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Canvas Troubles
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Author:  SW Florida Dave [ Wed Mar 17, 2010 7:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Canvas Troubles
Has anyone had trouble with the canvas shrinking? I am having a tough time with the corners of the camper canvas on our 318 not coming close to snapping any longer. I thought it was just the cool weather but it won't even pull when it has sat in the sun. The real kicker happened last Sunday when the eisenglass ripped about 5" along the zipper on the door access. Needless to say I am not a happy camper right now.
Author:  230 Mike [ Wed Mar 17, 2010 9:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Canvas Troubles
I have more of a problem with it stretching to the point where one of the support poles is no longer long enough.
Author:  jnizi [ Wed Mar 17, 2010 10:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Canvas Troubles
We have had similar issues primarily on the center windshield. I made a couple of snap extenders to help solve the issue. We do see that when its cold, we have no stretch and the edges have strained seams.

We normally start by getting the zippers started and inch or two, snapping all the snaps and then completing the zippers. That seems to put less stress on the eisenglas. The exception is the center windshield piece so that's why I added the extenders when I can't pull it enough.
Author:  ardy [ Thu Mar 18, 2010 1:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Canvas Troubles
230 Mike wrote:
I have more of a problem with it stretching to the point where one of the support poles is no longer long enough.

The driveway will do that for you after a while
(hehehe)
Author:  230 Mike [ Thu Mar 18, 2010 2:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Canvas Troubles
I must be tired, I backed right into that one. :evil:
Author:  cougarcruiser [ Thu Mar 18, 2010 9:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Canvas Troubles
jnizi wrote:
We have had similar issues primarily on the center windshield. I made a couple of snap extenders to help solve the issue. We do see that when its cold, we have no stretch and the edges have strained seams.

We normally start by getting the zippers started and inch or two, snapping all the snaps and then completing the zippers. That seems to put less stress on the eisenglas. The exception is the center windshield piece so that's why I added the extenders when I can't pull it enough.



JNizi -- isn't your boat under warranty? Seems like new canvas would be in order?

I find that mine is either too loose or too tight just about everywhere. In no place on my boat is it 'just right'. it drives me nuts.
Author:  jsimon [ Thu Mar 18, 2010 1:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Canvas Troubles
I too have this problem form time to time. I know when the sumbrella is damp it does stretch a little. I also start the zippers just an inch or two then make all the snaps, the zip up the zipper.

I have never been able to put my finger on it, but my starboard aft curtain is the one that gives me the most trouble, one time it will be fine and the next time it seems to small. Not sure if it is just very slightly damp when I take to down then it shrinks or what.
Author:  SW Florida Dave [ Thu Mar 18, 2010 9:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Canvas Troubles
I did purchase as much warranty as I could get, that is a good thought. I am going to call them in the morning.
Thanks for the heads up. I have tried the zipper thing but it seems to put so much stress on them I decided to leave a few snaps undone instead.
Author:  jnizi [ Fri Mar 19, 2010 7:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Canvas Troubles
FW did replace 5 pieces of canvas at the end of last year. At that point, it was in the 50s so I have not had the chance to evaluate how everything fits.

We have a great local company that does custom canvas and I have them coming out to either fix some of the pieces or replace what does not work well. I know this is an additional expense but having loose canvas drive me crazy.

I am also looking at a windshield cover to protect the front glass during the week when we are not on the boat. I don't know if anyone else had a condensation issue late in the season but in the very cool temps, we would have a moisture build up during the week inside the cockpit. We had some mold on the top canvas and we are looking at how to allow better airflow.

I will be happy to share any solutions he finds. Not to give FW a pass on poorly designed canvas but I realize they provide a one size fits all solution for a wide variety of geographic areas.
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