After a Storm

August 5, 2024

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. 

    • Using Format