boat canvas Archives | Page 4 of 4 | Chicago Marine Canvas

October 9, 2017December 4, 2023

Carver Flybridge

This summer at Chicago Yacht Works we designed a new flybridge enclosure for this 2000 Carver 530 Voyager Pilothouse. We love working with Chicago Yacht Works because we can work on the boats all year

Since all boats are sightly different, we do only custom enclosures. Everyone has different framing, and other minor add ons. No boat is the same to us! The first step of our process is heading out to the boat with our 3d measuring device. It is cost-effective and labor-saving because it saves us time taking measurements and saves you money in the end. After we take measurements we head back to the shop to start doing design work on the computer. Our designer makes sure to meet all of your boats needs. Then we head the design over to the plotting machine which is another cost-effective, labor-saving device. The plotter draws out all the pieces of your new enclosure instead of us having to draw it out by hand. Then we hand everything over to our seamstress who cuts everything out, and then sews it all together.

For this cover we used linen tweed sunbrella fabric, GORE tenara thread in clear. Sunbrella is a fade resistant canvas we use on most of our covers, and it comes with a 10 year warranty. GORE tenara thread has a lifetime warranty.

The forward windows of this enclosure we used makrolon, which is a semi-rigid polycarbonate. It’s great of how clean it makes your new cover look. There is no sagging with makrolon, and no stretching and shrinking of glass, which is a issue here in Chicago due to the extreme hot summers and the extreme cold winters. For the Aft panels we used strataglass. Strataglass is the only vinyl on the market that comes with a two year warranty after install.

We used Lenzip zippers on this enclosure which also has a lifetime guarantee. We even used their waterproof zipper for the roll up on the port and star side of the enclosure to ensure air flow while the enclosure is up!

November 18, 2016December 4, 2023

Dinghy Cover

This Dinghy needed a cover to help prevent water from getting into it when it wasn’t being used.

For this cover we had to keep in mind while designing it, that the only part of the boat that we could put snaps on would be the Aft part of the boat on the fiber glass, the other parts would need some sort of strap to hold the front and sides down.

Using GORE Tenara thread, which has a life time guarantee, Cadet Grey Sunbrella fabric, and Velcro we got to work.

We made port and star straps to hold the cover down on the side, and Grey DOT snaps. For this cover, Velcro was the way to go!

November 18, 2016December 4, 2023

46′ Sea Ray – Full Enclosure

46′ Sea Ray was in need of a full enclosure.

For this cover we used Black Sunbrella Supreme with Black Flocking on the inside of the fabric. This fabric is water proof and very soft on the inside. We used GORE Tenara thread, and Lenzip zippers. Both of these things come with a lifetime warranty. For the forward windows we used Makrolon. Makrolon is a polycarbonate that is clear like glass, and is softer then real glass, and more firm them Strataglass. For the Aft windows we used Strataglass.

This cover turned out great and makes this boat look super sharp!

November 17, 2016December 4, 2023

46′ Sea Ray – Bimini & Aft Enclosure

For this 46′ Sea Ray we created a boat cover. We designed a bimini, along with panels to cover the aft and both port and star sides of the boat. Using Linen Sunbrella fabric to match the forward windows that were in great shape we created two side windows using Strataglass to complete the enclosure. We used GORE Tenara thread and Lenzip zippers for this cover, which are both guaranteed to last a life time.

November 17, 2016December 4, 2023

42′ Navigator – Full Enclosure

For this 42′ Navigator we designed a full enclosure with maximum visibility.

For this boat cover the customers went with Stamoid fabric in white. Stamoid is a material coated in vinyl and is very easy for cleaning. These boaters wanted to use Makrolon for their Forward windows. Makrolon is an a polycarbonate which is clear like glass material that is harder then other marine materials commonly used for windows. With Makrolon your windows wont bend and wont wrinkle, and wont scratch. For their side and aft windows, the customer went with Strataglass, that way they could have roll ups for easy access to air flow while the enclosure is still up! We created these roll ups with screens to help prevent any unwanted bugs from getting onto the boat. The forward windows attached to the bimini using Lenzip zippers, using GORE Tenara thread, both of these products are guaranteed to last a life time. The aft windows are attached to the radar arch using kedar and water proof seal to ensure no leakage into the boat. We also created a windshield cover for this boat to help keep the heat off the inside, and the windshield clean when no ones on the boat! This cover turned out great and looks super sharp on this 42′ Navigator!

November 14, 2016December 4, 2023

38′ Tiara – Full Enclosure

This 38′ Tiara needed a full enclosure with an aft cover that could easily roll up.

This marine cover was constructed with Sunbrella Oyster fabric, clear GORE Tenara thread, and white Lenzip Zippers. Both the thread and zippers have a life time guarantee. The three forward windows are made out of a thicker glass called Makrolon. Makrolon is a polycarbonate which is
abrasion resistant, and wrinkle resistant. These windows are thicker, and harder due to the different material they are made out of. They tend to give your new cover a cleaner look, making your boat cover look super sharp once it’s all finished.

The aft cover has one single window, made of Strataglass. Strataglass is softer, which is why we incorporated it in the back piece so the owners of this boat could easily roll their cover up if they wanted to! We used DOT snap fasteners in oyster that way the snaps blend into the cover, along with some kedar we sewed onto the forward windows, and the top of the aft cover. The kedar goes into a track thats attached to the boats hard top/radar arch, making things fit securely and snug!

