Is there any hope for shrunken Marine canvas?

C

cyclebuster

New Member
Sep 9, 2015
16
Michigan
Boat Info
74 SRV220. nearly mint condition, garage kept and covered
Engines
188 Mercruiser
I guess this is a rubberized canvas? My top is fine, but the Aft cover was not used in years, and has shrunk. Is there any hope? any products? I am planning on using it with supports under my winter tarp, but I want to use it from now on, to keep this boat nice. its so shrunk I cannot set my top to full height, and still wont reach the back. The sides fit sort of, tough stretch.
 
There are some home remedies out there but I've never really seen them to work long term. (One is to soak the canvas in a bucket of warm soapy water + 1/4 cup of vinegar for a couple of hours...?)
IMO, The fabric is no longer usable and will really need to be replaced.
 
you can get these zipper extenders to help install canvas that has shrunk....I do not have any experience with them but see no reason they would not work....if the stock size extenders do not work the company may offer to make custom size extenders or you....

http://www.canvas-boat-cover-and-repair-advisor.com/ez-xtend-boat-zippers.html

320xNxez-xtend-boat-zipper-product-shot.JPG.pagespeed.ic.lgODKAYJRZ.jpg


cliff
 
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I'm not sure what type of canvas you have on that boat, but some types are harder to "stretch" than others. With some types, you soak them and then put them on the boat when wet. With other types, sometimes the sun can help. With others, it just doesn't make much of a difference. The next step would be the "extend-a-snap/zipper" as others have said.

One word caution for the winter... it's better not to use your existing canvas under the Winter tarp. The more covers you use, the less air circulation you get and the more likely you are to have mold/mildew. Support it well, but just use one cover. If you can, install some vents, too.
 
gerryb said:
There are some home remedies out there but I've never really seen them to work long term. (One is to soak the canvas in a bucket of warm soapy water + 1/4 cup of vinegar for a couple of hours...?)
IMO, The fabric is no longer usable and will really need to be replaced.
Click to expand...

I did this with some Sunbrella carpet runners that had shrunk instead of vinegar I used fabric softener in a washing machine took them right to the boat wet & snapped them in.
It's worth a try.
 
We sometimes make them out of black, nylon strapping - so that we can make them whatever length is needed. If you have a snap tool, they're a "snap" to make! I know, bad joke... SailRite is a good company to deal with, though.
 
Great post as my canvas has shrunk so bad that the zippers tore loose this past summer and I thought I was going to have to rework the sunbrella.
Now once I get the zippers re-sewn all I have to do is buy the zipper and snap extenders.
 
Cliff, that zipper extender looks like a great product. I'd never seen it before but might be able to use it on our boat. Thanks for that post.
 
I was just ready to post a similar question. My cockpit cover (no zipper, just snaps) no longer can be stretched enough to reach the snaps by the swim platform door. The gap is now almost 4 inches - looks like too much for the extenders discussed. Can the fabric softener process stretch it that much?
 
Polaris said:
I was just ready to post a similar question. My cockpit cover (no zipper, just snaps) no longer can be stretched enough to reach the snaps by the swim platform door. The gap is now almost 4 inches - looks like too much for the extenders discussed. Can the fabric softener process stretch it that much?
Click to expand...

It's certainly worth a try, but I think it's doubtful. Make sure you put it back on the boat wet, as discussed, too. Otherwise, make your own.
 
Stretching a 27' cover to fill a 4" gap should be very easy. Keep in mind that the Sunbrella fabric naturally repels water. Just spraying the cover with a hose isn't going to help. You have to soak the cover in warm to hot water until the fabric is totally soaked, then put the cover on the boat wet starting with the centerline working to the gunnels moving from bow to transom as you gradually stretch the cover to the snaps. Finally, let the cover dry while it is snapped on the boat.
 
fwebster said:
Stretching a 27' cover to fill a 4" gap should be very easy. Keep in mind that the Sunbrella fabric naturally repels water. Just spraying the cover with a hose isn't going to help. You have to soak the cover in warm to hot water until the fabric is totally soaked, then put the cover on the boat wet starting with the centerline working to the gunnels moving from bow to transom as you gradually stretch the cover to the snaps. Finally, let the cover dry while it is snapped on the boat.
Click to expand...

I've never personally had any luck getting one to stretch that far, but maybe I gave up to soon!
 
IT WORKED!

Put cover in big commercial machine and "washed" it with Downey. Brought it home still damp and it stretched to reach all snaps! First time in 3 years boat is completely covered.

Thanks for all the advice.
 
Polaris said:
IT WORKED!

Put cover in big commercial machine and "washed" it with Downey. Brought it home still damp and it stretched to reach all snaps! First time in 3 years boat is completely covered.

Thanks for all the advice.
Click to expand...

Good deal! Maybe I just need to eat more Wheaties, next time!!!
 
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