Shrinking Canvas

[crane-hawk]

I bought an 1981 Olympic about a month back. It has a bimini top and plastic side curtains. It also came with what I would call a tonneau cover that goes from the top rear of the bimini to the transom. The problem is that the tonneau cover seems to be several inches too short. I have tried adjusting the bimini support bracket but it doesn't seem to make any difference. Is there a way to stretch it? I was thinking of getting it wet and trying to put it on. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[lakegeorge]

Re: Shrinking Canvas

Wet will probably make it worse, you need to get it in the hot sun and then try.

 

[dazk14]

Re: Shrinking Canvas

Yes, wetting it will usually allow it to stretch - if fabric. Heat helps for eisenglass It will have a tendency to return to it's shrunken size without use - use it or lose it.

This tool is worth it's weight in gold and we sell quite a few. It allows you to grab the snap with leverage from the tool. From inside or outside.
google- Ironwood Pacific Outdoors Top-Snapper ~$20
at Amazon- Amazon.com: Ironwood Pacific Outdoors Top-Snapper: Sports & Outdoors

You can also get "Boat canvas snap extensions" and we sell quite a few of those as well. They snap to your canvas then have a ~1"wide strip of 1-1/2" with another snap that snaps to your boat. 4 in a pack. Other lengths are available.

If you put a lot of tension on it, the nylon webbing versions may be stronger. Ours are pre-packaged reinforced vinyl.

If your shrunken cover overlaps fiberglass (for weather tightness), the extenders will work great.

Good luck!

 

[LandOf10KLAKES]

Re: Shrinking Canvas

I can attest to the snap pulling tool...just bought one last week and its worth the 20 I paid as well. cant believe the aggravation i would have saved if I had one w/ previous boats :facepalm:

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Shrinking Canvas

After wetting and using the sun's heat to get the cover(s) on, leave it on as long as possible. This will allow the material to retain it's stretched position longer. Stored tops, covers, and curtains will have a tendency to draw up if not used.

 

[dazk14]

Re: Shrinking Canvas

In all fairness to iboats...I should have mentioned it in my earlier post.

iboats Part # 008.1 Top-Snapper - Ironwood Pacific $20.08



Also...iboats
Handi-Man Extend-A-Snap
Extend-A-Snap, 4-Pack - Handi-Man Marine
Sale Price: $5.86
Save: $1.03
(14% Off $6.89)
Part # 560261
You can use more than 1 to increase length


Here is longer one's in nylon. They are available in nearly any size on the Web.


How to Make a Snap Extender - YouTube from Sailrite shows how to make your own. Nylon webbing is commonly used, as well. The aftermarket (pre-packaged) ones that are white are not leather.

Hopefully the pics loaded.

 

[crane-hawk]

Re: Shrinking Canvas

Thanks for all the advice. Going to get it wet on a sunny day and see if that works, then see about getting that fancy tool. If not I will try the snap extenders.

 

[Bayou Dave]

Re: Shrinking Canvas

If your tonneau cover is vinyl try laying it out and putting automotive leather conditioner on it. My convertible top was really tough to get on because it was so stiff. I used the leather conditioner and now the vinyl is very supple and easy to put on.