Faded Canvas

[Michael Angier]

We're considering buying a Hunter 35.5 that has a maroon bimini, dodger, mains'l cover etc. The canvas is in pretty good shape except for it being faded.Does anyone have any experience with attampts to dye canvas? I would go with a black or dark blue but would like to know if anyone's tried it.Thanks for your help.m@SuccessNet.org

 

[Steve O.]

I wouldn't

Sunbrella (if that's what you have) is a synthetic fabric and they usually don't take a dye well. Plus, its already treated for water resistance. And if you tint blue over a burgandy base, you'll end up with purple. Then, what if the dye runs and stains your sails or deck? It ain't worth it, wait til' it needs to be replaced and then get the color you want.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Think Steve is right.

Many months ago I recall a similar discussion. The gist was that synthetics cannot absorb a dye. Especially not one where the color is being changed.I've noticed in strolling marinas that the maroon color seems the worst in fading. The light blues might be a distant second. My own black sailcovers are ancient but still look new(except for the North logos). So when I made my bimini I matched it in black. Next I will replace the old white dodger. But the cost of replacing all of that, even making them myself, is quite high.

 

[LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners]

Live with it

I say just be thankful that it has all that canvas to begin with! At least you will have the frames for when you eventually need to replace it.LaDonna

 

[Michael Angier]

Thanks for everyone's help! I'm going replace.

If we buy her, I'll live with it for the first year and then replace with dark blue or black--looks like about $3K.Thanks again.-------------------------Michael E. Angier, president of Success Networks Our Business is Your Success! Become part of an association dedicated to informing, inspiring and empowering people to be their best--personally and professionally.Free subscription and membership available at <http://www.successnet.org>Win-Win Way, PO Box 2048, So Burlington VT 05407 USA802.862.0812 voice, 425.988.7300 faxmailto:success@successnet.org

 

[Tim Schaaf]

Ed, beware a black dodger!

Ed, you have, on occasion, written that you hope to make it to blue water in more southern climes. In the belief that you will, I would urge more thought to your dodger color. The longer a boat is in the tropics, the more you will see her owners change to the lightest possible colors. In my case, I started with a black/grey dodger under which I could have baked a potato. I am now on my second white one, this one made of vinyl, rather than Sunbrella. Make your awnings dark, if they ventilate well,but watch out for those dark colored dodgers!

 

[Bob Camarena]

Full Dodger Cover

When you have your dodger replaced, consider a full cover over it rather than snap-on covers over the windows. I had mine done that way. The extra material cost was offset by less labor cost. This will minimize fading and deterioration over the years with the cover taking the brunt of the sun and weather. I espect it to significantly increase the life of the dodger.