new canopy

[sterntube]

hi folks needing a new canopy just now i was thinking of trying to make it myself. is this possible for a diy guy? if so where do i purchase the materials from . or is it easier to pay the money to have one made . cheers

 

[epervier]

unless you already have a heavy duty sewing machine, pay for it to be done by a reputable sail maker.

there will be loads of recommendations posted under here shortly, by other forumites depending on your location

 

[AIDY]

agree.. you need an industrial machine.

bit's you require are available from Kyrospruce think there web page is something like sailcloth.co.uk...

I looked into making my own a few months back and was advised not too. in the end i went for quay sails in poole for price and quality.

I also looked in the yellow pages and there are lots of people local to me (roughly 100miles away from the sea) that do canvas stuff and would quote.

 

[blueglass]

yes you might get a better price from caravan awning makers or similar.

 

[billabongjpm]

Just had a quote for a canopy to be made for my Spirit 23. With a revised support framework, front spray cover and rear camper cover, made to our spec is £1000.

 

[DavidJ]

[ QUOTE ]
yes you might get a better price from caravan awning makers or similar.

[/ QUOTE ]
The problem is that it will probably look like a caravan awning. Strongly advise to go to a boat canopy maker, they understand the issues (and charge more!!)

 

[AIDY]

not if you supply the old as a template.

 

[kitkattoo]

Thats about par for the course, had one made 2 years ago for our sunfury 26 footer and that cost about £1200 but it will depend on the quality

 

[studgies]

Well I am guess I am mad then, I am almost finished making/fitting a new canopy to my Sealine F33, so far barring any last minute disasters I think it has been a success.

I do not have an industrial sewing machine but do have a very simple and strong domestic machine, although it struggles with some bits it has done a grand job so far. I dare say some of my stitching will look a bit wonkey on close inspection but having done it befor I know it will be strong enough. If you are a keen DIY'er, you have lots of patience and an old canopy yo use as a template, I would go for it!

All bits were sources from Kayospruce, they know their stuff and if they do not sell it, you do not need it to fit your canopy...good rates too. I have only done the rear canopy wich encloses the cockpit beneath the flybridge and all the bits have cost about £200.

I will post some pics when fitted, er unless it looks s**t, just fitting the windows tonight/tomorrow before the final fitting /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[lanason]

Unless you have specific skill a DIY job will look terrible, not fit and have "sags" in the wrong places. Zips will pull out.
IMHO pay to get it made professionally.

 

[studgies]

agreed, if you have never done any sewing before then I would give it a miss. I have done some DIY upholstery and stuff in the past which gave me the confidence to try it. I have replaces ZIPS and windows on an existing canopy which again convinced me that it is not that hard. Would never try it unless I have a good conopy to make the template from.