Choose Experience for Boat Canvas in NJ and PA
When investing in marine boat canvas and covers, it is important to ensure you’re working with a professional that not only knows their way around a sewing machine, but also understands and has experience with the intricacies of boats. Working with a master craftsman is essential to ensuring your boat is not damaged during or post-installation. Read below for pitfalls to avoid when selecting your marine trimmer.
Why A Master Craftsman?
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.
Cracks
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
As the picture illustrates, 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
Insurance
Depending on the complexity of your canvas project, if the person you’ve decided to hire cannot provide proof of insurance, you may want to rethink your options. For complex projects that require drilling or installation of hardware, having a safety net in case of an error is key. An insurance policy provides this safety net.
If your boat is located at a marina or in a yard, contractors may be required to sign in and show proof of insurance in order to begin work. Be sure to check with the owner or management for any rules that might be in place so you don’t risk losing a deposit if the person you hire is not allowed to work there due to insurance issues.
Asking marine canvas shops up front about insurance should help alleviate any concerns and help narrow down your preferred options.
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.
Explore Our NJ and PA Marine Canvas Today!
Here at Elemental Enclosures, we are a fully insured shop that takes pride in delivering only the highest quality products to boat owners. Discover the difference a premium canvas install can make for your boat in New Jersey or Pennsylvania! Reach out today for advice on your next project!