Boat canvas repair

[Ross]

I have a favor to ask of all boat owners that have had repairs made to sail covers, biminis, dodgers and the like. I have a friend that is a meticulous worker and she has been repairing canvas boat accessories this winter. Resewing worn seams, replacing zippers, patching holes, reinforcing grommet holes, replacing webbing, etc. She is concerned that she can't charge enough for the time that it takes to do a perfect job. Will the members please post for me the types of repairs that they have had done and the cost of those repairs and how satisfied they have been with the service. Thank you all very much.Ross in Bel Air

 

[Mike]

get a machine

Ross:This is kinda' tongue-in-cheek but I bought a heavy duty sewing machine at the Chicago boat show and do my own re-stitching. It's not real difficult on things like dodgers, sail covers, biminis, wheel covers, etc. So for most of you I recommend getting a sewing machine which can stitch sunbrella and do it yourself.That said I am having a new bimini, dodger and fly made this winter with new frames and it runs about 5,500 bucks. This price is top dollar but the guy making the new stuff is top of the line in his field. I don't know if this helps your friend, but she could always ask someone who does this type of work what their hourly rate is for sewing and repairs.Mike

 

[Ross]

Thanks Mike

I too have an industrial sewing machine and do all my own canvas work repairs and new projects. For those that can and have the will there is no reason to not make your own repairs.Edit to add question for Mike. Is this new work with Aluminum or stainless steel frames?

 

[Ross]

Come on

Everybody don't just look send me some answers, please.

 

[Rick D]

Couple of Times

Restitch dodger aft of frame, two passes of straight stitch with canvas off and brought in: $60. Restich 4' zipper in mast cover: $15. Install 18"X18" window in bimini and make cover: $75. Install new 12' zipper in stack-pack: $140. In general, I find repair work to be pretty reasonable. I take some of it inland to auto upholstery shops. Even at the marina area, it isn't too bad. I think they want you as a longer-term customer for further replacement work. Rick D.

 

[Ross]

Thanks, Rick.

This is the kind of information that I am looking for.

 

[mjb]

restich for $80

The seams and hems on our 11 year old dodger started to open up - $80 for restiching all seams. No repairs were performed, just restiched right over the existing thread.

 

[Pete]

dodger repair

new plastic glass and restitch dodger $300 people will pay for quality so tell your friend to do quality work and he/she will have more then they can handle when there reputation gets around.

 

[Warren Milberg]

Canvas repair

I recently had all three sets of zippers replaced on my bimini boot cover (boot wraps around double backstays). Local canvas shop charged me $70, did a nice job, and I thought the price was right.A few years ago, I had serious backstay chafe on my bimini itself as the previous owner did nothing to protect the bimini when folded up against the backstays. I had the local canvas shop sew chafe material (feels like simulated leather, but not sure), over two parallel fore and aft seams that are about 5 ft in length. Again, nice job, no more chafe, and cost was $120. Well worth it.