Are all canopy makers unreliable?

[Hurricane]

This is one of Jim's biminis - it is huge - made to my requirements - I wanted something that folded back against the radar arch - Princess wouldn't supply one like that.

12 years later - it is still going strong - we use it all the time during the summer.

 

[Kwester 3]

Not really your area but Jim at JB Covers, in the Hamble is a real favourite on this forum.
See this thread from 2012
JB Covers

or make them yourself - thats what I've been doing but it is a lot of work.

Hi, I have been thinking about making them myself, I have found a supplier of the material I want, and I have access to a extra large sowing machine, I might have a go!

 

[Kwester 3]

This is one of Jim's biminis - it is huge - made to my requirements - I wanted something that folded back against the radar arch - Princess wouldn't supply one like that.

12 years later - it is still going strong - we use it all the time during the summer.

That Bimini looks fantastic!

 

[Hurricane]

Hi, I have been thinking about making them myself, I have found a supplier of the material I want, and I have access to a extra large sowing machine, I might have a go!

OK then - have a look at this thread
Sailrite

It starts with me asking where to buy a Sailrite sewing machine - widely regarded as the "sailors" sewing machine - it is a portable industrial quality machine.
I ended up buying one and it REALLY is worthwhile.
I've used domestic (some very expensive) machines but the Sailrite really does handle thick canvass - making all the stitches exactly the same size.

Whatever you do, it is worth watching some of the DIY videos on the Sailrite website.
Very well produced - I used them to learn the different techniques.

Materials are easy to get but not cheap for top quality (Sunbrella etc).
I chose to use some very cheap fabric for all my jobs last summer.
That was probably a good decision then but now that I am able to do a better job, I will be buying more expensive fabrics for the next job.
The next job will probably be a cover for the Novurania tender.

I think I revived the thread at the end of last summer (post #36) where you will see some of the results.
Any questions, please ask.

EDIT
I've noticed that video clips from the old forum software haven't come across properly.
This is the video that I referred to in the Sailrite thread.
From this video, you will see just how thick the machine will sew.

 

[Kwester 3]

OK then - have a look at this thread
Sailrite

It starts with me asking where to buy a Sailrite sewing machine - widely regarded as the "sailors" sewing machine - it is a portable industrial quality machine.
I ended up buying one and it REALLY is worthwhile.
I've used domestic (some very expensive) machines but the Sailrite really does handle thick canvass - making all the stitches exactly the same size.

Whatever you do, it is worth watching some of the DIY videos on the Sailrite website.
Very well produced - I used them to learn the different techniques.

Materials are easy to get but not cheap for top quality (Sunbrella etc).
I chose to use some very cheap fabric for all my jobs last summer.
That was probably a good decision then but now that I am able to do a better job, I will be buying more expensive fabrics for the next job.
The next job will probably be a cover for the Novurania tender.

I think I revived the thread at the end of last summer (post #36) where you will see some of the results.
Any questions, please ask.

Thankyou hurricane, that’s interesting, I thought a sewing machine like would cost a lot more, but the prices are very reasonable.

 

[Hurricane]

Thankyou hurricane, that’s interesting, I thought a sewing machine like would cost a lot more, but the prices are very reasonable.

I bought the expensive package with blue (zigzag) machine. It came with a strong carry case so that I can take it down to the boat.
The zigzag machine is useful, not only for zigzag, but handy to offset the stitching on ordinary straight stitches etc. Handy for fixing zips.

But, most importantly, I strongly suggest that you watch the Sailrite videos on their website. The have lots of different projects so you can get great ideas for your job.

 

[Andrew M]

Another +1 for JB.

 

[PlanB]

Hi all, can anyone shed light on why canopy makers are so unreliable, I own a vessel moored in Gillingham marina on the river Medway in Kent, I wanted a new cover for the aft deck helm position on my boat, and a cover to wrap around the wheelhouse, along with some hatch covers, the first company I contacted was a local well known business based in Chatham marina, I was told the work would take no more than 6-7 weeks, 7 months later all I had was a wheelhouse screen cover that looked like a 5 year old had made it, no aft deck cover and no hatch covers, I ended it with that business, I contacted another local business who also agreed to take on the work, and sort out and refit the wheelhouse screen covers, 5 months later I still have no aft deck cover, the screen covers are gone, and there are 2 of the 4 hatch covers onboard, and they don’t fit very well, why do these businesses behave like this?, surely they should give thought to there reputation, it’s now a year later and I wish I had not bothered starting the process, are all canopy makers like this?.

When we had our boat in Chatham (2002) it was a nightmare. Wilkinson Sails came out and promised a quote within days, never heard from them again, despite chasing. Another outfit in Rochester, whose name I forget took £1000 deposit and went silent for months - had to get heavy to get the deposit back. Third company, East Coast Sails, did a grand job, eventually.

 

[richardbrennan]

I used Dolphin Sails for a new sprayhood and they did a first class job. I used the Hamble office, but they also have a base in Harwich. I believe they do the canvas work for Oyster Yachts.

 

[Ian h]

JB made me an all over cover 36 feet long and keeps the boat clean and dry, would recommend to anyone .

 

[Shetland28]

Another vote for J B covers.
Made a new canopy for my boat, excellent fit and finish.

 

[Hot Property]

I've just had a quote from Jim at J B covers and also spoke to him about my requirements.

He's very knowledgeable and has made good suggestions on how to improve on my current canopy.

Best bit is that he is so confident in his work that he doesn't take deposits, pay him when completed!

I like the way he operates and he's already doing 2 other boats at my boatyard as he comes highly recommended. My order has been placed.

 

[Firefly625]

I will be calling JB covers... although have struggled to make contact with him previously and in fact gave up... so I would like to get a 2 quotes and 2 sets of ideas to compare as I wish to change the design of my cockpit cover.. anyone used TECSEW. just been on their website and looks good.

Boat Covers & Marine Upholstery | Tecsew Ltd

 

[mainshiptom]

Wilkinson Sails at Faversham did a very good job for us.

my bimini top canvas is with Wilknson at the momet and they came highly recommmended