Fabric for a Cockpit tent

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West Coast

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Hi - am thinking of making a cockpit tent, simple affair, set over the boom, with bungee cords to the guard rails.

Any suggestions as to the best place to purchase some suitable fabric for this? I guess fabric similar to that used for sprayhoods etc

Cheers!
 
GrahamM376 said:
http://www.profabrics.co.uk/snap_pr...&category=Fabrics>>Marine and Outdoor Fabrics
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+1 - often the cheapest source and has a good range plus excellent service. No connection to them , just a satisfied customer who has purchased from them several times over the years.


Also look at canvas tarpaulins - already hemmed and have eyelets so can work out cheaper. I purchased one designed as a sun awning extension for a 4x4 or caravan for less than the material would cost. Alternatively an old sail may suit your purpose - our original boom tent was a modified (I made it more square) ancient dinghy mainsail.

S
 
There is stuff I believe called WeatherMax.. hope I ve got that right, which is lighter and easier to handle than the normal canvas work, and just as strong or stronger. Have had new tent/sprayhood made with this stuff...very pleased indeed, really smart and apparently durable. Ours was beautifully made by Gowen Ocean/Dolphin Sails, but I suspect others may also now offer the material.....?
 
Laurie said:
There is stuff I believe called WeatherMax..
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Very smart. I had a winter cover made from Weathermax 80- my boat is old and wooden, and tarpaulins don't fit or last. It leaked without any need to touch it. Actually, in heavy rain it rained inside the cover - just not as hard as outside. The sailmaker had a new batch of material direct from the makers who claimed that the first was a defective batch. The new cover leaked without any need to touch it. Actually, in heavy rain it rained inside the cover - just not as hard as outside. The sailmaker got his money back, but not his time, and I had my cover made from more conventional but heavier polyester. It doesn't leak, even if you do touch it.
 
TQA said:
Remember if you are using a proofed fabric like Sunbrella it WILL leak if you touch it.

A vinyl type like Stamoid on the other hand is pretty waterproof BUT prone to condensation.

Some good info here http://wmarinecanvas.com/blog/stamoid-vs-weathermax-vs-acrylic-canvases-25/1/2013
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Not sure if it's available in the UK but, the material I use is Spanish made by Sauleda and is called SeaStar Masacril, available either back coated or plain. The back coating is 100% waterproof even when in contact/rubbed against and, unlike the smooth/glossy back coatings, doesn't have a condensation problem. Wear seems good, the bimini is now 5 years old, cockpit tent 3 years and no sign of problems.
 
Stamoid is brilliant. flat fell seam at the boom, folded binding around the edge, grommets, and some light line to tie it off. Plastic hooks to the lifelines.
 
West Coast said:
Hi - am thinking of making a cockpit tent, simple affair, set over the boom, with bungee cords to the guard rails.

Any suggestions as to the best place to purchase some suitable fabric for this? I guess fabric similar to that used for sprayhoods etc

Cheers!
Click to expand...

Why not use an old sail?
 
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