Re: plastic window repair
my canvas boat top has a plastic window that was shot out by the previous owner with his pressure washer--he gave me a roll of plastic to fix it--
whats the best way to do this-is there a special needle and thread to use?-it looks like the original was melted into the canvas somehow
Make sure the roll of plastic is appropriate for the use and not just something from the home center. You don't want to invest time and effort in something that will turn yellow and crack in a year or two.
To replace the window:
You will need a heavy duty sewing machine, a #18 needle, and heavy thread that's designed for outdoor use and UV resistant.
The trick to replacing a window that's mounted in canvas is to sew in the new window to the canvas on the back side, then cut out the old window as close to the canvas as possible.
Leaving the old window in place while sewing retains the shape. If you cut it out first, the canvas will stretch as you sew and it won't fit when you put it back on the boat.
The option is to take it to a marine canvas shop and pay them to do it. They have the equipment and expertise to do it right.
