[C320-list] Dodger and Bimini fabricators

Wed Apr 8 06:15:52 PDT 2015

What are the price ranges for the new canvas?  

John Zienda

> On Apr 7, 2015, at 10:05 PM, Kaare Wold <sailor3952 at charter.net> wrote:
> 
> 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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>> 