DIY Canvas Work

[BigEasy]

Just paid approximately $2000. to have a dodger reskinned and had a connector from the bimini to the dodger added.
Based on previous experiences with making hatch covers, companionway cover, binnacle cover, and sail cover on a previous boat, I didn't have the time or know how to attempt the dodger. Yes, if I wasn't working and had all the time to mess with it, it might be doable; however, it takes a lot of practice and trial and error to be proficient at making a canvas project look like it was professionally done. I have seen quite a few biminis that flap in the wind and hold water because they weren't designed and fabricated properly. The guy who did my dodger has about 20 years experience. He met with me initially and again when we were laying out the new fabric over the frame. He really impressed me with the questions he asked and I could tell in a short period of time he knew what he was doing. I was very pleased with the results. Yes, I plan to make more hatch covers, etc., when I have the time; however, these more complex projects are just too time consuming for me. And, don't forget the costs of doing it yourself; a sailrite machine, hot knife, and misc tools are at least a thousand, not to mention the costs of fabric, webbing, zippers, etc.

 

[lehighsail]

I fabricated a forward extension for my bimini last year. I did complete several projects before this so I did have some experience using the sewing machine. Here are my two cents some of which are repeats but done for emphasis.
1. Use a walking foot sewing machine like the Ultrafeed
2. Use the basting tape. Use the basting tape AND mark the seams with the white pencils to keep both
sides of the seams in the correct relationship. Long seams tend to fall out of alignment.
3. Make a foot pedal like the one that Sumner fabricated for his Ultrafeed so the speed can be better
controlled. Allows you to make one or two stitches at a time.
4. I made a guide out of 1/4" acrylic that I can attach to my table parallel to the path of the needle that
guides the fabric so my seams are straight and parallel thread lines.
5. Sew slow.
6. If you have a number of snaps, get the Pres-N-Snap from Sailrite.
Using a hammer and the little tool doesn't cut it. The snaps tend to pull out thru the fabric with any
tension over time.
7. Use sharp needles and keep the machine oiled.
8. Using the Sailrite Edge hot knife makes cutting the material easier. I use a large T-square as a cutting
guide. I cut on an old 48" framed casement window.

Making the investment in the tools for a project now makes future work easier and a lot more fun.

Good Luck.

 

[deltaten]

I've just completed my dodger after approx. 35 hrs work. This does not include countless hours planning, watching SR guide or worrying over how to do details/hems, laps or the correct order of same.
This all on an older (1999?) Singer standard!
Was it hard? Yup! Would it have been easier with a SR machine? Youbetcha! Could some of the seams been done better? Sure!....
BUT.......between the used frame and the 17-some yards of older but well kept sunbrellla boat cover material and accessories/glazing from SR, I only have about $200 in it. It fits my boat, the lines and angles match match what's there and it's set to receive additional components as I progress (connector, side panels,screens, etc.)

So, I saved the $2500-some that I didn't have to spend and kept myself occupied for quite some time Now I see why canvas work costs so much! LOL. I wish I could post pix from this de vice. Sorta like a brush painted topsides, it's a "20 foot" dodger! Not until you look real close can one tell it's not a pro, spendy custom

Wouldn't recommend .a dodger as a first sewing project tho. Even after sail repairs/mods, a boom tent, Bimini cover, curtains , hatch screens and others; it was still a challenge.