www.iFourWinns.com

I spent Sunday in a big rainstorm and found several leaks in the canvas, I'm wondering if anyone else has them.

Some was just making sure that the flaps, snaps and velco are set right and are easy fixes.

But on the main top piece, behind the arch, I seem to be getting leaks at the seams. Where the fabric is looped over the horizontal cross members there are pretty big holes from the sewing needle and water comes right in.

In front of the arch, the water gets inside the loop and travels along the loop and runs out the ends. One end dumps on the dash board cover and then on the engine controls. Eventually this runs into the starboard armrest stowage. On the port side this drips on the port lounge and eventually into the stowage below.

Finally, the screened pieces on the side of the camper section leak at the zippers. This seems to run down screen and pool at the bottom of the U section. Eventually these leak down the inside of the clear vinyl and then out under the piece.

So I'm thinking 303 waterproofing will work on the sunbrella canvas seams, but what about the zippers?

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2008 V358 Two-tone Blue V/P Dual Prop 320 HP
Lake Winnipesaukee, NH

Use the 303 waterproofing and that will help in a major way. As far the other leaks I think you may just have to accept the fact the top is not going to prevent all the leaks. I have some water leakage near the helm in heavy rain, so just laying a towel near the leak keeps the mess down.

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Fred 248Vista
So much water so little time!

No leaks to speak of in original 8 year old canvas. A couple of drops by the walk thru in a heavy rain storm is about all I have ever had. 303 is your friend.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Try waxing the zippers. Our 245 Sundowner had full camper canvas and we re-water proofed it, which took care of the sewing seam holes, as well as kept it drier overall. We then waxed the zippers to help keep them from leaking. Camping/Outdoor outfitters have specific sealant for seams and zippers, too.

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Gordon Arnold
New Hampshire

2003 268 Vista ..................................................................Prior: 97 245 Sundowner

I use 303 as well! I have realistic expectations with some leaking, it is a soft top with many zippers and places for some water to get in. But it is a boat and made to get wet, I place a towel on dash if needed.

Really the only time I remember any leaking was in a down pour and we were heading into the wind. The wind was pushing water through the zippers.

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2000 248 5.7L DP
'92, '94 SXI 750, '08 STX 15F, '12 Ultra LX 300
Videos

The canvas are made by Great Lakes Boating in Michigan. You're apparently not the only person to have leak issues with those locations. Perhaps a call to them is in order, if only to see what they recommend. I use 303 on mine and they've been fine.

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista