03-20-2013, 03:39 PM
More information, this time about canvas.
Snaps and fasteners - In the last several years, I have run across some canvas installers that seem to be fixing Aft Curtains and Windshield Screens to vessels with the intention of surviving Hurricane force winds. AKA, they use way too many snaps and fasteners. I understand that some snaps are needed, but I cringe when I see a snap installed every 8 inches for a piece of canvas that is designed to keep rain out of the boat and is removed for cruising. For aft curtains, you can hide the snaps under the rub rail. The windshield screens and covers are different and there is no way to hide them, but you do not need a snap every 8 inches. I suggest installing them in just the key areas along the top and weight the bottom edge of the canvas, so it stays in place with fewer snaps.
Color - White canvas, especially acrylic canvas (Sunbrella) will eventually look dirty. As the canvas ages, it will become harder and harder to clean. If you have to go white, use a vinyl coated canvas material. Tan is better, but will also show dirt eventually, but much better than white. I personally like tan as it is cooler, but tan will grow mold and algae. Red is a big no, no. It may look great when new, but red is an unstable pigment and will eventually fade to pink. Navy, Black and Dark Green are good colors, do not show dirt, don't grow mold or mildew, but they get warm. This is not a big deal when used for trim around isinglass if the boat has a hardtop, but if the boat is a Bimini Top boat and you like to close it up and run the Air-Conditioning, the dark canvas will add load to the Air system. As for aft curtains, most owners do not use their boat with the aft curtains up, or they have designed them so the sides fold up to air them out, so it
Snaps and fasteners - In the last several years, I have run across some canvas installers that seem to be fixing Aft Curtains and Windshield Screens to vessels with the intention of surviving Hurricane force winds. AKA, they use way too many snaps and fasteners. I understand that some snaps are needed, but I cringe when I see a snap installed every 8 inches for a piece of canvas that is designed to keep rain out of the boat and is removed for cruising. For aft curtains, you can hide the snaps under the rub rail. The windshield screens and covers are different and there is no way to hide them, but you do not need a snap every 8 inches. I suggest installing them in just the key areas along the top and weight the bottom edge of the canvas, so it stays in place with fewer snaps.
Color - White canvas, especially acrylic canvas (Sunbrella) will eventually look dirty. As the canvas ages, it will become harder and harder to clean. If you have to go white, use a vinyl coated canvas material. Tan is better, but will also show dirt eventually, but much better than white. I personally like tan as it is cooler, but tan will grow mold and algae. Red is a big no, no. It may look great when new, but red is an unstable pigment and will eventually fade to pink. Navy, Black and Dark Green are good colors, do not show dirt, don't grow mold or mildew, but they get warm. This is not a big deal when used for trim around isinglass if the boat has a hardtop, but if the boat is a Bimini Top boat and you like to close it up and run the Air-Conditioning, the dark canvas will add load to the Air system. As for aft curtains, most owners do not use their boat with the aft curtains up, or they have designed them so the sides fold up to air them out, so it
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