Cutwater 30, rear canvas removal

[Dritchie]

Unfortunately the stitching holding the zipper sections to the canvas on the back of my 30 has deteriorated over the past five years to where it is no longer functional. This has resulted in the "sewn on" black zipper edging separating from the canvas. The sun has deteriorated the stitching such that the thread is rotten. Zipper and canvas are as good a new.

Suggestions as to how to remove the canvas from the roof deck would be appreciated.

I have attempted to slide the canvas along the fiberglass slot which attaches the canvas to the top/roof of the cabin. A definite no go. The canvas slides less than an eighth of an inch, even with stubborn tugging. Is there such a thing as canvass oil which might assist the sliding and does not stain. Looked at removing the 24 screws which fassen the fiberglas slot to the roof. Nope, appears to be glued with 5200 or some other hardy compound....Thoughts please and thanks

 

[bill46]

It should slide out of slot. It does on my R31.

 

[Dritchie]

Yes Bill, thanks, it should but with mine the canvas moves no more than the immediate stretch of the canvas at the slot feed point(< 1/8 inch) when pulled. The joys of not storing the boat in a boat house and the roof subject to weather. A local boat upholster told me to use silicone spray (using the red tube to direct fluid into the slot) and pray! Haven't tried this yet as two days of rain. He said do not use WD40 as it stains...stay tuned ....any other considerations?

 

[Martin610]

Mine was a little stiff. I just slowly worked it out little by little. Diluted soap in a spray bottle may help. I had the local upholsterer's resew my stitching. Good as new now. Was not expensive.

 

[Dritchie]

Thanks to all who commented with good suggestions. The canvas is at the upholster removed off the boat via soaking the canvas/rope in the slot with silicone and a fair amount of tugging. Fair winds....Doug