I need some advice about making a boat cover.

[bruceb58]

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.

You can make it to fit over the cover like that if you want. That is what is nice about doing it yourself. For me, and most people that keep their boats in the water, you always want your main bimini pole up like how it is in the picture I posted. There is of course a lot of labor putting in all those sleeves like I have. Since my boat has a forward bimini, that means 5 on each side.

 

[tumblebug1949]

I was able to do some research on the semi flat felled seam and the full felled seam. It seems the semi felled seam is by far the most common for boat covers. The only advantage of the full felled seam over the semi felled seam is a more finished look on the under side. The strength of the seam is only about an additional 3%. So, it would go from 95% strength (semi felled seam) as compared to the material strength to 98% strength (full felled seam) as compared to the material strength. So, the pros are slightly stronger and more finished look on the under side. Cons would be a little more sewing, additional thread used and the seam itself would use about 1-1/2 inch of material rather than the 1 inch of material uses with the semi felled seam.

This is my understanding of the difference between these two seams. If there is any additional information, let me know.

I also checked on sewing needles and from what I found, the Singer 4423 using a Singer needle is limited to a #18. I could not find a larger #20 singer needle. That brings up two additional questions. Can the Singer 4423 use a #20 needle of a different brand? And the second question, is there a big enough difference between the #18 and the #20 needle to make a difference when using V92 thread?

It may sound like the only thing I know so far about sewing is what I have read. That would be totally correct. :-(

Tom

 

[bruceb58]

I will look and see what size needles I use. Been 10 years since I bought my box of 100 needles!

Semi Flat Felled Seam is fine for a boat cover. You will find it is way easier having to account for 1/2" on every piece of fabric you are going to sew. Having to account for 1" on one side and 1/2" on another is a big PITA especially when you have multiple seams to sew.

If this is your first sewing project, you have enough to think about already.

 

[tumblebug1949]

Sounds good to me Bruce. The Sailrite video for canvas recommended Semi flat felled and that is what you use so I will use the same.

I am glad my pontoon just has the back bimini top so I only have three obstacle on each railing. If I decide to cover folded down top and all, it will make everything a lot easier. My main purpose for the top is to keep leaves and cats out of the pontoon and off the seats. I do like your idea of the seal around the top edge of the railing. That, like you say, prevents having all the fabric gathered at the corners.

Ok, got some more reading to do and videos to watch. Then when the machine arrives, some practice.

Tom

 

[bruceb58]

I do like your idea of the seal around the top edge of the railing.

Tom, not sure what you are referring to.

One thing you are going to run into with this machine is the small amount of thread on the bobbin. You will be changing them out a lot. I usually always buy 2 spools of one color when I do a cover. That way ,I don't have to unthread/rethread my machine when I need to rewind more bobbins. That's another thing...buy a bunch of spare bobbins so you can prewind a bunch of them. I usually start with over 10 bobbins full. You can probably do your whole cover with one 4oz spool but I would just get 2.

Also, you may have to experiment a bunch with tensions. Your machine may come set up ok or it may not. Do some reading on tensions both for the main and bobbin thread.

I am not familiar with the machine you are buying. Hopefully, all it's internal gears are metal and not plastic. Even my Consew struggles getting through thick areas at corners where a lot of fabric meets up, especially where I use binding. Double fold binding is 4 layers all by itself. Imagine two sets of binding meeting each other along with a seam along with webbing. That's 11 layers of fabric and webbing!

Regarding a hot knife, I have a very expensive Engel hot knife but you can make your own.
http://stingysailor.com/2014/10/11/hotknife-solution/

 

[tumblebug1949]

Thanks for the information Bruce. My misspelling the word "seam" and having spell check auto correct it to "seal" made my sentence confusing. I was referring to you cutting your cover along the outer edge of the top railing and then adding another short length to get down the side to where the snaps secured the bottom. This prevented having to sew pleats in the curved corners.

I will probably have to get some more bobbins because I think it only comes with three or four but being a Singer, they should be easy to find. One of the youtube videos mentioned the possible need to adjust the tension on the thread both upper and lower. I will have to check into that.

The Singer 4423 is supposed to be a workhorse and in the company youtube demonstration it easily sewed through 9 layers of denim. I have also read where it could sew through three pieces of leather. So, I think it has the ability if it can do what it is supposed to be able to. The walking foot should be a big help also.

