How waterproof is Sunbrella ??

[roscoe]

Looking to put a bimini on one of my fishing boats.

It will primarily ( 99% of the time ) be used in the rain.

How waterproof is Sunbrella fabric?

I know the Sunbrella is lighter, and will dry faster, but will it keep us dry?

Are the vinyl tops more difficult to put in the boot?

Does the Sunbrella have any give or stretch to it?

Can't decide between the Sunbrella or the vinyl top.

 

[rallyart]

Re: How waterproof is Sunbrella ??

I've never had a drop of water through my Sumbrella bimini. The water just beads up and rolls off. 5 years in the sun.

 

[spoilsofwar]

Re: How waterproof is Sunbrella ??

I've never had a drop of water through my Sumbrella bimini. The water just beads up and rolls off. 5 years in the sun.

I have had a few Sunbrella tops myself, and can also say they haven't leaked a bit. I do use 303 Fabric Guard periodically as recommended by Sunbrella.

I would say it has "some" stretch to it but not a large amount. Never had a vinyl top, and wouldn't want one in place of a Sunbrella top.

 

[Bondo]

Re: How waterproof is Sunbrella ??

I have had a few Sunbrella tops myself, and can also say they haven't leaked a bit. I do use 303 Fabric Guard periodically as recommended by Sunbrella.

I would say it has "some" stretch to it but not a large amount. Never had a vinyl top, and wouldn't want one in place of a Sunbrella top.

Ayuh,.... If treated every other year, it's completely waterproof,...

Untreated, eventually, ya it'll leak,...

 

[etracer68]

Re: How waterproof is Sunbrella ??

I have had sunbrella also, and didnt leak, but it should be treated after second year too, and kept tight when up, so it doesnt pool water. Keep the boot on it when not in use too, as to keep it clean.

 

[roscoe]

Re: How waterproof is Sunbrella ??

OK, Sunbrella it is.
thanks.

 

[goose25]

Re: How waterproof is Sunbrella ??

Look at seamark color matches sunbrella and is much more waterproof. Alot of crusier camper tops will be seamark bimini and sunbrella sides

 

[Fireman431]

Re: How waterproof is Sunbrella ??

Sunbrella is not waterproof unless yu get the Siunbrella Plus line. It is water 'resistant'. Underway, you probably wouldnd get much water coming thru as the wind would allow most water to bead off. However, as it becomes saturated, it will have a tendancey to drip thru (depending on the cleanliness, care, maintenance, and treatment of the top). SeaMark has a plastic coating as a backing and tends to shrink up ofer time. I don't recommend using it. It you want definite water proof, look into the Stamoid, Top Gun, Herculite brands. There are others out there as well. Talk to a local upholsterer or canvas guru.