Sewing Strattaglass?

Ross · May 2, 2009

What size sheet?

MacMikey · May 2, 2009

Sailrite states in the discription:

We recommend using a #18 or #20 sewing machine needle.

If you don't need that much material...measure to find what you do need and check with a local canvas company to purchase just what you need.

Ron20324 · May 2, 2009

The usual way to replace the windows in existing dodgers is to sew a new glass over the old, then cut out the old. If you try to take out the old glass then sew in the new, it'll be a problem getting it to fit right, and that opinion's from a number of sewers i've talked to. Sailrite has a good forum for all your sewing questions. I have not had a problem sewing the glass with the Sailrite machine.

Is your canvas on the dodger going to last as long as the 40-glass? Maybe just use 30 this time. I am making a new dodger now, and with the window covers to protect it, the extra expense of 40 would be worth it.

Maine Sail · May 2, 2009

Seth

Seth, my buddy who owns a canvas company, uses Gore Tenara and the same needle he sews the Sunbrella with. Tenara is tough stuff to work with if you are not experienced so V-92 might be a better option. I forget the exact needle he uses but I seem to recall it being a #20. All his machines are Consew's.

40 Gauge is nicer and actually easier to work with when doing production work as Seth does. Any commercial machine should not have any trouble going through Strataglass.

Buck420 · May 3, 2009

Bad,

By the time you add up the cost of the sewing machine, materials, etc. you can have a top shop do the glass replacement for you MUCH cheaper than you can do it yourself.
But, if you just have to (learn to) do it yourself; the best way to answer ALL the questions that you have is to find a top shop that will let you come in and watch them actually do what you want to do. Most top shops are "mom and pop" type operations. The guys who run the shop and do the work are generally pretty nice people. Walk in with a case of beer & a smile, and ask him if you can watch him do a glass replacement and pick his brain.

Maine Sail · May 3, 2009

Bad Obsession said:
Interesting thing is that the shop that built the dodger is a good shop but I seriously think that they skimped on the vinyl on my windows because it hasn't held up nearly as well as it should have. I don't think that it is strattaglass.

We have seen Strataglass killed in less than a year with poor treatment and improper cleaning materials so you may still have Strataglass or a similar product. Strataglass has a very thin optical coating on it that requires the proper care & cleaning supplies and treatments (IMAR only).

Seth, my canvas guy & friend, strongly advises against window covers with Strataglass for a number of reasons. I had them on my C-310 and stopped using them to prolong the life of the glass.

If you are not a pro stitcher I'd advise to not first remove the old window as it will be very difficult to keep your shape even with sticky tape and the dodger may never fit right again.

Ron20324 · May 3, 2009

Bad Obsession said:
How do you remove the old window once the new one is in place? That is a scary thought.

Before you start the new window, cut a hole in the old one so you can get a cutting tool in (scissors). New windows sewn in, start with the hole and work to the outside edges and go around the old one. My slip neighbor (C30)asked me to change out his window, but since I'd heard windows were a hassle I directed him to the canvas shop so they'd do it properly. Turns out they did what I would have done- sew the new then take out the old.

I just took the needle out of my machine to verify that it's a 16 that I've been using with 92 thread to totally re-stitch two biminis for friends. I use the smallest needle I can to keep the needle hole as small as possible. With the 'glass I like to use a zig-zag stitch.

Rick D · May 3, 2009

Back to Maine Sail

[Seth, my canvas guy & friend, strongly advises against window covers with Strataglass for a number of reasons. I had them on my C-310 and stopped using them to prolong the life of the glass.

OK, Main. My canvas guy said just the opposite. I have had mine on for about four years. Did he say why? I'll have to check with the manufacturer. I just had my fixed and opening ports replaced. He also recommended covers altho I am convinced my use of them on another boat killed them by heat faster than UV would have. Looks like a lot of differing opinions on this score.

Ron20324 · May 3, 2009

Like putting covers on fenders, the covers can chaffe more than if uncovered. They trap dirt and, when wind-blown, can chaffe the protected object. I'd second the heat-induced problem with 'glass covers,. Athough some cover that is more like a sun awning and/or with some space between it and the glass to keep the UV off the window would be a good idea. There is a fabric used on "nice" cars that has a soft (flannel?) lining to protect the finish and is a possibilty.

RichH · May 3, 2009

Rick D said:
[Seth, my canvas guy & friend, strongly advises against window covers with Strataglass for a number of reasons. I had them on my C-310 and stopped using them to prolong the life of the glass.

OK, Main. My canvas guy said just the opposite. I have had mine on for about four years. Did he say why? I'll have to check with the manufacturer. I just had my fixed and opening ports replaced. He also recommended covers altho I am convinced my use of them on another boat killed them by heat faster than UV would have. Looks like a lot of differing opinions on this score.

The waterproofing compound in Sunbrella (a phosphofluorine compound) will react with most clear vinyls resulting in a 'wavy optical surface' over long term. I made my own strataglass dodger and after 2 years I can see that the drips that come from my mainsail cover have begun to optically 'turn' the strataglass. This is mostly on the center pane under the mainsail cover and not the adjacent nor side panes --- not much to the naked eye but its there if you look for it, especially if you look at the surface at a very low angle.

For sewing Strataglass I use Tenara and ballpoint #16 needle.

Jim Seamans · May 4, 2009

Hey Bad

If you goto the sailrite website there are videos available (for a price) that shows you how to install a new window. I installed two new windows after watching the video with out any problems. I had borrowed a sailrite machine and used the regualar needle and it went threw everything.

Sail on dude....

see you on the water..

Ron20324 · May 4, 2009

Bad Obsession said:
The other thought is that I am seeing it in the price range of $180 a sheet. Anyone know a place to get it cheaper than that? /quote]

Bad O, I was at the Eastport/Annapolis Sailrite store today and manager Dan has a few full sheets, but at 20 percent off because of a blemish. The location of the blemish is listed so you can look at it.

Rick D · May 5, 2009

RE: Covering Strataglass

The following is a reply from Strataglass' technical support concerning their recommendation:

"Rick - i think that covering it is a good idea...especially if u have a fallout problem ( like Brooklin) they must be tight to avoid abrasion in the wind....and i would use a light color to eliminate as much heat as possible...black, navy, green would be a no no"

Jim Seamans · May 5, 2009

Planning to be there

Who is bring the shrimp?
Is Jim bringing the stuffed pirate?