New Sunbrella canopy - recommendations

[PeterGW87]

Hi All,

I've been quoted for a full aft canopy in Sunbrella fabric. I'm just looking for recommendations, the price is good so i'm quite happy. Wondered if anyone has experience of living with Sunbrella long term and how it wears etc, ease of cleaning. What do you use to clean it? Previous covers have just been marketed as 'acryllic' and clean up well with detergent and water We're having a big canopy made and covers for the liferaft too. TIA

 

[ashtead]

It's not just the fabric but also the stitching to hold it together you need to consider when having a hood made. You might look at the Tecsew or other cover makers websites for tips on cleaning but we just use Renovo when it gets bad. There are I believe articles in yachting mags on cleaning canopies though ..

 

[PeterGW87]

Thanks, the stitching has been the weakness on our last canopy, mind you it has done 13 years good service...

 

[rlw]

Always understood Sunbrella was a premium product. Have seen canopies of 10+years. My local canopy man reckons at least 10 years and new windows after 5.
Mine (sunbrella) is six years old not and have just cleaned and reproofed it for the first time. Also had the windows changed. Looks as good as new.

 

[Adethefridge]

can i ask which company you are using as I need to replace mine later in the year
Cheers..

 

[roliam]

Bump. I'm curious also because I need to replace mine soon.

 

[Promarine11]

Plenty of good reviews. We like Weathermax 80 for flexibility and durability. http://www.thehulltruth.com/boating-forum/617599-weathermax-80-vs-sunbrella.html . For stitching go Tenara by Gore (15yr guarantee). The cover will last so why not the stitching for a little extra. Check out Kayospruce who supply most UK marine cover fabricators their site is very informative.

 

[rlw]

Sorry based in Belgium so no use I guess. Just saw my old boat in the marina this weekend. Canopy is now 11 years old and in good shape still. It has been restitched so the Tenara suggestion is a good one.

Rob