DIY canvas repair tips?

[Thollis2]

We have a 2014 R25 with a full enclosure of the cockpit: Bimini top, sidewall panels with plastic windows. The thread has rotted in a couple places and I have hand sewn the repairs so far. The zippers are in great shape, thank goodness. I’ve replaced snaps as needed. For those of you doing your own canvas repairs- what tips can you share? Should I get thread that is UV resistant? Are hand stitches good enough, or do you recommend a machine. Advice please.

 

[it4llc]

I wanted new window covers made, and was quoted at least $1000 for the set (and weeks) to get them done. I got a heavy duty sewing machine, which was around $200-250 I think, and got the supplies from Sailrite (who also has good how to videos), including the UV resistant thread. In addition to making the new covers, I also redid the thread on my existing covers in some spots. Redoing the thread was very easy. I think I was probably close to $1K all in on the sewing machine, fabric (and remaking the windshield cover), snaps and snap tool, etc., but now I figure I'm good to go on future projects.

 

[Gin]

As the last post indicated, Sailrite.com is a great resource. They have a ton of helpful DIY videos. I've been buying materials and watching their videos for years (so long that I have some of their original videos, which you had to buy on disk since streaming on the Internet didn't exist back then).

A less well known website is https://www.canvas-boat-cover-and-repair-advisor.com. They have some good tips, and some special repair items (like their ex-tend zippers). I called them once with a question about Lenzip vs YKK zippers. I ended up not needing to buy anything from them. But the woman I talked to friendly and helpful. There is info online here about marine thread types: https://www.canvas-boat-cover-and-repair-advisor.com/marine-thread.html. Thollis2, of you have questions that their website doesn't answer, you will probably get some good info by giving them a call.

Gini

 

[Thollis2]

thank you both very much for the tips. This is exactly what I was hoping to learn


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk