New dodger leaking through the seams

[Drinky Crow]

I asked the canvas worker (was fit to existing frame) and he merely texted me a pic of a bottle of seam sealant.

So, most foul weather gear, jackets etc are constructed with seam tape that moots having to use an aftermarket sealant on the seams.
Not so for boat canvas?

 

[Hayden Watson]

I have never seen taped seams on boat canvas.

 

[jssailem]

I have never seen taped seams on boat canva

Neither have I.

Perhaps it is the size of the needle used or the way the seem is constructed.

 

[thinwater]

Seam tape only works on waterproof, not water repellent, fabrics. Mostly, it won't even stick. And it only works on the sealed side, and the seam must be a flat type. I have sealed clothing and tents using both tape and Seamgrip.

On a highly-stressed seam, it would likely tear the day the canvas was installed.

The seam sealer is the best way. You can also buy the tape and try it. Iron-on, quite easy. But it's not going to work on Sunbrella and similar.

 

[...3TacksontheWater]

I asked the canvas worker (was fit to existing frame) and he merely texted me a pic of a bottle of seam sealant.

So, most foul weather gear, jackets etc are constructed with seam tape that moots having to use an aftermarket sealant on the seams.
Not so for boat canvas?

Excuse my ignorance, but wouldn’t the tailor seal the seams before delivery? It could well be that the canvas needs to be stretched on the frame prior to applying the sealant. I think you’re entitled to more explanation than just a texted picture.

George

 

[colemj]

Is this a brand new dodger? If so, let it get wet for a while and see if the leaks stop.

Mark

 

[BigEasy]

Don’t know if this is factual or BS; my canvas guy told me they don’t like to use Tenora type thread on Biminis, dodgers, & connectors because the thread does not close or seal the needle punctures as does the V92 threads. Evidently V92 expands to fit the needle hole & prevents leaks. He said they often had complaints of leaks when using Tenora type thread.

 

[capta]

Glued seam tape won't work in the use you are discussing. Too much movement, soap, salt, wind, and wear from lines and hands. It's not like one can weld the tape on cloth, as in rubber or plastic boats.
You can rub bees' wax into the seams or purchase a canvas waterproofing. Like everything else on a boat, a dodger requires a certain amount of maintenance (especially the zippers) if you want it to last 10 years or more.

 

[Davidasailor26]

Never had significant leaking from ours since it was new. For the first few years there was no leaking at all. Eventually it started to weep, though from what I remember it was as much through the fabric as the seams. We’ve treated it with waterproofing spray every few years since and that works fine. I don’t know what kind of thread it has.

 

[BigEasy]

Try using 303 Fabric Guard on the seams, that should help.

 

[Hayden Watson]

Try using 303 Fabric Guard on the seams, that should help.

We wash our full dodger every spring and coat it with 303 Fabric Guard and no leaks.

 

[kappykaplan]

We wash our full dodger every spring and coat it with 303 Fabric Guard and no leaks.

 

[fred1diver]

I make some as a sideline, never had one leak, probably used the wrong thread