Overall, our team created another beautiful cover for another happy customer out on Lake Michigan this summer!

November 11, 2016December 4, 2023

32′ Forumla – Cockpit Cover

For this 32′ Forumla we designed a cockpit cover. Using our 3D portable measuring instrument we were able to design a new marine canvas using CAD software.

For this cockpit cover we used marine grade Sunbrella fabric in Charcoal Grey using DOT snaps in black enamel to bring out the black pinstripe on the boat! We also used black Gore Tenara thread which is guaranteed to last a life time!

To help bring air flow into the cockpit when the cover is up, we used Boat Vent II pole holder. This boat cover turned out great and now this 32′ Formula can stay dry and free from other debris when hits owner isn’t around!

November 10, 2016December 4, 2023

31′ Tiara – Open Enclosure

The owner’s of the 31′ Tiara reached out to us for a new open enclosure. Using our 3D portable measuring device we made a design using CAD software to create this marine cover.

The customer decided on Sunbrella Black canvas for this new enclosure along with Strataglass for their new windows. The customer decided to have us construct this new boat cover using Gore Tenara thread which is guaranteed to last a life time from weather, water, and sun! We also used Lenzip zippers on this enclosure between all of the panels on the boat that also come with a lifetime guarantee.

The back consists of three drop down panels that easily roll up to open up access to the back end of the boat.

We also created a one piece Aft
cover for this boat which consisted of only Sunbrella fabric that attached to the radar arch using Silver DOT snaps to attach to the boat.

February 24, 2016June 9, 2022

Cockpit Covers

Cockpit covers are one of the most common types of boat covers used in the marine industry. These types of covers can be used on all types of powerboats and have different variations available.

Most extend from the top of the windshield toward the aft of the boat. Another option is to extend the cover over the windshield protecting the windshield and the dashboard area from constant direct sunlight. Have you ever seen a dashboard that faded out, an over the windshield cockpit cover would have helped postponed this fading.

Cockpit Cover in Sunbrella Charcoal Grey

Frequently the boat covers are connected with button snaps but there are also other variations of fasteners that can be used. Twist the Dot and Lift the Dot fasteners can be beneficial in specific situations where there is extreme tension on the canvas.

Multiple types of fabric can be used for the cover. Sunbrella is a popular option and has over 70 fabric options in marine grade canvas available. A complete list of available can be found here – Sunbrella Samples . WeatherMax has super high strength and durability combine with long-term color retention and is cost-effective fabric available for marine covers and tops. Both fabrics have outstanding durability, high water repellent and excellent breathability.

Cockpit Cover with "Mesh" CAD rendering — Cockpit Cover with “Mesh” CAD rendering

We measure all of our cockpit covers via 3D and build out the design in CAD software. This provides for a great fitting cover that will be enjoyed for years to come. Some of the pictures show the rendered design in a “Mesh” along with the finish product. Please contact us with any of your cockpit cover needs.

Baliner Cockpit Cover in Sunbrella Marine Blue Tweed

December 9, 2014December 22, 2014

Waterproof vs Water Repellent Canvas

Seems like these two words would mean the same but nothing could be further than the truth. So Waterproof vs Water Repellent Canvas, what’s the difference when it comes to boat canvas?

Water Repellent

Let’s start here since water repellent canvas is a favorite when it comes to marine canvas. Water repellent marine canvas is an acrylic or polyester blend material that is very tightly woven by the manufacturer. This naturally prevents water seepage but most canvases are coated with a DWR ( durable water repellent) which makes then more water-resistant. The DWR coating will wear off over time and does require re-application, this is the type of “waterproofing” sprays you find at your local boat store. This type of fabric is loved by many in boating due to it’s soft touch flexibility of use.

Waterproof

Waterproof is a little easier to understand, no water gets in! Waterproof marine canvas is typically the same acrylic or polyester blend you find with water repellent fabric but one or two side is vinyl coated. There is no ongoing maintenance required of this type of canvas unlike water repellent fabric which requires re-coating a DWR.

So What’s Right For My Boat?

There are two primary factors when deciding which canvas is best for you, what type of weather do you encounter and how do you plan on using it?

As mentioned before, water repellent canvas is a favorite amongst boats and the most popular solution in the marketplace today. People love the variety of colors that are available, it’s soft touch and is fade resistant. It does a great job of keeping the recreational boater dry and is cost effective. It’s commonly used throughout all climates and is most popular on boat enclosures, bimini tops, aft covers and convertible tops. Sunbrella offers a great line of water repellent acrylic marine canvas that comes with a 10-year warranty in over 75 colors.

Waterproof marine canvas is more popular in the northeast and northwest where mother nature whips up some more her more nasty storms. It’s also very popular for boat covers, especially “road” and storage covers. Some boaters do prefer this type of material for all types of enclosures though but is not as popular or as common since it is more expensive than water repellent canvas. Stamoid has an excellent line of waterproof canvases that comes in four different grades, light, heavy, open and top.

If your still undecided on what type of boat canvas is best for you take a trip down to your local harbor. Walk around and see the different types of canvases used in your area and in different ways. You can also work with your local canvas shop which will have a variety of samples of the various marine canvases available today.

Waterproof vs Water Repellent Canvas

We hope this article helped you in deciding on Waterproof vs Water Repellent Canvas for your boat. Please send any comments or ideas on Waterproof vs Water Repellent Canvas, we would love to hear your feedback.