I need some advice about making a boat cover.

[tumblebug1949]

Hi all, I did not see any topic category that fit this question better so I hope this is the right place.

I have a 21ft pontoon and a 14ft flat bottom that I have been thinking about making covers for. Each has a cover now but the one for the flat bottom does not fit just right and the one for the pontoon fits perfect but is old and not in good shape.

Here are my concerns. I am leaning toward a material called Sunbrella but have not been able to locate any that I can give the touch test to really know what its texture is like. From what I have read, it is a top notch choice. I am looking for pros and cons on Sunbrella as a barn kept boat cover.

Second question is can Sunbrella be sewn by a typical home sewing machine or does it take an industrial machine?

Thanks for any help in advance
Tom

 

[oldjeep]

Sunbrella is fancy nylon. No problem sewing it with a standard machine. The trick is sewing it correctly so that it doesn't leak where you sew it all together. Not sure it would save enough money to be worth doing it yourself but I've never priced out the fabric. Might want to check out iBoats when they have a cover sale, typically you can get something like Sharkskin plus cover for around $250.

 

[MH Hawker]

Sumbrella is one of the very best materials to use because of its long life. I had a toon cover made 3 years ago and my boat sits out in the weather all of the time and so far its the same as it was when it was new. It dose need a product sprayed on it ever 2 or 3 years to renew its water proofing effect but thats a simple thing to do.

 

[tumblebug1949]

The reason I prefer to make my own is I can make it to fit exactly right. The cover on my Flat bottom was ordered and and will cover the boat but does not fit right. The pontoon cover has snaps all around and attaches to the railing. I figure the only way to get it to be a custom for is to make it or take it to a shop and have them make it.

The cost is about $25 a yard for 60 inch width fabric and that is shipping and tax.

 

[bruceb58]

Here is the thread I started on making your own pontoon cover.
http://forums.iboats.com/forum/gener...-pontoon-cover

Sunbrella is the best fabric to use or have your cover made out of. It is 100% acrylic. It is not nylon. If you look at my link, you will see my other boat in the back ground. That Sunbrella cover is 12 years old. I made that one as well.

I get Sunbrella for less than $15/yard but I get it wholesale. For my cover, materials were around $300 for a cover that is $1500 if you get it custom made.

If you keep your boat in the water, forget the after market covers as you need one that snaps on.


Unless your home sewing machine can sew through around 6 layers of Sunbrella, forget it. You will ruin your machine. Also highly unlikely you can use the proper weight thread or set the stitch length long enough.

 

[robert graham]

Sunbrella outdoor fabrics made by Glen Raven Mills comes in a variety of weights, types, colors, coated and uncoated....I would consider them among the very best available, but not inexpensive. My Bimini is a 1999 version, a Sunbrella fully coated acrylic in a turquoise color....still pretty much like new!....it'll take an industrial sewing machine with the correct sewing thread, so do your research if you're going to do this!....Good Luck!

 

[bruceb58]

Sunbrella outdoor fabrics made by Glen Raven Mills comes in a variety of weights, types, colors, coated and uncoated.

The coated version is actually done by a company that buys Sunbrella and coats it. Problem is that it doesn't breath at all and I know people that get mold problems using it. It is good for biminis although my bimini is not coated and it doesn't leak.

The Sunbrella that is used for boat covers is 9oz/yard. Don't use the lighter stuff. It won't last as long.

 

[tumblebug1949]

Bruce, I went to your thread on making the pontoon cover and it was great. It is a step by step guide. And the use of special tools like the hot knife were new to me so a big help to say the least. I keep my pontoon in a barn so it is covered unless it is in use. Because of that I had thought I would use the non-coated fabric. I want it to breath well so it will dry and I won't have problems with mold. Indiana stays damp or at least has high humidity a lot so breathing is important. I am not too worried about it being perfect at keeping the interior dry because it gets wet or at least damp quite a lot from night fishing. With hauling in fish, using cast nets for catching bait and heavy dew, it gets wet quite often. I was planning on using the marine grade which I think is the 9oz cloth. I will have to check to see if I can find a commercial machine or something close to it to use. Since the flat bottom is less material, less work and should be much easier, I will start with it. Then decide on the pontoon after that.

Thank all for the quick responses and good information.
Tom

 

[NSBCraig]

http://www.sailrite.com/ Has all the materials and info you need.

 

[gm280]

After reading the comments you could always buy an older industrial sewing machine and use it and then "blue light" it after the fact to recoup some of your money. It still would come out less then custom made and you'll be both the designer and builder as well... Just a thought!

 

[tumblebug1949]

Thanks NSBCraig for the website and gm280 for the comment. I have already glanced at eBay looking for inexpensive machines capable of doing this job. I will have to give that some thought before deciding what I want to do. Since I keep the pontoon in the barn when not using it on the water, the main purpose for a cover is to keep the cats and a leaf or two out of it.

