Will new canvas stretch in sun?

[jackson]

I just bought a new canvas from Great Lakes and installed it on the boat after installing the snaps. The top looks great, but is a little too tight in a couple spots where I can't get the zippers all the way done. It is on the top outside corners of the front visor curtain and where the front curtain zips to the side curtain on the port side. I can get the zipper done half way, but the rest of the zipper is about an inch apart.

This was all done while in indoor storage. Does anyone know if the top should stretch enough to zip after getting it outside in the sun?

 

[fwebster]

Probably not. When I replace my canvas, the new fit is tight, but everything closes. A month later it is tighter and sounds like a drum head when you thump it.

It is an easy fix though............take the canvas down and soak it in warm water then put it back up while wet. Gently stretch the fabric so it fits and everything closes up then let it dry.

 

[Big Al]

Was the temp cold ?

I installed my camper canvas after removing the winter shrinkwrap a couple of weeks ago and the temp was about 55. It was a long task (1 hour), especially because of the isinglass. I had to proceed gradually with all the zippers. The same operation will take less than 10 minutes during summer.

 

[jackson]

Thanks for the replies. I spoke with a rep from Great Lakes today and they said it should stretch when it heats up and gets wet. Hopefully it does the trick.

 

[jimdavi]

just put my tops up today, 41 degress and it was a bear. mine loosens up as it warms up.

 

[JV II]

everything is super tight on mine now Some zippers don't close all the way and stretching the snaps together is a bear. Last summer everything lined up nicely. I think it will stretch in the heat.

 

[MExcelsior]

I can definitely relate! The front always seems to be a bear and a knuckle buster, especially on the corners where the side curtains zip/connect to the fronts. An inch gap does seem like a a pretty good gap, but not surprising. Every canvas seems to fit a little different and here is our procedure. I apologize in advance if you already do this, or it doesn't work. : ) : ) (Lots of ways to skin a cat, and each cat differs)

1. Front to top with all zippers pulled only 30%.
2. Make sure front window vertical zippers pulled only 50%
3. Snap front to all window snaps
4. Connect sides zipper to front about 50%. Connect side top zipper to the top 50%. Repeat with other side. Snap sides fully.
5. Now the fun part to finish the zipping. Work on the most tightly fit zippers first. Then finish with those that zip shut easily.

Disclaimer - I've had people tell me this is bass-ackwards and that it is harder on the zippers. But, it seems to work for our setup and is fairly quick. If someone has any suggestions, I would love to try them out. (Always looking for an easier method- like a canvas that comes in a George Jetson briefcase).

 

[Groucho]

everything is super tight on mine now Some zippers don't close all the way and stretching the snaps together is a bear. Last summer everything lined up nicely. I think it will stretch in the heat.

I have never wrestled with a front set of Isenglass like the 3 on the front of the 290..:smt009

 

[jackson]

Thanks again. That is the way I usually do it, this top just seems a lot tighter. But the top is brand new, inside, out of the sun, and cold. I forced one zipper and ripped the threads, but had it repaired today. Hopefully you guys are right and it will be better when it's in the sun and gets a little wet.