Parchment, Zander Parchment, etc.) from decorative/marine fabric suppliers.

Practical advice
The original classic Whaler material was often a specific heat-sealed/striped or pebbled parchment that shops historically found hard to obtain in bulk (some Florida sources reportedly would not sell it). Modern cushions frequently use a solid or smooth “OEM parchment” approximation rather than an exact stripe match.

Contact Miami Corporation or Reliatex first and ask specifically for Nautolex (or equivalent) in parchment/beige, plain or any available striped/pleated patterns, sold by the roll. Request samples, as monitor colors vary and sun-faded originals differ from new material.

For an exact historic restoration, Specialty Marine or a Boston Whaler dealer/Anderson’s Manufacturing (listed by Whaler for older cushions) are the most realistic routes. Full rolls are typically 30–45 linear yards.

[fno]

My suggestion would be to go to Sailrite.com. They have an extensive selection of vinyl sold by the yard or roll. They also carry all of the trim and fittings for marine upholstery. If you are doing an exact restoration, then JimH my have better sources. Hall's Nautical Upholstery was the go to source for many years but they have since retired from the business.