Vinyl Headlining

[Guest]

Hi,

I'm a part owner of a MacWester 27 and the headlining is original but is begining to sag from the roof quite badly throughout the saloon.
Does anyone have experience at trying to fix this type of problem, does the whole headlining need replacing? If so whats the best way of putting in a new headling and is vinyl the best material for the job....
Ideas appreciated,

 

[Jcorstorphine]

I had similar problem on my Westerly and tried injecting spray adhesive into the gap, Total failure as real problem was that the Vinyl had turned to a powder. many people have had similar problems over the years and the best route is to renew the headlining. If you look in the rear pages of PBO you will see various companies selling compete kits. ONE VERY SEROIUS WORD OF CAUTION IS TO BE VERY CAREFUL USING ADHESIVES IN CONFINED SPACES> I WRECKED MY LIVER DUE TO BECOMING OVERCOME WITH SOLVENT FUMES. WEAR A CARBON FILLED MASK SUCH AS A 3M 4521

regards

john C

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the info, I'll have a look for kits as you suggest.
Also I'll be sure to be careful with solvents - good point.

 

[Guest]

As a make do I have used Copydex - sort of old fashioned school glue which I think is free of nasty fumes. Though John C has scared me into being more cautious. As John sdaid, the real problem is the breakdown of the sponge layer so I brushed all the loose off then Copydexed it. I did this last season and it's still up so it may get you by for a while.
PS My name is a coincidence, I'm not John C in disguise!

 

[Boathook]

I knew that solvents were bad, but not that bad.
Where possible I have replaced the stuck on lining with screw on panels covered with lining. Much easier to get at deck fittings etc. at a later date.
If re-using existing lining always remove old foam first from both surfaces before resticking, as previous post it won't stick otherwise!.
You can buy the foam to stick back on the old lining from Toomer and Hayter (01202-515789) at Bournemouth .

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

Very common situation on Westerlies! The problem with brushing off the powdered remains of foam, apart from its being extremely messy and sticky, is that the hidden surface might not be smooth enough and the covering would be hard put to cover the innumerable bumps. That is why they used foam-backed vinyl in the first place. IMHO the best solution is to remove all the existing headlining. You then stick strips of wood to the underdeck; you could use epoxy resin but on my Centaur I just used stainless self-tappers into pre-drilled holes. You then cut panels of thin plywood, e.g. 3mm, to fit over the strips. Cover panels with the material of choice - in my case, cheap, non-woven carpeting - using ordinary impact adhesive. You then fit the covered panels onto the strips of wood using countersunk S/S self-tappers again. There's really not much to it, it is way easier than glueing the headlining directly and the result is much neater.

Wally

 

[Guest]

Riffy, when I bought my boat, an aging Westerly 30(1969) every bit of headlining was hanging, due to broken down foam layer. My only solution was to remove the lot from every concievable area. This obviously left residue which was easily removed using contact adhesive solvent, just wiped over with a sponge and then a dry cloth(ensure good ventilation and take the fag out of your mouth!!).

Once all residue removed, I then decided to use cheap cord carpet and Spray impact adhesive!!, carpet means no condensation a much warmer feel and you can choose a contrasting colour, make sure you purchase the adhesive from a flooring company or even your local pound shop! It does work just as good.

You will need lots of adhesive, and for akward corners and overhead areas or non horizontal for a better word then spray both surfaces. Equally impotrant are plenty of sharp blades buy twice as many as you thought you might need,

I have not used any ply panels because of the awkward shape of the Westerly 30 deckhead and cabin sides, although I did put some light timber strips between deckhead and cabin sides to support curtain poles. This particular carpet will also tuck under the rubber on the widows. I hope you have good luck.

Mor Righ Westerly 30