New Canopy Pre-Advice

[Happy Dayz]

Hi guys,
I'm sure these questions have been asked before, I don't want to take over or flood another members thread.

looking to have a completely a new canopy made and fitted, with all new SS frame, being the current cotton type material and alloy tubes current one needs retiring on our Viking 23 Canal Cruiser.
L
we don't do any coastal or sea trips, only boat on 'fresh' water canals, so any corrosive salt is not an issue, we are asking pro's and cons and observations hopefully from who have been through this process in the past - be totally daft to ignore the this vast pool of forums members knowledge.

Attachment.
We have seen many options and designs when looking at other boats, I have noticed some using short expanding straps.*

This idea really appeals as it seems would be far easier especially when attaching/detaching the canopy from inside. Not as now having a frustrating time, cranking my arm in impossible angles, or from outside the boat struggling to line up and pressing down on snaps.

I do realise the straps will need replacing more often than press studs or turn key's but think the material and stitching will get less abuse, and likely last longer. I also realise over the windscreen it will have to be press studs or turn keys due to the wind and holding the canopy closed.

We could go for all turnkey fixings, but these I feel will be harder to use especially from inside the boat deck, with press studs or as now click spikes we end up yanking on the material to open causing stress in the material and stitching in the process.

Rear section will have side zips allowing it to roll up, sides are one piece (as now).


Type Option PVC or COTTON MATERIAL
Our canal mooring is about 5 meters from forest tree's line, birds especially geese seem to enjoy re-enacting the dam busters antics, and splattering it.

We also get moss or algae on some areas during winter making it a faded green instead of faded mid blue.

Choices here are

1. PVC which are leaning towards for ease of cleaning,

2. Traditional Impregnated cotton (heavy tent type material)?

We have been offered a couple of the 'cotton' makes, with all new SS frame Inc fitting quotes from £1150.00 to £1500.00 from local firms. They visit, measure and so on, hopefully reducing any mistakes. I feel safer if I can speak 'face to face' if there are any problems.

The two local makers say they recommend the impregnated Colton material against PVC, one stating the same price for both. PVC is cheaper but means costs changing their set up to accommodate it, which I can reasonably understand.

We are not looking for the last thing in luxury, or dirt cheapest, being in our mid 60's it's likely it will be our last boat until our health gives up on us. Everything has compromises - we are trying to avoid making the wrong choices best we can ?

Thanks in advance for any comment or advice.

Alan

 

[dpb]

I would avoid PVC as you will suffer condensation and damp problems.
The last cover we had made was secured by short bungee type loops. They seemed a lot easier to get on with than poppers

 

[Happy Dayz]

I would avoid PVC as you will suffer condensation and damp problems.
The last cover we had made was secured by short bungee type loops. They seemed a lot easier to get on with than poppers

Many thanks dpb, I think you have made my mind up against PVC, I'm going for the bungee loops where I can, but we have to suffer turn buckles to support zips, to anchor the canvas at the back and and around the front screen frame.

Likely I'll change the screen frame one's back to click dots as one the original cover, otherwise i'll have to be outside to release or secure them, not a pretty site if I'm still just in my M&S skivvies and string vest ��

Alan

 

[Sneds]

Iwould definitely go the bungee route as much as you can, we also had flaps with Velcro fixing that covered the Zips, kept the crap out
For cleaning, we bought a patio cleaner from b and q, perhaps patio magic?
Spray it on and hose it off, simples.

 

[CharlieAlpha]

Don't design for a clear panel to be in contact with the metal framework as it will mark/burn even in the British climate, either have material where it touches or better still make some canvas tubes to cover the metalwork.

 

[Happy Dayz]

Don't design for a clear panel to be in contact with the metal framework as it will mark/burn even in the British climate, either have material where it touches or better still make some canvas tubes to cover the metalwork.

Thanks CA
The whole lot is being made by a Pro Vanopy Firm made. New frame is in stainless steel, being for most part a copy of original with some design mods for better access.

I don't think any poles will touch the clear plastic, but i have seen it and the results. a very good tip to raise it thanks again.

Old canvase has wear areas through rubbing damage on corners of framed, i'll do as you suggest to reinforce them against this by covering the frame, so yet another very good idea imho.

An idea struck me, to fit foam halo's or water pipe insulation to achieve this.

Alan

 

[wheelie]

I've had a new canopy this year and I had zips put in everywhere so that whole panels can be unzipped and taken out leaving the edges clipped on. If i need to unclip the edges, then I can reach out through the zip to clip them back on.

I also maximised the clear areas to make it feel more spacious.

 

[Happy Dayz]

I've had a new canopy this year and I had zips put in everywhere so that whole panels can be unzipped and taken out leaving the edges clipped on. If i need to unclip the edges, then I can reach out through the zip to clip them back on.

I also maximised the clear areas to make it feel more spacious.

Thanks wheelie,
We only have two zips, one either side of roll up back flap. We were overnighting a few weeks back, and realised when moored end to end, the craft at our back people could see right in, so I have asked for a privacy flap.

I would have gone for more zips, as it added to expense, and from tenting days zips tend to act like hack saw blades, as well as snag wife's long hair, I decided against it.

I can see the advantage of enlarging the clear plastic Windows, those planned I think are enough, and we will get more privacy issues if we make them bigger, plus risk of metal burn and the added condensation has to be counted in.

I really appreciate your input.

Alan

 

[CharlieAlpha]

An idea struck me, to fit foam halo's or water pipe insulation to achieve this.

Alan

They might be a bit too thick unless you make the new covers to accommodate them, canvas strips with Velcro down the long edge is the way to go IMHO

 

[Happy Dayz]

They might be a bit too thick unless you make the new covers to accommodate them, canvas strips with Velcro down the long edge is the way to go IMHO

Thanks CA,
Fortunately I can still ask for this to be allowed for, as not ordered yet.

Another idea is to use flexible plastic conduit called COPEX, I already have for my work, placed over the frame. It will act more like a roller, while not taking up less thickness. I hope less material 'grazing' will happen, a bonus is also less stitching needed at a stress point.

I've ask for the 10 year warranted cotton to be used, it adds a few extra quid, I think it worth it in the scheme of things, being that is the main noticeable failure on my current cover.

Alan