We all know the
importance of removing your canvas for an impending storm.

Remove biminis, dodgers , and
enclosures to reduce windage
Secure frames so they can’t
bang around
Remove covers that aren’t
protecting electronics or anything that can’t get wet- if you choose to
keep a cover on it’s recommended to lash it securely ( for example a
pedestal cover, wrap it up with some rope or if you keep the mainsail on
keep the cover on it, just wrap it up with rope)
Store canvas down below pay
particular attention to the clear vinyl windows - don’t stack anything on
them and place a sheet or something between the panels

Once storm has
passed , you got to put it all back together and now is a great time to evaluate
the condition of your canvas. You might as well fix it now before you put it
back together. Here are 4 things to
check for as you reinstall your canvas

Condition of the fabric
itself

Check for tears
or abrasions - even small wear spots or tears can turn into big problems

Water resistance- once
sunbrella starts to lose it’s water repellent coating (this varies
greatly but depending on color it’s around 5 -7 years for light colors
and 10-12 years for dark colors) you can recoat it every 4-6 months with
303 and get a couple extra years
out of it. But now is a great time to recoat since you want to take it
off the frame to do so

Check zippers

Check for missing
teeth- in particular where the zipper starts

Check for damaged pin(fabric
usually starts to wear out )

Check for chalkiness or just
dirty

Check for corrosion on the
pull

Check the stitching that
attaches the zipper to the fabric

Check frame

Great Time to
take out all pins, reinstall with anti seize

Check set screws- those tiny
screws that take a 1/8” Allen wrench-really important these don’t slip
because the canvas will not fit properly if it’s out of whack

Finally- great time to clean
up stainless tubing with metal wax

Check clear vinyl

Check for hazing
of the glass, discoloration or brittleness-all signs the glass is at the
end of its life. If the canvas is in good condition maybe possible to
swap out the glass for some nice new clear glass

Again, it’s a great time to
show the glass some love with some scratch remover and polish before
reinstalling.

Boat Canvas tips and tricks

After a Storm