Repairing Canvas Cover

[RC]

With the fireworks raining down last night I decided to dampen my boats cover. After I was done I pulled up on it to shake off some excess water and it put about a 12" rip in it. Thought I would go get some iron on tape and do that to each side. Any other ideas on repairing this tear? The cover is in it's 4th season, should it be tearing already?? Thanks

 

[imported_bjs]

Re: Repairing Canvas Cover

i fixed mine with braied fishing line.my buddy took his to a shop some kind of glued on patch worked good.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Repairing Canvas Cover

It should not be tearing unless you have stored it damp or where rot can set in. My canvas is 12 years old an other than having the seams resowed twice it is just fine. I do leave it up and exposed to the sun and breeze.

 

[RC]

Re: Repairing Canvas Cover

SoLittle, it's never been anywhere but on the boat except of course when we're in the water. Frustrating, it wasn't cheap.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Repairing Canvas Cover

Did a seam split? Or is this a rip right in the middle of the canvas? If it's just a seam, resew it (or have it resewn) by a heavy duty sewing machine with UV resistant thread and at least a double-seam. $25 should pay someone to get it done if it's just one seam. <br /><br />Also I'm not sure exactly what you mean by "it's only on the boat when in the water." If that means it's a mooring cover and is on the boat all summer long while the boat sits in a slip, then 4 years is a pretty good run...the sun destroys them. I'm real surprised at SoLittles 12 year run if it's always exposed, but maybe he got better canvas than you did. Regardless, if the canvas itself ripped from doing nothing more than a human-powered shake, and there was no damage there to give it a head start, then I'd say you have a case of UV rot throughout the canvas itself and I don't think I'd waste a lot of time patching it. Might be time for a new cover. If you do patch it, I'd reinforce any iron-on type patch with thread to give it added strength.

 

[JB]

Re: Repairing Canvas Cover

I have used the iron-on canvas tape, then double sewed it around the edges. Used 8# braided fishing line in a regular sewing machine.<br /><br />Worked good, lasted several years 'til I sold the boat.

 

[RC]

Re: Repairing Canvas Cover

The cover is on the boat in full sun when being stored. And the rip is in the middle, not on a seam. It must be rotting, it didn't take much force. I'll try some iron on tape and sew it. Worth a try. Thanks

 

[Solittle]

Re: Repairing Canvas Cover

I don't know what kind of canvas the guy used but their family were the pioneers of the "Bimini" top and did all the canvas work for Bertram Yacht for years. I have a Bimini and a dodger.