Specifying sprayhood material

whipper_snapper

whipper_snapper

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How do I describe the material I want for a new sprayhood with windows ? You know the stuff I mean! The nice tough matt finish UV stable 'canvas' that is used on proper sprayhoods and dodgers as opposed to the horrible shiny finish canvassy looking stuff that you sometimes see.

And what about materials for windows - any idea how to describe that ?


I know that a good sailmaker would discuss this with me, but I need to instruct a 'bad' sailmaker on exactly what to use!


Thanks
 
You'll find an extensive catalogue HERE

Acrylic canvas is basically the material for hoods etc I think you will find if you don't want a vinyl coated material. Don't know what Sunbrella is though.

Window material also listed in two thicknesses.


Cant think why you are talking to a bad sail maker. Want a hood that's badly made and badly fitting I suppose. Might as well let him use bad materials as well /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
 
Sunbrella is a US supplier of marine grade materials and is the dog's nuts... and priced accordingly. Point North (VicS's link) and Hawke House Marine will provide everything you need in the UK. Acrylic canvas comes PU coated which is best for sprayhoods and uncoated for furnishings. The shiny stuff is PVC coated canvas.
An option for you in Kenya might be to look at Martek http://www.martek-marine.com/Home.aspx who will make up a sprayhood to your measurements and send it unfinished for you to make the final fitting.
 
Sunbrella is a manufacturer specific material, but is basically a UV stable material ideal for this purpose. I used it for a close fitting cover for my tender as well. It is also good for dodgers.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Cant think why you are talking to a bad sail maker. Want a hood that's badly made and badly fitting I suppose. Might as well let him use bad materials as well /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[/ QUOTE ]


Trying to simplify a long story ! Essentially I have no choice - in fact I have no sailmaker - just a canvas worker who knows nothing about boats.

Thanks for the links.
 
I know exactly where you're coming from - in geographic terms!

In Tanzania I used to get things made up in local canvas - made in Morogoro. Athough this was very tough and heavy it was just plain cotton canvas and deteriorated rapidly in the sun.

There used to be a company in Nairobi which made up tents and all sorts of other camping equipment, good stuff and well made - forgotten the name - may have been Tents and Canvas?? I think they were out Karen way - phone book?

I have used (here) a company Kayospruce who sell all sorts of canvas and sail making material mail order - they may be able to advise if you email them http://www.sailcloth.co.uk/.

I have just had a sprayhood made up - frame and canvas from different sources and fitted by me - and its a tricky thing. Mine has ended up grossly over-engineered - the bloke who came to take a template for the hood was very impressed!
 
How about describing it as the nice tough matt finish UV stable 'canvas' that is used on proper sprayhoods and dodgers as opposed to the horrible shiny finish canvassy looking stuff that you sometimes see.

I am sure a supplier would get the right idea!
 
Sunbrella is the only fabric to use - anything else is significantly lower quality and it frays and degrades much faster than Sunbrella (voice of experience). There wasn't a UK Sunbrella retailer (that may have changed but beware people claiming 'it's the same as Sunbrella) and we used to buy it from Sailrite in the USA (www.sailrite.com).

The 'vinyl glass' comes in three thicknesses .02 Plastipane; 0.3 or .04 Crystal Clear or Strataglass. The thicker it is the longer it lasts (particularly clarity).

Sprayhoods are the most difficult piece of canvas on the boat to make (curves on curves with glass inserts also curved). Do NOT use somebody who has not made a lot of them before and ask to see some they have made. If your 'sailmaker' doesn't even know what canvas to use goI'd strongly recommend you go somewhere else.
 
Think about the zips too. In Trini I had all my bimini zips replaced and they flaked away after a couple of years. Try to get good quality zips like YKK or the UV will take its toll prematurely.
 
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