Needed some covers

[Ward H]

A thread a few months ago reminded me I could use a cover to protect my tiller auto pilot from spray and rain so I studied up a bit on home sewing machines suitable for sewing Sunbrella. Last month I picked up an early 60's Kenmore which reportedly met the requirements of all metal parts, Made in Japan and 1 amp motor needed to do the sewing.
I then made a mock up using some old denim and ordered some material from Sailrite.
I sewed up the finished cover using Sunbrella and 20 mil clear vinyl for the window.

My next project was to make my mainsail cover bigger because it was crunching my new mainsail but I found another small project to practice on first.
I noticed my OB fuel line was deteriorating and putting black crap on the boat and my hands when I touched it. Making a cover for it sounded like a good idea.
I came up with a Sunbrella snake skin, named because it looked like a snake had eaten a mouse. I put it on a new fuel line and installed.

Last week I was at the boat everyday so it was a good opportunity to fix the mainsail cover. I split the spine seam, measured several spots of the properly flaked sail and added an 8" gusset to the cover. I also added to the aft end of the cover, then added a tie and moved/added twist locks.
No more crunching of that crisp new sail.

 

[31seahorse]

Nice work on the covers!

 

[Chief RA]

Nice work Ward! I sew as well and use a regular sewing machine too. Works fine as long as proper size strong thread is used. Chief

 

[capta]

Nice work. Wanna spend a week aboard w/ us in the Caribbean for a new dodger and bimini? lol

 

[Ken Cross]

Nice work Ward.

We did our own canvas on our last boat, but I didn't want to tackle the new dodger cover on our current boat because I was nervous about sewing the window material. It's pretty heavy and I doubt our machine would do it. I'm a lifelong DIY'r but finally learning that there a few things I should actually pay for. Not many mind you.

Ken

 

[agprice22]

You are having waaaayyyy too much fun!

Now where can I get one of those machines?...

 

[Chief RA]

Andrew: any sewing machine will do the job. Just be sure to buy strong synthetic thread and not oversize. Chief

 

[capta]

Andrew: any sewing machine will do the job. Just be sure to buy strong synthetic thread and not oversize. Chief

I believe the trick to this sort of work is a 'walking foot' machine.

 

[agprice22]

I believe the trick to this sort of work is a 'walking foot' machine.

Ok. I have done some sewing and embroidering, so I figure I can canvas too!

 

[Ward H]

Nice work. Wanna spend a week aboard w/ us in the Caribbean for a new dodger and bimini? lol

Now that is an offer that is hard to turn down! but I think there might a few distractions slowing me down. I think I would need a month or two.

I did a lot of research on whether a walking foot machine is needed for these type of projects. Not necessarily needed for this type of work. Basting tape, pins and staples can be used to secure multiple layers of material so it all moves together. Not saying it wouldn't make things easier but cost goes way up.
Sailrite.com tech support said I should be fine sewing one of their mainsail cover kits with my machine which does not have a walking foot. I was just adding a gusset to my main cover but I think I could have handled a full cover with this or another strong home machine. Post war Built in Japan machines built in the 50s and 60s are considered pretty strong with all metal parts (except for some covers) and stronger (1 to 1.2 amp) motors than domestic machines (.5 to .7amp).
These machines can be found for under $100 and most of these are straight stitch only machines. Zig zag isn't really needed unless you are sewing sails. I'm told a straight stitch machine will hold its timing better.

These were fun projects. I am going to start on some cushions this winter.

Thanks

 

[Bill and Kathy McDonald]

A thread a few months ago reminded me I could use a cover to protect my tiller auto pilot from spray and rain so I studied up a bit on home sewing machines suitable for sewing Sunbrella. Last month I picked up an early 60's Kenmore which reportedly met the requirements of all metal parts, Made in Japan and 1 amp motor needed to do the sewing.
I then made a mock up using some old denim and ordered some material from Sailrite.
I sewed up the finished cover using Sunbrella and 20 mil clear vinyl for the window.

My next project was to make my mainsail cover bigger because it was crunching my new mainsail but I found another small project to practice on first.
I noticed my OB fuel line was deteriorating and putting black crap on the boat and my hands when I touched it. Making a cover for it sounded like a good idea.
I came up with a Sunbrella snake skin, named because it looked like a snake had eaten a mouse. I put it on a new fuel line and installed.

Last week I was at the boat everyday so it was a good opportunity to fix the mainsail cover. I split the spine seam, measured several spots of the properly flaked sail and added an 8" gusset to the cover. I also added to the aft end of the cover, then added a tie and moved/added twist locks.
No more crunching of that crisp new sail.

View attachment 128478 View attachment 128479 View attachment 128480 View attachment 128481

Very nice mainsail cover. Is that Velcro running the entire edge?

 

[Ward H]

Very nice mainsail cover. Is that Velcro running the entire edge?

Hi Bill,
The bottom of the cover is held closed with twist lock fasteners. There is a flap covering the front zipper and that is held closed with lengths of velcro.
Thanks

 

[Ned Ludd]

I have a 1960's era Kenmore sewing machine which works fine for projects like these. Buying high quality needles of the correct style for the job is the key.

 

[Bill and Kathy McDonald]

A thread a few months ago reminded me I could use a cover to protect my tiller auto pilot from spray and rain so I studied up a bit on home sewing machines suitable for sewing Sunbrella. Last month I picked up an early 60's Kenmore which reportedly met the requirements of all metal parts, Made in Japan and 1 amp motor needed to do the sewing.
I then made a mock up using some old denim and ordered some material from Sailrite.
I sewed up the finished cover using Sunbrella and 20 mil clear vinyl for the window.

My next project was to make my mainsail cover bigger because it was crunching my new mainsail but I found another small project to practice on first.
I noticed my OB fuel line was deteriorating and putting black crap on the boat and my hands when I touched it. Making a cover for it sounded like a good idea.
I came up with a Sunbrella snake skin, named because it looked like a snake had eaten a mouse. I put it on a new fuel line and installed.

Last week I was at the boat everyday so it was a good opportunity to fix the mainsail cover. I split the spine seam, measured several spots of the properly flaked sail and added an 8" gusset to the cover. I also added to the aft end of the cover, then added a tie and moved/added twist locks.
No more crunching of that crisp new sail.

View attachment 128478 View attachment 128479 View attachment 128480 View attachment 128481

The next time you are on your boat would you take a photo of the mast and zipper on the cover. Love the look and practicality of the cover, thanks.