Making a windlass cover

[sailingmonkey]

I wanted to get a cover for my windlass, but don't especially want to pay out for a custom-made one. I thought I'd have a bash at making my own, using the same material as my boom cover is made from; only I can't find out exactly what the fabric's called. It's a mid-blue cotton-like cover; there are no coatings on it. I was lead to believe that sail covers, windlass covers, screens, etc are always made from acrylic canvas; however when I ordered a sample from somewhere it was thick and coated in a teflon-like material.

I don't know where I could go to buy some and see it with my own eyes; but I'm reluctant to order anything online unless I know it's going to be suitable (and not too thick to use a domestic sewing machine for).

Any advice? thanks.

 

[Skysail]

These guys are helpful:

http://www.hawkehouse.co.uk/default.asp

also

http://www.kayospruce.com/default.asp

but a local sailmaker will probably sell you a small amount.

 

[Slow_boat]

It probably is acrylic, just not the coated type. It's very easy to sew, just get the right thread and use needles for jeans. A domestic sewing machine will sew three or four thicknesses if you're careful. Get the tensions right, use a big zig-zag stitch and it's no problem.

I did all the canvas for my old boat and will be making a stack pack this winter. Much cheaper than buying and very satisfying.

Eastcoastbernie in the east coast forum is the expert.

 

[Philiz]

I wanted to get a cover for my windlass, but don't especially want to pay out for a custom-made one. I thought I'd have a bash at making my own, using the same material as my boom cover is made from; only I can't find out exactly what the fabric's called. It's a mid-blue cotton-like cover; there are no coatings on it. I was lead to believe that sail covers, windlass covers, screens, etc are always made from acrylic canvas; however when I ordered a sample from somewhere it was thick and coated in a teflon-like material.

I don't know where I could go to buy some and see it with my own eyes; but I'm reluctant to order anything online unless I know it's going to be suitable (and not too thick to use a domestic sewing machine for).

Any advice? thanks.

Don't know if your windlass is something special to require a custom made cover, but Boatshed at Port Dinorwic sell them off the shelf fairly cheaply.

 

[KREW2]

I have just installed an anchor windlass, as the feed into the chain locker is open I decided a cover would stop rain getting in. I went to my sail maker and he gave me an off cut of material, some elastic sewn round the bottom, and there you have it.

 

[colvic987]

Don't know if your windlass is something special to require a custom made cover, but Boatshed at Port Dinorwic sell them off the shelf fairly cheaply.

seconded boatshed, made me a lovely boom cover out of the same material as my sprayhood, just before lift in, 1st class fit and quick turnround. brought forward the completion date for me as i was down at the boat. done within 2 days of ordering.
Definately more items on the list for replacement.

 

[sailingmonkey]

Thanks for the advice!

 

[snooks]

The odds are that the samples you have got are the same as you sail cover.

The difference is the age of the cloth. The more the cloth moves and is exposed to UV the softer it gets. Get samples of sail cloth and compare those with a 10 year olt set if Dacron sails