Boat Enclosure

[thebomer]

I have a full enclosure on the boat now that is worn at all of the zippers, and the seams of the zippers are starting to split. The fabric is worn, but not torn and I think I could get another year out of it. If it is just the zippers that need to be sewn, will a household machine work, or should I pay the local shop about $250 to sew them for me? I?m not planning on attempting to remake the enclosure on my own, so I don't think paying >$600 for the proper machine makes sense. But that would allow me to attempt to reupholster the seats in a few years.

 

[arks]

Re: Boat Enclosure

A regular sewing machine probably won't work, but it might be worth a try.
A good canvas shop can tell you if they can re-stitch the zipper seams.
All depends if the fabric can still hold the thread.
Are the zippers themselves OK? If so, then you'll just need to pay for labor. When I bought my Silverton I had all of the enclosure zippers replaced and boy, that was expensive- $900!
UGH- it's a BOAT after all.

 

[halas]

Re: Boat Enclosure

I don't know much about sewing, but I know that my sister-in-law had to buy commercial duty machine to work with heavier denim. The zippers for your cover might be pretty heavy.

 

[thebomer]

Re: Boat Enclosure

I wasn't thinking about the thickness of the zippers. They are all in good shape, except one is missing the slidder.

 

[oceansbreeze]

Re: Boat Enclosure

I had the same problem last year, my covers were tearing apart at the zippers.... I actually used some strong thread and needle, and did it by hand while sitting in the boat... i onyl wanted to get another season out of it. It is still holding - so I'm hoping to get this year out of it as well..... so I can spend my money on a nice bimini. I prefer the bimini than the full top.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Boat Enclosure

Have the upholstery shop do the stitching. It's only 5-10 dollars per zipper and you really need a commercial/heavy duty double walking-foot machine to do it properly. not only that, but they'll use a UV resistant thread, not the stand lightweight cotton thread that most people have. The heavy threads won't go through a household machines needle eye.

 

[thebomer]

Re: Boat Enclosure

My sister in law said she can try to get it done at work, which has the industrial machines, so hopefully I won't need to worry about it.

I like the full enclosure for night fishing. Take off the back, and the rest creates a great shelter from the wind.