2001 260 Canvas (plz help this newbie!)

[Mark Smith]

Hello all, I recently found a 2001 260 that had been left in storage for several years and we just spent the last 4 months and lot more money than we had on reno her from bow to stern and replaced just about everything internally and heavily overhauled the mechanical systems and finally got her in the water yesterday. Unfortunately between then and today in less than 18 hours spider poop is covering the new vinyl cockpit and while we have the old cockpit cover it is almost unusable. Already over budget we have to get another one for her and I just can't spring for a new one. Any thoughts/suggestions/advice would be MUCH appreciate. It is the tan version of cover but if someone had one that was another color just in really good shape we would certainly consider. Thanks in advance!

 

[Espos4]

Why is it unusable?

Is it torn?

Has it shrunk and won’t fit?

If it has shrunk, try installing it in direct sun. Maybe it’ll stretch.

If it’s really short but in good shape, a canvas shop should be able to add some material to it.

 

[KevinC]

Yep, why is it unusable would be the question. Give us some details and we can probably provide some good suggestions.

However if it it truely usable and you need to get one we can get you brand new factory replacement. For a boat like yours a brand new one will not be that expensive ($550-$600) and all you will need to do is install the snaps. If you have any questions PM me here or get my info from www.covemarine.com and give me a call.

-Kevin

 

[Mark Smith]

Wow, thanks for the quick replies guys, esp on a holiday. My bad, I should have elaborated. The boat, externally and internally looks virtually brand new and having her in the slip with a cover that looks like it has been shot a few thousand times by black paintballs (spider poop- it is a HUGE problem here) and also is faded and the water that hit the top over the years spread the crap out and the whole thing just looks like total sh*t. No pun intended. We went all this way to make her look virtually new only cover her with a POS! The full enclosure and bimini look OK but i wouldn't mind getting the whole package new but $2500-3,000 cannot happen. I hope this helps. Thanks again guys.

 

[Windjammer]

Maybe take the thing to a commercial DIY laundromat. Wash 1 cycle with Ivory Dishwashing soap, rinse 2 or 3 cycles, put on the boat while it is still wet, and when completely dry, treat with 3M 303. Have also found Home Defense (Home Depot) does a pretty good job with spiders, if applied on a regular basis.

 

[Wanderer 290]

If the boat came with canvas as delivered from sea ray contact Great Lakes Canvas. They are the OEM and have your hull vin on file for an exact replacement at what I found to be very reasonable prices.

 

[KevinC]

Maybe take the thing to a commercial DIY laundromat. Wash 1 cycle with Ivory Dishwashing soap, rinse 2 or 3 cycles, put on the boat while it is still wet, and when completely dry, treat with 3M 303. Have also found Home Defense (Home Depot) does a pretty good job with spiders, if applied on a regular basis.

If it's Sunbrella you can even use a little bleach which will certainly help. As windjammer mentioned its best to then get it protected with a fabric waterproofer like 303 or Starbrite's protector. One thing to note is that it must air dry. Not not put it in the dryer or you will be buying a new cover.

-Kevin

 

[KevinC]

If the boat came with canvas as delivered from sea ray contact Great Lakes Canvas. They are the OEM and have your hull vin on file for an exact replacement at what I found to be very reasonable prices.

Our company Cove Marine is a distributor for Great Lakes (as well as a sponsor for CSR) and we offer discounts to CSR members year round. When it gets time for a new (or part of) enclosure give us a call and discuss your options. As mentioned Great Lakes manufactured most of these for Sea Ray and what you would be getting is exactly the same product as if you picked the boat up new from a Sea Ray dealer. They are what I used on my boat when I owned a 2003 260DA.

-Kevin

 

[BillK2632]

As suggested try washing it first - I've done mine (20yrs old) at the laundromat, just a regular cycle - detergent, cup of bleach, then treat with 303. They come out like new. Just don't put in the dryer.

 

[MonacoMike]

In addition to above spider poop usually fades in the sun over time. Clean it and put the installed canvas in the sun.

MM

 

[Mark Smith]

Thanks to all of you for your time and responses. I will try the commercial washer this weekend and if it doesn't work out, I will follow KevinC's and Wanderer 290 advice. I am glad I joined this group, you guys are awesome!