On the surface, marine canvas and enclosures appear to be straightforward installations added to our watercraft to help shade us from the sun and splash as we enjoy time on the water. However, underneath, a lot more goes into it. Master craftsmen have the training, practice, and time invested to understand all of the factors that drive a well-performing, long-lasting, and safe canvas installation. In addition to asking what materials will be used for your project, it is important to feel comfortable with the practices that your marine trimmer will be applying during the installation.
Read on to learn about some of the common issues that can be avoided by hiring an experienced marine trimmer.
Gelcoat Damage
If your canvas project requires even one single screw, snap, or support to be installed, be certain that you are entrusting the right person to do it. Those with limited or the wrong type of experience may lack the knowledge or practice to drill clean holes and you may end up with a situation like the one shown here.
In this case, when the hardware was installed, the appropriate technique and/or equipment was not used and the result was hairline cracks spidering out from the installation point.
No matter the age or condition of your boat, no one wants to add new cracks to it!
Corrosion
Not all stainless steel is created equal. In this case, a lower grade steel was installed and the marine conditions quickly took their toll. This is something no boat owner wants to deal with.
In addition to understanding the difference between metal grades and what can be used on a boat, any marine trimmer you choose to work with should have a good grasp on how different metals react with one another. Even using the highest quality materials can result in corrosion issues if dissimilar metals are in contact with one another. A knowledgeable professional will be able to take all proper precautions and incorporate any necessary product application to avoid issues.
Design Flaws
Custom canvas is as much about design as it is fabrication and installation. Each boat is unique and requires critical thinking by the marine trimmer to account for all the details that will come together to create the final product.
Any reliable marine trimmer will want to come see your boat and discuss the different options with you before starting on the design. If the design is not what you imagined, the marine trimmer should be able to explain their reasoning behind the alternative proposal.
Some of the most common reasons for a marine trimmer to offer a different solution are:
- Pooling water concerns
- Incorrect shape to withstand wind speeds
- Dangerous design
There are many factors that should be considered when hiring a marine canvas company to fabricate and install your boat canvas. Ensuring the shop is insured and the marine trimmer has experience in the trade is as important as the materials themselves. Asking key questions up front when selecting who you’ll work with will help to alleviate issues down the line.
