I have to agree. I bought a 1940s solid metal singer for $50. Will go through 4 layers of Subrella. In the process of making new cockpit cushions. Learned how on the sailright videos. So far they look great. Will be adding zippered screens to my windows on my poptop cover as well. You need some ventilation in the summer. Also learned how on the sailrite site.sailright.com
They have instructional videos that will help you make your own. Or they can make one for you.
I found a $25 singer machine and it's sewn all my interior and exterior cushions. I was the one running it. YouTube is great for "how to sew...."
Good luck.
Mine is in pretty good shape and I do use it. Not to get off topic but it seems to me there should be a better way to hold the bottom of the vertical flaps in place. Unless I am doing it wrong, I have a rope at each corner that seems to tie to some little loops (like mini fair leads). It's almost as if the bolt rope is expected to be enough weight to block them from flapping. Has anyone modified the original cover to do a better job?
Hi Doc My pop top cover has a series of snaps to hold it down. I have added more snaps to secure the pop top, and it works just fine in high winds. If you look, you can find male snaps on self tapping screws. I would set these type of snaps with some kind of adhesive for structural strength and sealing. Very inexpensive snap setters for the female end can be found at JoAnns fabric, small quantities of snaps from SailriteMine is in pretty good shape and I do use it. Not to get off topic but it seems to me there should be a better way to hold the bottom of the vertical flaps in place. Unless I am doing it wrong, I have a rope at each corner that seems to tie to some little loops (like mini fair leads). It's almost as if the bolt rope is expected to be enough weight to block them from flapping. Has anyone modified the original cover to do a better job?
Yup the attachment is still there for mast attachment. The PO put on the support legs because they used to do the Trent cannal every year. The mast would be down so you would need a different way to keep the top up.Hey CHP I think your poptop holder has been removed. I see from the picture of it up there is a hole in the middle at the front. That's ware the slidey thing screws in. The slidey thing is in the track on the mast on my boat.
My cover has snaps on the bottom. No front windows and cheap side windows. ( I went to get new window plastic and had no success finding any of it. I plan another vallient attempt this saturday.)
The snaps on my top seen to be OK. But I have got some more to put in. Right now they are about 1' apart.
1st pic is inside looking at the mast. Note slidey thing.
.. The mast would be down so you would need a different way to keep the top up...
I really like those rear supports. I see you have them connected to the rear uprights at the top, where did you attach the bottom? Where do they stow? It seems to me that if I could stop the pop top 6" from the mast, it would actually be a better position.I have rear braces that hold it up so its not as high as the stock ones. This leaves some slack and lays flat on the deck. There is no gap along the bottom. Still lots of headroom. I'm 6'2". I've been in 20 knt wind and rain and nothing came in.
I think he is talking about the way the cover goes on not the way the pop-top goes up but I might be wrong.I guess each has its advantage, I still think the older ones look better (lift up and back as opposed to forward.) yours has that swept back look where the forward ones aren't pleasing to the eye. Just my perspective.
One bad thing about the D and S's pop-top is the slope at the back and keeping rain out there if you want to have it open some and the reason for us extending that rear flap as I mentioned earlier.I like the the way most of the later model canvas covers are made. it seems like it is a better and easier method for building and using.... it covers over the entire pop top and then snaps down...
Mine (shown in the photo) is a bit of a pain to snap to the under side of the pop top, then snap it to the coachroof.... I had to replace the snaps at the corners with twist-loc fasteners because the upper corners kept popping loose if the pop top was bumped......
yea, its all perspective... and i did mean about the way its all made as a one piece unit... just throw it up there, unfold it and let the sides hang down.... and no worries about it coming unsnapped from the poptop..I guess each has its advantage, I still think the older ones look better (lift up and back as opposed to forward.) yours has that swept back look where the forward ones aren't pleasing to the eye. Just my perspective.
I'm with ya, I sorta wish there was a dodger and cockpit cover like bwy sells for the X and M for the older modelsyea, its all perspective... and i did mean about the way its all made as a one piece unit... just throw it up there, unfold it and let the sides hang down.... and no worries about it coming unsnapped from the poptop..