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Bryant

Bryant

Guru
Joined
Jul 10, 2016
Messages
629
Location
USA
Vessel Name
Sakura Perdido
Vessel Make
Grand Banks 36 Classic
I javelin a Grand Banks 36. I need to replace my upper deck canvas. The framework is still in great shape. Has anyone done this? Any idea of the cost for a new Sunbrella covering? The back of the upper deck will remain open.
 
I just replaced the fly bridge canvas on my 1986 Oceania 35. The canvas guy was the best in our area and works for our Marina. He used sunbrella and risen glass. All panels zippered for easy removal. $11,000 CAD. Using existing hardware.


Sent from my iPad using Trawler Forum
 
Our stern canvas is 20+ years old. Each year I have repaired and in necessary sections replaced. Mostly zippers stitching and replace the clear plastic. A lot cheaper than replacing. Also spreads out the cost over many years. I am having 3 panels repaired this year one might have to be replaced.

Each year the canvas is spread with rain repellant. Just the canvas not the plastic. Water beads off. :flowers:
 
It's a simple matter to call one or more canvas shops in your area and have them come to your boat and give you options and pricing. That's what I suggest you do.
 
In the PNW, prices can really vary. Ask friends in you marina or club, especially the ones who have had recent work done. Sometimes your favorite yard may have a suggestion.
 
A good canvas shop should be easily able to look at your vessel and discuss the job. For the windows they should have thoughts on the various kinds of vinyl, polycarbonate and acrylic. Not to mention threads and bonding. Then there are pros and cons of Stamoid vs Sunbrella.

We are going through this same activity. So much has changed in the past decade with enclosures and products, lots to learn we have found..
 
"Canvas shops" around here, with a few exceptions, are usually some guy operating mostly by word of mouth. Getting recommendations from boat owners who have done recent canvas work and liked the results is what seems to work best in this area.

The guy that is local to my boat has quite a reputation. He is known for his high quality work and reasonable prices as well as his never even coming close to meeting a completion date.
 
Bryant said:
I javelin a Grand Banks 36. I need to replace my upper deck canvas. The framework is still in great shape. Has anyone done this? Any idea of the cost for a new Sunbrella covering? The back of the upper deck will remain open.
Click to expand...


Are you handy? Have you ever considered doing it yourself? Have you considered all options?

11 years ago I purchased a walking foot sewing machine for about $1500 and canvas and did my own. Zero sewing experience. Replaced all canvas and vinyl over the helm plus curtains around the then new hardtop that covers the stern.

Later did a friends boat in exchange for some cabinet work for my home. His came out much better than mine. He gained from my earlier learning experience Now my helm needs to be redone so I am waiting for a new hardtop from Atlantic Towers (about $5K plus shipping & installation).

So if you're ready to spend $11K as an example given above, maybe worth considering your options to include a hardtop and do your own side curtains.

I learned later that Sailrite has EXCELLENT videos pertaining to canvas work including how to do your own patterns. Any industrial sewing machine with a walking foot will work and there usually a bunch on EBay used in teh $500 or less range.

Sunbrella! I used Sunbrella before but at $25+/yard I intend to look at other manufacturer's similar materials. Just sharing my thoughts and good luck with your project which ever way you go.
 
If you are inclined to give DIY a try check out the DIY Canvas Tips thread here on TF...might be helpful to those getting started sewing or thinking about it
 
Bacchus said:
If you are inclined to give DIY a try check out the DIY Canvas Tips thread here on TF...might be helpful to those getting started sewing or thinking about it
Click to expand...

Concur!:thumb:
 
Sailrite sells Sunbrella and other fabrics, for reasonable prices. My son recently bought a Sailrite kit to replace his sail cover on a 32 ft boat. Including Zippers, ties, basting tape, twist fasteners, Sunbrella, instructions, about $250US. We supplied the industrial sewing machine, he had 0 experience, but did a good job in 1 day.

I had a canvas guy replace my worn out tonneau cover on the flybridge of my trawler a few yrs ago. As Dave reported, a local guy, reliant upon word of mouth from boaters, cost me $500 Cdn. Don't know how much more complicated teh Bimini and side curtains would be. Likely not more than 2x as much.
 
After paying $100 per hour twice just to have stitching replaced (new thread over old), I bought an old straight stitch Singer sewing machine and began making these repairs myself. It's not worth $100 per hour just to trace existing stitching with new thread. I've also replaced failed zipper and made covers for seats and the helm.


Sewing a new enclosure would be another level entirely. I suppose one could take the old canvas off, cut out the stitching and use it for patterns but in the end, how well is it going to fit and what will it look like?


Considering the cost of the sewing machine and accessories, the canvas, snaps, edging, etc., and your time and effort to learn how to sew and then do the actual sewing, is it worth it? These are the skills we pay $100 per hour for.


Get prices from reputable shops and then compare these to the cost of doing it yourself and the likely results. For many of us, especially if we have decent paying jobs, the shop may turn ot to be the best choice.
 
Bryant said:
I javelin a Grand Banks 36.
Click to expand...

Why does autocorrect software assume that "javelin" comes up in regular conversation so frequently. Maybe once every 4 years.
 
foggysail said:
So if you're ready to spend $11K as an example given above, maybe worth considering your options to include a hardtop and do your own side curtains.

Sunbrella! I used Sunbrella before but at $25+/yard I intend to look at other manufacturer's similar materials.
Click to expand...

foggy...

Take a look at Rochford Supply

Prices pretty reasonable and they sometimes have seconds that aren't all that bad... a pretty inexpensive way to get started w/ DIY sewing (I realize you are way beyond that but they can still be bargains)
I've bought a lot of different materials from them and have been pleased.
I have had very good luck w/ Top Notch both regular and seconds.

