Sprayhood tension

[Tranona]

You could always take the end fittings off the the stainless support tubes, and take a sliver off them, might get it from way to tight to just too tight? Easier anyway than hacking deck, or uncutting holes in fabric?

It really does not need anything changing. Exactly the same as my sprayhood which is a struggle to get on but once on and tensioned is tight and secure. Much better than many of the ill fitting efforts seen on other boats. Same issues with the hood on my Morgan which also relies on tight fitting buttons to achieve the right shape and tension. Can be tough on the fingers particularly when cold and pouring with rain, but on a boat you only do it once a year at most.

 

[mjcoon]

... Can be tough on the fingers particularly when cold and pouring with rain, but on a boat you only do it once a year at most.

I take it that means on a UK boat where it is always "cold and pouring with rain"?

 

[Tranona]

No I always put the sprayhood on the boat on a nice sunny day - only done it twice in the last 6 years. Once it is on it stays on. With the Morgan the hood only goes on when caught out in the rain, maybe less than 10 times in the last 18 years, every time a struggle, but fine once it is up and tensioned.

 

[mjcoon]

No I always put the sprayhood on the boat on a nice sunny day - only done it twice in the last 6 years. Once it is on it stays on. With the Morgan the hood only goes on when caught out in the rain, maybe less than 10 times in the last 18 years, every time a struggle, but fine once it is up and tensioned.

Ah, that must say something about the distinct leisure activities; just not sure what!

 

[mikegunn]

That's all quite encouraging I suppose. I'll be more forceful.

Yes, I think you can afford to be.
I had a similar problem and resorted to gripping the edge of the spray hood with locking pliers (e.g Mole grips). That enabled me to put more energy into stretching the canvas until I could engage the fasteners. Having first soaked the spray hood with water and then pulling it into place over each fastener, one at a time, the task was accomplished relatively quickly. The creases vanished within a week. I did take the precaution of lining the jaws of the grips with a bit of scrap canvas, but probably unnecessary as the spray hood certainly didn’t appear to suffer from being gripped.
Mike.

 

[mjcoon]

Yes, I think you can afford to be.
I had a similar problem and resorted to gripping the edge of the spray hood with locking pliers (e.g Mole grips). That enabled me to put more energy into stretching the canvas until I could engage the fasteners. Having first soaked the spray hood with water and then pulling it into place over each fastener, one at a time, the task was accomplished relatively quickly. The creases vanished within a week. I did take the precaution of lining the jaws of the grips with a bit of scrap canvas, but probably unnecessary as the spray hood certainly didn’t appear to suffer from being gripped.
Mike.

Perhaps the hood could have loops sewn in for putting a handle through to get a safe grip?

 

[steveeasy]

It looked OK to me but I'm not trying to put it on. However from my experience a maker will tell you anything to fit their argument and I of all people gave in to it. My hood is inside out. Apparantly made like that.no nice toggles but plastic buttons.apparantly they make them like that.no they don't. Even the wear reinforcements are on the outside. I used to put up a good fight. Anything for a peaceful life.
Steveeasy

 

[sighmoon]

The maker was very helpful and met me at the boat. It is very tight but after seeing what's normal here, I think perhaps not too tight. Thanks all for your responses giving me the confidence to put some strength into it.

The tensioning strap and the turnbuckles don't quite line up. This is an issue with the shape of the bar, so isn't the sailmakers fault.

 

[Daydream believer]

No I always put the sprayhood on the boat on a nice sunny day - only done it twice in the last 6 years. Once it is on it stays on. With the Morgan the hood only goes on when caught out in the rain, maybe less than 10 times in the last 18 years, every time a struggle, but fine once it is up and tensioned.

Yes but in a rush, Morgan used to advise not to bother with the frame. Just pull the hood over & sit there until the worse was over.
Bit like camping with the girlfriend when your mates had just pulled the tent pegs for a laugh
I found as much water came up round the gear stick gater & side screens when they sucked outwards than via the top