boat cover rip repair

beason

beason

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Mar 15, 2011
Messages
338
By boat came with a very nice snap in cover. it has a couple of small rips (3-4 inches) that i would like to patch. What is it made of? and any suggestions for patches? iron on? ive never done this.
 
A

agallant80

Commander
Joined
Oct 25, 2010
Messages
2,328
Re: boat cover rip repair

Buy some sunbrella fabric off of eBay or the local sewing store. One yard should be more than enough for a few patches. Sew it in. If you use a machine use a jeans needed and outdoor thread. No cotton thread. You can always take it to a local apholstry shop. I can't imagine fixing a few small rips will set you back that much.
 
Scott Danforth

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
50,295
Re: boat cover rip repair

iron on patches do not stick to sunbrella material.
 
D

doyall

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 9, 2012
Messages
277
Re: boat cover rip repair

I have had outstanding results on polyester canvas (haven't tried on acrylic, i.e. Sunbrella) with this simple and inexpensive method: Get another piece of canvas about three inches larger in all directions than your rip. Go to a hardware store/WallyWorld/etc. and get some GE Premium Waterproof Silicone (it says it is sun/freeze proof and my experience found the sun part very accurate). While the cover is tight on the boat (make sure it is clean) spread the silicone on an area a bit larger than the patch. Don't skimp on the silicone - make sure you saturate the canvas good. Put the patch on and put more silicone on top and spread evenly making sure the edges of the patch are sealed real good. Probably last longer than the rest of your cover.
 
spoilsofwar

spoilsofwar

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jun 29, 2011
Messages
1,124
Re: boat cover rip repair

doyall said:
Get another piece of canvas about three inches larger in all directions than your rip. Go to a hardware store/WallyWorld/etc. and get some GE Premium Waterproof Silicone (it says it is sun/freeze proof and my experience found the sun part very accurate). While the cover is tight on the boat (make sure it is clean) spread the silicone on an area a bit larger than the patch. Don't skimp on the silicone - make sure you saturate the canvas good. Put the patch on and put more silicone on top and spread evenly making sure the edges of the patch are sealed real good. Probably last longer than the rest of your cover.
Click to expand...

In the Army we use a similar method with shoe-goo instead of silicone to patch high wear areas on sniper ghillie suits and drag bags, although usually we will sew the patch on by hand and then cover the seam and stitching with the goo... It works and is very durable, but it isn't generally very pretty.
 
bruceb58

bruceb58

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 5, 2006
Messages
30,588
Re: boat cover rip repair

Take it to a marine canvas or awning shop and have them sew it. If its ripping because the material is aged you have a losing battle ahead of you.

If it ripped because it is rubbing on something, they can sew some vinyl behind the patch to prevent it from happening again.
 
Last edited:
beason

beason

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Mar 15, 2011
Messages
338
Re: boat cover rip repair

thanks for the tips guys. i dont think its from age. they are both L shaped so i think it snagged on something.

The factory chappy snap in covers are really thick and high quality.
 
bruceb58

bruceb58

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 5, 2006
Messages
30,588
Re: boat cover rip repair

beason said:
thanks for the tips guys. i dont think its from age. they are both L shaped so i think it snagged on something.

The factory chappy snap in covers are really thick and high quality.
Click to expand...
Get it repaired properly. These things are between $600 to $900 to have made.
 
V153

V153

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 16, 2011
Messages
1,764
Re: boat cover rip repair

I always sew a patch inside'n out. Old habit. Probly charge ya $25 bucks.
 
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