Thanks for all the great information
Tom

 

[bruceb58]

Sailrite is a good site. Lots of helpful videos. I bought my binder from them.

 

[tumblebug1949]

Here is a question that came up today. I can save a fair amount of money by buying Sunbrella remnants. But because I will not be able to find it in 8 yard lengths, I would need to put the seams in running across the pontoon rather than length wise. Does that make a major difference or not. I can't think of any difference between having the seams running length wise or cross wise. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Tom

 

[Woodonglass]

TumbleBug, You might want to check out CoastGuard Marine Canvas. It's just about 1/2 step below Sunbrella, has a 5yr limited warranty sells for $15.99 a yard + shipping Retail. Since your in a Barn I'm certain it would hold up really will for your cover. This vendor has all the 60" wide colors and quantities you need. He also sells the Thread and all the other sewing supplies you'll need.


http://stores.ebay.com/Trimjobber-Ca...4.l1513&_pgn=2

I buy from him all the time. Great guy to deal with. I have an industrial walking foot machine but I also have a 1947 Singer Model 15-91 Home Sewing machine. It will sew through 3 layers of Belt Leather. You can use the 4 oz Sunguard Thread and the only draw back is the 6 stitch per inch stitch length. 4 SPI is preferred but you only get that with an industrial machine. You'll want to use full Felled seams so that means going thru 4 layers and this machine will do that quite easily and the feed dogs will feed the material easily too. I bought mine on CL for $40 bucks.

I see no issues using Cross Seams instead of Full Length seams Just more hassle IMHO. bruce58's a PRO and he may have a different opinion.

 

[bruceb58]

I see no issues using Cross Seams instead of Full Length seams Just more hassle IMHO. bruce58's a PRO and he may have a different opinion.

Some canvas makers do cross seams. Depends on if two pieces will make it to the rail edge. Another issues is that cross seams make it look a little like a circus tent when the cover dips between the seams. I use cross seams on regular boat covers and there is that issue with those too but it is not as noticeable.

You can get Coastguard here a little cheaper:
http://www.rochfordsupply.com/shop/...astguard_(Comparable_to_Sunbrella)/index.html

I use Rochford supply quite a bit.

 

[agallant80]

I made my own. Here are some tips

Use Sunbrella, some fabric stores carry it, if you can't find it order it off of ebay or amazon like I did.
Use outdoor thread. It will be UV resistant
Use "Jeans" Needels in your sewing machine. I used a Kenmore machine that my mom had for years, nothing special.

 

[bruceb58]

Use outdoor thread. It will be UV resistant

I am curious what size thread you used and how many layers you went through at a time.

You want to use V-92 for 9oz Sunbrella with a #18 or #20 needle.

The weak link in the cover is the thread which is why many are going to the teflon thread. My next project is going to be with SolarFix thread. Problem is that it is $200/lb for it. If you use a home machine and don't use at least V-92, count on the thread failing after 5 years.

Sunbrella on Amazon is SUPER expensive!

 

[tumblebug1949]

Thanks agallant80, I an going to use Sunbrella Marine fabric and I will get the correct thread to use with it. I guess the thread size will determine the needle size but I figured it would be between an 18 and 20. I think I read that the size 18 was for jeans. I have a Singer 4423 on the way and plan to get a singer walking foot to go on it. From what I have read, the walking foot is not required but is supposed to make it better.

I have not figured out why they do not make the cover to go over the top and bar frame with it folded all the way down instead of having to fit it under the framework. I guess I look at it that way because the barn I keep my pontoon in is not high enough for the top to be up even if it is in the lower position. With it in the folded down position, laying directly on the railing. With it in that position, it is a real pain to put on or take off the cover.

I am going to do some more reading to determine the correct type of stitch and stitch length for making this type of cover. Looking at the thread bruce has was a really big help.

Tom

 

[bruceb58]

You'll want to use full Felled seams

I am curious why you would do a full felled seam on a boat cover.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BvIr1mNYiE
I use the Semi Flat Felled Seam for boat covers.

 

[agallant80]

I am curious what size thread you used and how many layers you went through at a time.

You want to use V-92 for 9oz Sunbrella with a #18 or #20 needle.

The weak link in the cover is the thread which is why many are going to the teflon thread. My next project is going to be with SolarFix thread. Problem is that it is $200/lb for it. If you use a home machine and don't use at least V-92, count on the thread failing after 5 years.

Sunbrella on Amazon is SUPER expensive!

I don't remember, I have it at home but I remember at the sewing store where I bought the stuff the lady there walked me over to the outdoor section for people sewing canvas, outdoor furniture etc. She reccomended that I not use cotton or normal Nyon as the water would affect the cotton after time and the UV would affect the nylon. They had special synthetic UV resistant thread. I used a 18 needel with it. As for Sunbrella being expensive, it is but its cheaper than someone else making it for you.

Also it was the first cover I made. I learned some lessons, Its two seasons old and any thing more than 5 seasons I would be surprised if it lasted beyond that.