Waterproofing for canvas

[Mitch]

The canvas covers on my 1990 Hunter34 (main sail, bimminis etc) have lost their ability to repel water. Now after any rain the sails are soaked and the cockpit has a dripping roof. Any sugestions for waterproofing, especially looking for large containers not the small sprays. Thanks

 

[Mike D]

Star Brite

Mitch,I purchased the quart spray bottle of Star Brite from West Marine. They also sell it in a gallon. The quart was under $10 and I think the gallon was around $30.The quart went a long way. We washed our canvas at the end of the year and waterproofed it. I do like the way that it went on. I think the spray bottle provides better coverage than the "spray bomb cans". I can't tell you yet how well it is going to work!The boat is three years old now and we have done it every year. The fabric is in good shape though, which I am sure has a bearing on it's watershedding ability. We had done it with spray cans in the past, this time we used the Star Brite squirt bottle. I feel it is environmentally more friendly.Mike D.

 

[Jim Facteau]

Walmart

My canvas is 9 years old,with 6 years in the Bahamas. A canvas maker told me about a spary can available in Walmart Shoe Department. I think it is Green and Tan. After washing canvas, I sprayed three coats on which lasted 6 months in the Tropics. It was very easy to apply, cheap and no mess-----works for me!Jim

 

[Andy Howard]

ditto

Used the tan and green spray cans from walmart last spring (its in the camping section) Stuff works great, but I will try the starbrite next time for the reasons mentioned by mike.

 

[Wil Rogers]

use and treat it like a tent

My father had for 25 years a sailboat (no inmast-furling, no pro-furling, no-nonsense).He used a simple spray (impregnation) for camping tents, that works for me fine today.Presumably you wash your boat only with a light soap, it will last a year. After you clean the canvas, canopies and sail bags just spray it in several layers over the fabric (3 layers works perfect). It refreshes the color as well (use some vinegar in the wash water).He applied it every year in spring (was his time for the boat cleaning), I do it in fall (before the rain season =;-> )Nice side effect: Bird drop (a.k.a. seagull shit) can be hosed easily once the coat is sealed.Go to Big5 or Sport Chalet, a can is 5,6 bucks. Test it first on the inside of your sail bag (or wherever).Let us knowWil

 

[Chris McLoughlin]

waterproofing canvas. . .

For the last 4 years on our 1989 boat (which we sold this past summer)I have used Thompson's water Seal in a garden type spray bottle. Worked great.

 

[Bob Bass]

Aqua-Tite

My 3-year-old bimini was leaking like a seive, especially at the stitches. I used a product called (I believe) Aqua Tite or something like that. I put an extra heavy application on the stitches and the thing doesn't leak a drop. Easy to apply, sprayed on with a small quart-sized spray bottle. Be sure and wash the material with soap and water on both sides and then spray on the outside. Cover any plastic windows, etc with a towel. Good luck.