My 2005 started splitting seams this winter, so I am having to sew new covers. The thread at the seams is what gave way, but after 16 years I thought it smart to go ahead and replace the vinyl. Even if they made the same vinyl, after 16+ years the new will not match the old. Light colors change yellowish and dark colors fade.

Of note, I have learned that Sailrite sells a thread called Tenara by Gore. It is PTFE (A Teflon derivative). This thread is impervious to sunlight and is literally going to outlast your boat. The original vinyl was sewn with polyester, which was the go-to outdoor thread for decades, but sunlight kills it in about 10 years. Nylon is strongest for upholstery, but sunlight will kill nylon in about 2 years.

Find a good marine vinyl and choose Tenara thread and you will never have to worry about split seams again.