Cockpit enclosure for R27

[iapota2021]

My wife is quite handy with her sewing machines and would like to try making the cockpit enclosure on our 2018 R27.Has anyone done their own? If so, would you be willing to share the patterns and/or sell them?

 

[Bruce Moore]

Bumping post delayed in moderation queue.

 

[knotflying]

Sewing Sunbrella and Velcro straps etc. does require a heavy duty type upholstery sewing machine. If you really want the enclosure I would buy it. Sometimes it pays to pick your battles.

 

[Catch22]

Having good sewing skills contributes greatly when curtains and cushion covers are concerned. Besides dealing with velcro and HD zippers and window vinyl and heavy fabric , a major aspect of a functional enclosure would be the framework. Lots of hard-core DIY types seek out pros for this work....good luck with your project...

 

[Mike and Sarah]

We sewed our own enclosure for our R27 (2020). Bought a sewing machine from Sailrite and they have very helpful videos on doing the zippers and putting in strata glass windows. But we did it free hand without a pattern or template and that did cause some frustration. We saved at least $2000 doing it ourselves. That said we ordered a new R31 and are having King canvas make the enclosure for it. On the 27 we did 3 windows and the rest sunbrella fabric. On the 31 we decided on all clear and that’s a lot more work. A regular sewing machine will not cut it for doing the strata glass windows.

 

[SJI Sailor]

I agree with the other comments -- this seems like a very high effort, low reward task for a one-time project. Unless you have a lot of experience with canvas work such as sails.

My suggestion: go on a boat with enclosure and inspect all the details of the zippers, clear panels, straps, Velcro, etc. Then propose to give the enclosure to her as a gift that will free up her time for custom cushions, fitted sheets, pillows that match your theme, curtains, etc.

OTOH there is so much demand for canvas work that it could become a business!

 

[iapota2021]

Thanks for all the replies. My wife does have a Sailrite Fabricator. She has worked with canvas and leather on small projects-bags, several waxed canvas vest, wallets, phone cases and assorted other items. This would be a challenge.

 

[Catch22]

Iapota...wow...having a Sailrite and experience with it changes the whole equation....do you, by chance, have access to a tube fabrication guy ????? .....Have at your enclosure project....post pics ...your wife may have a calling here..