I plan to get some material and make a couple motor covers before making a cover for my flat bottom boat. Doing that should hopefully get the machine adjusted right. Then, I will tackle the pontoon cover.

Thanks for all the help
Tom

 

[bruceb58]

A motor cover is my next little project. I am going to make patterns so it fits like a glove.

Yes...less darts/pleats the better.

 

[Woodonglass]

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.

Just like the video you posted states...Semi Flat Felled is Nearly 100% waterproof and the Full Flatfelled IS waterproof. I KNOW that between the two there's not really that much difference EXCEPT one take more time and effort and more material to make but I figure if I'm gunna take the time to make a cover that I want to last for multiple years, I might as well do the FFF seams. To each his own I guess. Either one will work just fine IMHO!!!! You've been doin it a LOT longer than me soooo people should prolly listen to you and NOT this Old Dumb Okie!!!

 

[bruceb58]

If you actually look at the seam, the place where it is going to leak is exactly the same place between the 2 seams and that is along the first stitch . The only difference is looks on the unfinished side. The difference is aesthetics only and either will last an identical amount of time.

The stitch on the left is where the leak is going to happen.

 

[tumblebug1949]

Ok, got the fabric for the flat bottom ordered, V92 thread, basting tape and soap stone marker. Since I can't afford mistakes, I will have to learn quickly how to sew Sunbrella.

I can see from the side view of the two types of seams that they would leak at the same place if they were going to leak.

Thanks for all the help with this project.

Tom

 

[Woodonglass]

If you actually look at the seam, the place where it is going to leak is exactly the same place between the 2 seams and that is along the first stitch . The only difference is looks on the unfinished side. The difference is aesthetics only and either will last an identical amount of time.

The stitch on the left is where the leak is going to happen.

My research says that when water runs down the semi flat felled seam the fabric is open and will eventually fray and more easily allow water to penetrate to the inner seam. the Full felled seam stops this from happening. That's the theory behind the seam. Closing the edges of the fabric. Same theory as using binding to some degree. At least that's what the upholsters say on the upholstery blogs and on Sailrite state. But hey I'm a rank amateur and only know what I read. I don't have years of experience to go on so I'll use the FFS and see what happens. Maybe I'm doin extra sewing for nuttin.:facepalm: Time will tell

 

[bruceb58]

How is water running along the folded part of the seam when that part is on the inside of the cover?

Are you cutting your Sunbrella with a hot knife? There will be no fraying if you do that.

 

[tumblebug1949]

How is water running along the folded part of the seam when that part is on the inside of the cover?

Are you cutting your Sunbrella with a hot knife? There will be no fraying if you do that.

I am not sure the hot knife question was for me but I will be using my soldering iron that is converted to a hot knife. I did see on a Sailrite video that if the cut edge is under a fold in the seam that it would be good but I will use a hot knife just to be sure. As far as I have been able to find, the largest Singer needle is a #18. I don't know if a different brand of needle would fit my Singer machine so I may do some more checking on that. I am thinking the #18 Singer needle will be ok with the v92 thread I have ordered in case I have to use that needle.

The next thought I have is about where I will be making this boat cover. It is way too cold outside in the garage or barn. Plus that is either a dirt floor or concrete. I am thinking in the house, maybe the kitchen since it has a linoleum floor. The three things I think will be important the size of the room, the surroundings such that the material will slide easily and last, the temperature. Second thought is the living room with a sheet of plastic stretched across the carpeted floor. Being a much larger room might make it better. I am on hold now until I get the fabric in and get into town to get a Singer walking foot and the size needles I need.

Tom

 

[bruceb58]

The hot knife question was for WOG since he said he was worried about fraying and that was why he did full felled.

 

[Woodonglass]

True about the fraying but it will still open up just like it would if you didn't put binding on a basic seam. I was told to keep the seams on the outside of the cover NOT the inside. Thats what makes em water proof. Never heard of putting the seam side on the inside.

 

[bruceb58]

Go look at any cover at a marina. All seams are folded over on the inside.

WOG...you use a hot knife to cut your Sunbrella.

 

[Woodonglass]

Well, I kinda use a Hot Knife...I use a Weller 8200 Electric Soldering Gun with a modified tip that Acts like a Hot Knife like your video shows!!! When I said Fraying I shoulda said opening up.