Calling all canvas people....Let's have an honest discussion....

CaptRonn said:
I do all of my own work, maintenance and canvas/upholstery. I do it because I want a quality job, and I don’t like getting ripped off.

Back when I owned airplanes and helicopters (24 of them over time) I gained my FAA Airframe and Powerplant ratings for the same reason. Later I added the Inspection Authorization.

Aviation is similar to boating in that you have shops who feel that if you own the aircraft, then you certainly should be willing to pay premium prices “just because”.

I enjoy sewing and canvas work. It’s not hard, and I enjoy knowing it’s exactly the way I want it. And the saved money can be put to better use.

That’s why we have choices in this world. What works for you may not work for others.
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I am glad you have the talent and time to learn all these specific skills it is awesome you had the time in your life to learn them and apply them. I never had that kind of time as I was always working trying to making a living to go boating.

As you say it is why we have choices...

MM
 
I have the Sailrite 111 with the MS-SRC motor upgrade. The machine is a workhorse and the company has lots of good support materials.

My first job was Mackrol (0.60 polycarbonate) bridge enclosure and it worked out great.

I understand the pricing, especially this time of year. It is tedious work and good fabricators are in demand!
 
Boat Guy said:
@PMC -- Do you have a link to that Mackrol? Never seen it....

Thanks for the insight.....I don't think I need something that industrial for my purposes.
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I think he's actually referring to Makrolon. I've been watching this thread as I have my canvas guy replacing all of mine, and we are going with the 60 gauge Makrolon all around. It's going to be much more durable than what I had before, and more resistant to scratching (though I still need to baby it to keep it looking nice). It's much thicker than the eisenglass I had previously, so I have to imagine it is a total PITA to sew it into the canvas around it.

Here's some WIP pics of it - he's not yet removed the protective coating...

Front Outside.jpg
Front Inside.jpg
Canvas Inside Back.jpg
 
Yes, I got the spelling wrong. I used the same, abrasion resistant material (Makrolon AR). Once you pull that protective sheet, the clarity is amazing!

Makrolon does make a true marine grade (Makrolon 5) which has a warranty along with it....but the material is $600 per sheet (I needed 8 sheets). For the cost of materials, I was willing to try the NON Marine version at 1/3 the cost.
 
Boat Guy said:
Thanks guys for taking the time to give your thoughts... So look for a servo motor...Got it... 120V for sure...

I'll look at those machines. I obviously know about the Sailrite and I looked at their video last night about the "lookalikes", though I'm not convinced there is much difference.

This machine was recommended and I was thinking of pulling the trigger, but it doesn't say servo motor. I'm speculating that the new machines all have servos? It's only the used old machines to be concerned about?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/232059984708?ul_noapp=true&autorefresh=true

EDIT:

I called https://walking-foot.ca/about/ who sells the machine on ebay and he told me it's not a servo motor, nor is the Sailrite...So I'm a bit confused. --Rereading what you are saying, I guess a clutch motor is constantly on (makes sense) and engages a clutch when sewing. Though a servo motor he said was industrial and too heavy for reasonable shipping. He suggested buying locally....I'm guessing for my purposes the 1.5A motor on this machine will be fine.
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You will most likely not get a servo motor without a table mount set up.

-Kevin
 
Boat Guy said:
In your guys experience, is Sunbrella still the way to go? Are you working with other canvas that you like better?
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Works good for me.

Do invest in a really good pair of scissors, and also a hot knife. Doesn't have to be anything exotic.
 
Sunbrella! 10 year warranty tells you a lot.
 
Sunbrella for boat canvas. Also should be noted that Sea Ray has stop using SeaMark for covers too.

Leave the top gun/notch/etc for outdoor covers or winter covers.

Never worked with Stamoid but it has a certain appeal to some people. Others can probably comment on.

-Kevin
 
For my bimini, I went with sunbrella supreme (black/black flock). The inside has a nice fleece/suede softness with the waterproof features of standard sunbrella. It is a great material!

A friend of mine did Stamoid (white) on a sport fish type boat. It looks appropriate and cleans well.
 
Boat Guy said:
Interesting....Thanks for the picts.

I always thought it would be good to get a little airflow inside when buttoned up.
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Me too but through screened openings , I really like this for keeping the insect world outa the boat , Dock spiders are a major nuisance here and make a real mess.
 
Ive been in the canvas biz for almost 12 yrs. Id say most people have no idea the labor hrs it takes to fabricate a top, sides, curtains, you name it. Nothing is straight, plenty of unique attachment points, and fabric boat components have to be finished perfect. You would accept nothing less on your expensive boat. You also can have dry fits, test time, etc. Cost on SeaMark is about $33 yrd. Cost on O'Sea or some comparable polished window is close to $250 per 110 x 54 panel. Do the math with labor and mark up. Spendy.
 
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