[ktriebol]

I would replace the seat cover. I think you have the right idea of fixing it before the foam gets ruined. What I did for my Rancher was get a new seat cover on eBay and install it myself. It only cost something like $20. It is best to do it on a hot, sunny day because the heat allows the seat cover to be flexible and also can be stretched over your old foam and frame. Stretch it as much as possible. I used a manual stapler to staple it to the frame. No wrinkles. Looks like new and is holding up very well.

 

[ktriebol]

I have a concern about using a piece of marine vinyl. My pre-cut seat cover featured a sewed-on portion for the rear of the seat that accommodates the sharp angle at the rear of the seat. I think if you just use a flat piece of vinyl, you are going to get wrinkles at the rear of the seat.

Also, as SamUK said, the staples from my manual stapler did not go in all the way. I used a punch and hammer to finish them. Not a big deal.