The Boating Forum - Anyone make your own canopy? Snaps, zippers, windows etc...

One kid in hockey and piano $$$, another princess in figure skating, dance and soccer $$$, private school for both. Between summer hockey clinics and figure skating camps, I should have a 46 Tolly but instead have a 26 bayliner. Anyone make their own full enclosure canopy with snaps, zippers and windows? I'm a real handy guy - very good at metal fabrication. I never sewed anything in my life before but I think I can do it.

I need an HD sewing machine though but I figure once I learn how to do it, it will be worth it.

Anyone have experience at this?

I was having the same thoughts and wound up paying to have it done. Once i got it back I realized i couldn;t havve done it.

One kid in hockey and piano $$$, another princess in figure skating, dance and soccer $$$, private school for both. Between summer hockey clinics and figure skating camps, I should have a 46 Tolly but instead have a 26 bayliner. Anyone make their own full enclosure canopy with snaps, zippers and windows? I'm a real handy guy - very good at metal fabrication. I never sewed anything in my life before but I think I can do it.

I need an HD sewing machine though but I figure once I learn how to do it, it will be worth it.

Anyone have experience at this?

There is a sail making kit with hd sewing machine that is also used for making bimini's, bow dodger's, enclosures. They have kits with instruction on how to make each. I just suddenly blanked out on the company name but try through sail-net.com or is is sailnet.com? They should have a link to it.

They also have all the necessary materials..

Company name is Sailrite. Try a search and go to site.

I'm hoping to make a tent w big windows that fits over arch and canopy so I can use boat when temp drop below 50. Also when I go places too far to return same day. Throw it over Arch and canopy and attach it to boat with suction cup so there are no holes. I saw a CC boat in the Pac NW with the same idea. Good thing for when it rains oernight or it promises cold.

I was having the same thoughts and wound up paying to have it done. Once i got it back I realized i couldn;t havve done it.

Why is that?

Alot of the things I dont have a clue how I'd measure. In my mind it seemed simple but looking at it I'm not sure. He made everything fit super tight, but easily removable. Mine is made of strataglass which I believe is pretty expensive? I feel like my trial and error with it would cost. Also he had some really cool ideas that he did because the guy I took it to does a lot of cc enlosures.

Alot of the things I dont have a clue how I'd measure. In my mind it seemed simple but looking at it I'm not sure. He made everything fit super tight, but easily removable. Mine is made of strataglass which I believe is pretty expensive? I feel like my trial and error with it would cost. Also he had some really cool ideas that he did because the guy I took it to does a lot of cc enlosures.

Well I'm not thinking I can make the same quality as a professional. But I'm pretty sure I can make a set of "acceptable" quality canopies.

I'm going for it.

Go for it. Post pics if can

i'm toying with the idea of replacing the plastic window insert on the forward t-top curtain with a thin piece of plexiglass but haven't researched how i would attach. i'd like to retain the fabric frame if for no other reason that it fits very well and matches the side curtains.

just think the visibility would improve and i'd be more inclined to keep it attached more often.

anyone have lessons learned on a similar project to share?

obtw, roger the poverty of piano, dance, vocals, goal keeper, college prep, HS band, swimming, flute, drum etc lessons, fees, rentals, trips, uniforms,whatever. Figure one sacrifices 5-10 linear feet of boat per kid but well worth it if I never see them at a Wallstreet boycott, hustling or dancing at a strip club.

last Xmas I bought a Tacsew T111 for $800.00. I never sewed anything either, but I have to say, I made a few small items [cover for my BBQ Grill, dinghy, etc.], and the stuff came out pretty good. Sailrite has the best video tutorials, and I looked at covers at the marina to see how they are made. I'm a carpenter so measuring and laying out is not a problem. Anything is possible, no matter how big the job is, just need to break everything down into small steps, and you should have no problems...

Good Luck
Joe D

Go for it. Post pics if can

Definately, first step is to get a sewing machine. I've never used one before but how hard can it be?

i'm toying with the idea of replacing the plastic window insert on the forward t-top curtain with a thin piece of plexiglass but haven't researched how i would attach. i'd like to retain the fabric frame if for no other reason that it fits very well and matches the side curtains.

just think the visibility would improve and i'd be more inclined to keep it attached more often.

anyone have lessons learned on a similar project to share?

obtw, roger the poverty of piano, dance, vocals, goal keeper, college prep, HS band, swimming, flute, drum etc lessons, fees, rentals, trips, uniforms,whatever. Figure one sacrifices 5-10 linear feet of boat per kid but well worth it if I never see them at a Wallstreet boycott, hustling or dancing at a strip club.

I hear ya. I really should be in moorage with at least a 36' boat and not a 26' bayliner on the hitch. I'm just hoping my son doesn't take an interest in playing goalie (hockey). If so better start learning how to row.

Ok here is the latest in clear plastic windows for your canopy ... just google the terms

Strataglass
Bayer Makrolon
Isenglass

I bought a used canvas making sewing machine on ebay for about $200.... Works great and will go through 6 layers of sunbrella no problem. Its a Necchi model of some sort.

Harder part is getting me to sew straight. ;-)

I learned the hard way that zig zag stitches may "look" strong but are just decorative. Use a straight stitch and double up....

Can be a great way to save money but be prepared for your first attempt to look like crap....

-Dave

last Xmas I bought a Tacsew T111 for $800.00. I never sewed anything either, but I have to say, I made a few small items [cover for my BBQ Grill, dinghy, etc.], and the stuff came out pretty good. Sailrite has the best video tutorials, and I looked at covers at the marina to see how they are made. I'm a carpenter so measuring and laying out is not a problem. Anything is possible, no matter how big the job is, just need to break everything down into small steps, and you should have no problems...

Good Luck
Joe D

I totally agree - break it down, use what skills and experience you have, ask others, youtube, web search, message forums. Last dock I sat and stared at the seams on my canopy for a good hour and just ran through in my head how ot do it. My wife has some experience sewing as I guess most women do.

I googled Tacsew T111, I'm not sure how sewing machines are rated ... I've looked at several so far. That thing strong enough to go through 2-3 layers of canvas?

You need a good industrial sewing machine with a walking foot and walking needle to pull the heavy fabric through the machine a good one is a Consew 226R. Then you need to learn how to fit the material, then learn how and what to sew. It can be done, but won't look pretty. I worked as a fitter and installer for a canvas company, my wife worked as a seamstress for a canvas company and also sewed sails for North Sails, we make our own.

We own the Tacsew, It's a great machine, Will easily sew thru several layers of canvas. The key is the walking foot. Very important.
We found you also need a big working area for you project, boat covers get really heavy.
Sailrite has great videos. Good source for materials like zippers, etc. I personally cannot sew, but my husband has made some beautiful items. It takes alot of patience.

I've done it using sailrites machine, replacing glass on your existing canvas is very easy. If you are replacing an old enclosure using the old one as a template is a snap. I've done this about six years ago. After the first year of just replacing existing enclosures I got confident enough to make a full enclosure both winter and summer, and they ame out great. I saved thousands of dollars.