Making tops, covers, etc.

I was wondering if anyone has found a good on-line source of information, tips, etc., on sewing boat tops and covers?

I have sewed just about everything imaginable in the past but never done a boat cover before. I have material on the way to make a new camper top for my 21 foot Sylvan but was looking for hints, tips, and tricks for doing a good job.

Thanks all!

 

Sunbrella, UV stabalized thread, make everything oversized (2" folovers at the edges are common, bronze fasteners, tripple stitch seams, pressed grommets not sewn in...

Basically everything needs to be made as strong as you can. Boat covers take an amazing amount of abuse and the difference between the cheap ones and the ones that last comes down to making them strong, much stronger than they would really seem like they might need to be.

 

Yes, sunbrella would be the way to go, although I've heard some good stories about WeatherMAX as well (US-Brand)

I've been working together with covermakers on our fasteners for quite some time, and they are true craftsmen, it would be really difficult to pick up those skills quickly. Also, as far as fasteners are concerned, brass is good for inland waters, but if you go out to sea, it tends to corrode quickly. better to find some stainless steel or composite ones.

my advice would be to visit one you know, or get to know one, and get some tips and tricks from them. or just hang around for an afternoon, they're usually quite honest and hardworking folks.

But there may be members around here who know a great deal more about it.

 

I've been making boat covers on and off for 20 years. I couldn't begin to tell you half of the tips and tricks I know, it would easily fill a book.
My suggestion would be to find an marine cover specialist in your area and see if you can arrange to work alongside one of their tradesmen for a week or two (even if it's after hours, or a couple of hours here and there), you will pick up way more doing this than I could describe to you.
It really is something you have to watch and ask plenty of questions as you do, half the time I don't even realise I am doing something a particular way and why I do it that way till I am asked by a customer or an apprentice.

Regards, Andrew.

 

Stamoid is a very good long life product too.

There is a tech course for boat trimmers that you ccould do if you are serious, or just try to see what others do if possible.....they may not allow that of course, but a good idea anyhow.

 

Just a thought. http://www.milspecproducts.com/#menu

 

http://www.ttnet.net/show_html.jsp/...0028939/item_no/6/itno/MN100/dtno/012/type1/A

this is the link to what I know is a very good value machine....

 

your gonna need a so called industrial sewing machine and take the advice before
doing a good nice job is a proffesion, when using glas take a good quality ysing glas
for a quik 123 on a bimini http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/attachments/boat-building/4130d1127741264-limits-soft-covering-materials-canvass-bimini3bow.pdf