[C320-list] Dodger and Bimini fabricators

Tue Apr 7 20:05:13 PDT 2015

Jeff, Thanks for your informative discussion. You presented many important facts on a subject that many of us have limited experience.
Kaare Wold. Sheet Music #945

Sent from my iPad

> On Apr 7, 2015, at 9:34 PM, Jeff Hare <Catalina at thehares.com> wrote:
> 
> Hello,
> 
> While I won't make any recommendations outside of the Massachusetts
> north-shore area, I can offer some pointers on what you might want to ask
> your prospective canvas fabricator.
> 
> * Thread:  There is a massive difference in thread your canvas maker might
> use.  Polyester V92 UV resistant thread is about $15 for a small spool. It
> used to be the standard.  It'll last a few years.  SolarFix or Tenara thread
> is a PTFE pretty much lifetime guaranteed thread that's a ton stronger and
> costs well over $120 for the same little spool. This stuff has to be cut
> with scissors, not even a hot knife goes through it. If you drive a hard
> bargain, these are the first kinds of things that get compromised.  You
> won't be happy.  Insist on either SolarFix or Tenara and get it in writing.
> 
> * Window material:  O'Sea makes one of the best clear vinyl window materials
> out there today.  I think it's US made, has maximum UV stability, great
> scratch and chemical resistant barrier. Unaffected by sun tan lotion, insect
> repellant, jet fuel vapor, etc..  Strataglass is also very popular name also
> but doesn't hold up to chemicals as well but does block 100% of UV.
> Personally, I prefer that my windows all have covers and use twist-lock
> (common sense fasteners) to hold them on.  This makes a huge difference in
> the life you get out of the glass, but some fabricators will tell you they
> don't work.  Ours are 14 years old and are still perfectly clear.
> 
> * If the fabricator says they can just make a new dodger/bimini using your
> old one as a pattern, don't walk, RUN the other way.  They are not a
> fabricator you want to work with.  This does not work (unless you don't care
> about having a nice tight, properly fitting dodger/bimini/connector anyway).
> You cannot pattern a new piece of canvas from an already tensioned piece.
> It will be a floppy mess within a year because of the way the materials
> shrink/stretch and mold to the frame.  You won't be happy.
> 
> * If a fabricator says that they'll need to do some work to adjust your
> frame, Let them.  Just because your old frame held your last dodger/bimini
> just fine doesn't mean that it's still shaped perfectly for building a new
> one based on how new fabric gets tensioned.  A good fabricator will
> pre-tension the frame, make a pattern out of Tyvek or other pattern material
> and when the new canvas goes on it'll be drum tight and shrink/stretch and
> become a perfect fit over the first few weeks.  (window material will
> shrink, Sunbrella will shrink differently width vs length) etc.
> 
> * If you're trying to replace just a dodger or just a bimini and want
> someone to make a connector between a new and old part, it's actually a good
> sign when the fabricator suggests that if you can't do the whole thing now,
> maybe wait a year and then get the whole thing done at once.  They're not
> just trying to sell you more stuff, it's about the way the tensioning works
> between new and old canvas.  Also, you'll likely be back in a few years to
> have the other piece redone and will again have this mismatch between the
> tensions of fabric (which produces ripples and lines that look
> unprofessional).  So while it seems "simple" it's really really difficult to
> get a good fit this way.  Good fabricators won't want that as an example of
> their work as it hurts business.
> 
> Finally, there can be a pretty wide difference in price between a very well
> done dodger/bimini/connector and a poorly made one but there doesn't have to
> be that wide of a difference.  Ask to see several examples of their work for
> the style of dodger you're asking to be made. Don't argue price or try to
> work one canvas maker's price against the other.  There's never a reason for
> a good fabricator to have a sale, so beware.  Good fabricators are busy, bad
> ones aren't or will lowball the price to get the work.  There are always
> exceptions of course.
> 
> I'm much more observant when I look at canvas work in the marina these days
> and it's getting easier to spot the good work from the junk.  More canvas
> fabrication classes lined up this fall for us!
> 
> There... :)  That's my $.02
> 
> Cheers!
> -Jeff Hare
> #809
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf
> Of Stephen Kaplan
> Sent: Tuesday, April 7, 2015 7:58 PM
> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Dodger and Bimini fabricators
> 
> Anyone have recommendations for a quality craftsperson to fabricate and
> install a Bimini in the Marina del Rey area.  Also the pro and cons of
> coaming vs rail mounts.   I have a Helmsman seat which bridges across the
> swim ladder opening thus already crowded at the helm.
> 
> Saline #980
> Steve
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf
> Of John Zienda
> Sent: Tuesday, April 7, 2015 1:54 PM
> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Dodger and Bimini fabricators
> 
> I am having my done at The Canvas Store in  Huntington, NY 
> 
> John Zienda
> Cell (630) 408-3076
> 
>> On Apr 7, 2015, at 2:04 PM, Jeffrey Kapec <jkapec at tkdg.com> wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Hello:  I am searching for a high quality canvas fabricator.  I would 
>> like
> to replace the canvas on my old dodger 2000 vintage and have a rail mount
> Bimini.   Located in Connecticut close to New York.  Does anyone have some
> recommendations.
>> 
>> Thanks
>> 
>> Jeff Kapec
>> Petite Suite  Hull 718
>> 
>> 
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