T&T: Fw: Aqua-texI

[Larry N. Brown]

> Sail Rite sells Shelter-Rite for about $13.75/yd.  I have not bought it
> myself but found it at Sail Rite while searching for a source after 
> reading
> Bob's initial response.
>
> Keith


Primarily at the suggestion of Bob Phillips, Doyle Sails in Tortola, last 
year I built an aluminum Bimini frame and had a top sewn up out of white 
ShelteRite. It does require different handling from most other materials and 
Bob gave me explicit directions. It was all I could do to get my friends, 
veteran sailmakers, to follow my directions but in the end, they did and I'm 
here to tell you the top's magnificent. Unlike, Sunbrella, it tightens up 
under heat so you have to lace it early in the morning or late at night. Put 
a little sunlight on it and it tightens up like a bass drum head. I think I 
could use my top as a trampoline.

Bob's a considerable gentleman and he knows exactly what he's talking about. 
He patiently emailed me through the experience and I'm sure he'd be glad to 
do the same for anyone else. Or, heck, just cruise down to Tortola and let 
him make it for you!

Regards,

Larry and Teri
M/V Cigano, 47' Prairie Sundeck Cruiser
Lying: Covington, LA
N 30 26.7
W 90 07.1