T&T: Fw: Bimini Top Fabric Material

[Larry N. Brown]

> I bought a sailmakers sewing machine from Sailrite a few years ago.  The
> thread on a Sunbrella cover that went around the railing on rear of 
> flybridge area
> had begun to wear allowing some of the seams to come loose.  It was a 
> fairly
> simple job; just resew the seams.  I think the quote from an upholstery 
> shop
> was $125.  I decided to put that money towards the purchase of a heavy 
> duty
> sewing machine and it was well worth the price.  I've done a lot of other 
> work
> that has saved me $$$.  So, if you do this job yourself and don't want to 
> invest
> in the very expensive thread ($139 for an 8 ounce roll), just sew over the
> seam with the polyester thread (see info about polyester thread below).
>
> Reid Gantt
> Atlantic 30 Vouivre
> docked at Sneads Ferry NC


On the recommendation of a listee who operates Doyle's Sails in Tortola, I 
made my Bimini top out of ShelteRite, a practically indestructible material 
used for tarps on over the road trucks. He talks of tops, sewn with Tenara 
lasting 10 years. Also, if you sustain a tear, it won't run as it will in a 
woven fabric. He also recommends only white or beige for sunlight 
rejection.Having gone through s.Louisiana spring torrential downpours and 
relentless summer sunshine I love it and wouldn't have anything else.

Regards,

Larry and Teri
M/V Cigano, 47' Prairie Sundeck Cruiser
Lying: Slidell, LA
N 30 13.28
W 89 48.63