Quality Counts in Marine Canvas
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. At Elemental Enclosures, we use only the highest quality materials for all of our custom marine canvas and enclosure installations to ensure quality and longevity.
Thread
Thread literally holds your boat canvas together. Eliminating degradation and ensuring a strong and capable thread is imperative to eliminate weak points where a seam can come undone and put undue pressure on the entire canvas cover.
Polyester thread is strong and cheap, but it is not well-suited for exposure to sunlight. After a few seasons, its strength begins to diminish resulting in loose seams and potential failure of canvas. If your product is being fabricated with polyester thread, consider how often it will be exposed to the sun and how long you plan to use it. If you’re only using it once in a while, or only need it short-term, it may be okay; however, for any long lasting product that has UV exposure, we suggest avoiding it.
PTFE thread, which can cost up to four times more than polyester, is 100% UV resistant and will maintain its tensile properties indefinitely. In addition to being able to stand up to the sun and its harsh rays, it is virtually chemical inert and non-flammable. These properties make it a safe, reliable, and long lasting option for boat canvas applications.
Canvas Fabric
When outfitting your boat with new canvas, the brand of material you select is important. Choosing a material that is warrantied by the manufacturer gives peace of mind that your cover or enclosure will be covered from defects, but did you know that choosing the right grade of canvas is just as important?
Sunbrella® is nearly synonymous with marine canvas these days. The company offers high quality products and a manufacturer’s warranty, but be sure to install the right grade for your application!
Sunbrella® Canvas Grades
Sunbrella® Grade A
This is the introductory grade and lowest cost Sunbrella® fabric. It is made from polyester or polyester blends and like all Sunbrella® fabrics, it resists water, mold, mildew and stains. On the flip side, it easily fades with exposure to sun and rain. It is recommended for covered areas or to be stored after each use. For most boaters, it is not a great choice in marine canvas.
Sunbrella® Grade B
This is the next step up from Grade A and a bit more expensive. It is made from a base of olefins which help resist fading and deterioration, but fading can still occur.
Sunbrella® Grade C
This Sunbrella® fabric, sometimes referred to as Marine Grade, is the premium-grade and most expensive version. It is made of acrylics which have been solution dyed for total color saturation. This process makes the canvas highly resistant to wear, tear, and fading. If you use your boat often or store it outdoors and in the elements, this is the canvas choice you want.
Clear Vinyl (Isinglass)
The use of clear vinyl, sometimes called isinglass, in marine trimming has come a long way from the hazy, wrinkled, and scratched vinyl of years’ past. If you are considering an enclosure that includes clear vinyl, ensuring clear views for the long term is well-worth the extra investment at time of installation.
Rolled vinyl is a budget friendly option that costs about three times less than press polished vinyl. Due to the manufacturing process, rolled vinyl is often more prone to visual distortion, scratching, brittleness, and discoloration over time.
Press polished, also called sheet vinyl, is a higher quality vinyl. The high heat and pressure used during the manufacturing process results in a superior clear vinyl window material that is long lasting. It costs more than rolled vinyl, but it will last long-term, resist scratching and discoloration, and offer clear views of the water as you’re underway. In addition, most companies that produce press polished vinyl offer warranties and support for their products.
Hardware
Hardware holds your canvas up while simultaneously securing it down tight. Selecting the appropriate hardware in terms of strength and material type is as important a consideration as any of the other elements that go into a boat canvas project.
Aluminum is an amazing lower cost metal with great qualities but may not always be the best choice for marine hardware. It can corrode and become chalky. It can also leave ugly black streaking.
Nylon hardware, while lightweight and often easy to manufacture, comes with other problems. Traditional threadlock applications are not compatible with plastic and can lead to brittleness and cracking. Other issues include chafe which can deform or wear the plastic down over time leading to failure.
Stainless steel and nickel plated brass or bronze hardware is a much better choice for any frames, snaps, or hooks that are installed on your boat. They will hold up long term to the elements, maintain their strength, and look good while doing it!
Discover the Elemental Difference!
There are many factors that should be considered when hiring a marine canvas company to fabricate and install your boat canvas. The type of materials being used is a major factor in both the price and the longevity and quality of the final product but it is not the only factor. Be sure to consider the shop’s experience and insurability when narrowing down your choices. At Elemental Enclosures, we check all the boxes!
Get Started Today!
Don’t wait another season to protect your boat and your crew from the elements! Reach out today to get started on your custom designed premium marine canvas install.