390 DA Camper Canvas

Boatguy49036

Active Member
Nov 4, 2017
128
Grand Haven, MI
Boat Info
440 Sundancer 2006
Cummins QSC 500's
Engines
QSC 500 Cummins
Hi everyone, looking to add camper canvas to my 2004 390. Any suggestions, experiences or thoughts on best design? Best materials? How many screens? Canvas shop recommended in the Port Clinton Area. Thanks
 
I had mine replaced last year by Canvas Innovations in Holland Mi. I learned a lot. Sunbrella is probably the only appropriate fabric. Don’t scrimp on windows. go with Strataglass rather than Eisenglass. The strataglass is thicker and is far easier to see through clearly. Ask about double stitch zippers. Ask about adequate storm flap and Velcro over the zippers. So many canvas companies will not use a wide enough flap over the zippers. If the canvas shrinks at all then you end up with exposed zippers. Make sure your stainless tubing is thick enough to stand up over time. I think mine ended up being upgraded to 1 1/4” or maybe 1 1/2. If you are planning on removing the canvas make sure tubing is easily removed or folded. Quick release pins are always desirable. I recommend zip in screens rather than the smileys sewn into the windows. Over time the sewn in smileys will scratch your strataglass and burn in because of the sun. Snaps and fasteners should be planned with shrinkage in mind. If you have a lazerette, make sure you can access it without tearing fasteners or snaps. Understand that new sunbrella might leak for the first month or so. Pollen, dust and waterproofing will plug the holes of the fabric. It gets seasoned. I had 3 screens made. One on each side and one large one center aft. Make sure you get a solid warranty. Be part of the process every step of the way and be present if possible. I had a bad experience with a previous canvas company. Canvas Innovations saved the day.

Signed,
School of hard knocks
 
I had mine replaced last year by Canvas Innovations in Holland Mi. I learned a lot. Sunbrella is probably the only appropriate fabric. Don’t scrimp on windows. go with Strataglass rather than Eisenglass. The strataglass is thicker and is far easier to see through clearly. Ask about double stitch zippers. Ask about adequate storm flap and Velcro over the zippers. So many canvas companies will not use a wide enough flap over the zippers. If the canvas shrinks at all then you end up with exposed zippers. Make sure your stainless tubing is thick enough to stand up over time. I think mine ended up being upgraded to 1 1/4” or maybe 1 1/2. If you are planning on removing the canvas make sure tubing is easily removed or folded. Quick release pins are always desirable. I recommend zip in screens rather than the smileys sewn into the windows. Over time the sewn in smileys will scratch your strataglass and burn in because of the sun. Snaps and fasteners should be planned with shrinkage in mind. If you have a lazerette, make sure you can access it without tearing fasteners or snaps. Understand that new sunbrella might leak for the first month or so. Pollen, dust and waterproofing will plug the holes of the fabric. It gets seasoned. I had 3 screens made. One on each side and one large one center aft. Make sure you get a solid warranty. Be part of the process every step of the way and be present if possible. I had a bad experience with a previous canvas company. Canvas Innovations saved the day.

Signed,
School of hard knocks

Thanks for all the details. Good info!
 
New Sunbrella should never leak. Sometimes needle holes at the seam lines might seep (but they shouldn't).
 
Quint is correct. I was not clear about leakage. Stitching is where you MIGHT have leaks but will plug up within a short period of time
 

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