Post some pics of your bridge enclosure on
DIY Canvas - Show Off Your Projects
 
Bacchus said:
foggy...

Take a look at Rochford Supply


Post some pics of your bridge enclosure on
DIY Canvas - Show Off Your Projects
Click to expand...

HI Don--

I have dealt with Rochford since I purchased my Silverton some 11 years ago. And yes, they are one of the best suppliers.


My hardtop...........funny you should ask. I paid for the hardtop way back in May, Atlantic finished it in about 3-4 weeks. Then it was up to me to travel to NJ, pick it up, take it to my boat in Fairhaven, MA and of course install it.

No fault on Atlantic's part, that was what I agreed to. Then I started to put the pieces together on how I was going to get it, the size is 127" X 103". The thing needs to be transported in a vertical position in a pickup truck or whatever. So back to Atlantic----"Please arrange shipping and installation for me." But their installer had no requests for installation here in Massachusetts.

TODAY I TALKED TO THE SHIPPER/INSTALLER! His schedule is to be in this area next week so I should expect to see him on Thursday or Friday. Time is getting SHORT! My boat gets hauled in around 24th of October. I have to confirm that date.

So my Atlantic Tower's hard top over the rear deck has worked supper great, no bitches with them at all. I enclosed that deck with canvas & vinyl for the curtains. I have some Sunbrella (brown) left over but with my luck this year Wifey might surprise me by saying she wants/prefers PINK or whatever color canvas :banghead:

I'll see if I can find any old pictures and get back to you for help posting.

Happy, easy going Joe here (today only :flowers:)

Foggy
 
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foggysail said:
HI Don--

I have dealt with Rochford since I purchased my Silverton some 11 years ago. And yes, they are one of the best suppliers.


My hardtop...........funny you should ask. I paid for the hardtop way back in May, Atlantic finished it in about 3-4 weeks. Then it was up to me to travel to NJ, pick it up, take it to my boat in Fairhaven, MA and of course install it.

No fault on Atlantic's part, that was what I agreed to. Then I started to put the pieces together on how I was going to get it, the size is 127" X 103". The thing needs to be transported in a vertical position in a pickup truck or whatever. So back to Atlantic----"Please arrange shipping and installation for me." But their installer had no requests for installation here in Massachusetts.

TODAY I TALKED TO THE SHIPPER/INSTALLER! His schedule is to be in this area next week so I should expect to see him on Thursday or Friday. Time is getting SHORT! My boat gets hauled in around 24th of October. I have to confirm that date.

So my Atlantic Tower's hard top over the rear deck has worked supper great, no bitches with them at all. I enclosed that deck with canvas & vinyl for the curtains. I have some Sunbrella (brown) left over but with my luck this year Wifey might surprise me by saying she wants/prefers PINK or whatever color canvas :banghead:

I'll see if I can find any old pictures and get back to you for help posting.

Happy, easy going Joe here (today only :flowers:)

Foggy
Click to expand...



My hardtop arrived and was installed Thursday of this week. AND SURE ENOUGH, WIFEY EXPLAINED/ SUGGESTED (demanded) that the color for the the new canvas needed for the new hardtop along with all the old brown canvas should (putting it mildly) be NAVY BLUE! Tuesday, I will put my order into Sailrite for 30 yards of navy blue. :dance:
 
You might try Great Lakes Skipper for Sunbrella. If they have your color, it is about $15 per yard in 60" width.
 
Foggy
I've been very pleased w Top Notch from Rockford.
It's actually heavier than Sunbrella and 60" wide about $20\ yd
 
Comodave said:
You might try Great Lakes Skipper for Sunbrella. If they have your color, it is about $15 per yard in 60" width.
Click to expand...

Bacchus said:
Foggy
I've been very pleased w Top Notch from Rockford.
It's actually heavier than Sunbrella and 60" wide about $20\ yd
Click to expand...

Thanks Guys for your suggestions. First Sunbrella.....there are good prices currently at Sailrite plus a 10% discount almost through the month. So the 60" material will be about $18-19/yard. The material is 9.25 ounces.

Top Gun from Rochford is 11 ounces that is highly water repellant vinyl coated polyester. I agreed to redo close friend's boat this fall/winter because his white Sunbrella has a lot of mold plus he finally agreed with his wife that the boat should be black, not white. I THINK his already purchased material is Top Gun. If so I will get a sample piece from him this week and check to see how it sews.

My concern is that I talked him out of using Gore Tex thread because I use polyester. Now my justification for polyester is cost and because vinyl will need changing before the fabric, then the entire canvas can be re sewn at the time the vinyl is changed. Now this is just fine IF the old needle holes are not visible after restitching.

I have a feeling this material is similar to Stamoid (12.64 oz/yd) which I believe will show old needle holes. So as I type, I think I will do some more research before I place my order. I am on the boat now and it is raining hard! The helm is soaking wet along with half of the rear deck. Can't delay too long to get the show going. Yesterday, made patterns for 3 panels so it is time to take the cook book and cook!
 
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I only use Tenara thread. The overall cost at the end of a project is not much different. The extra labor in restitching is way more that the differential cost of thread. The Tenara is a little more difficult in setting up your machine, but once the tension is set properly, it is great to work with.
 
I use #92 poly. I tried using #120 poly and it was as if I had string for thread, just didn't like using heavy thread. My personal preference here, not the machine. Mine is a Juki 1541S and it has no trouble punching string through leather.


As to resewing after replacing the vinyl, it doesn't take long at all. Just run the canvas through the machine at a higher speed.
 
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