Calling all canvas people....Let's have an honest discussion....

I bought a 98 290 sundancer that sat under shrinkwrap for 7 years. All canvas was hung in his garage but in great shape. After hours of trying to put it all together i realized that this was not going to work and that the canvas had shrunk a bit. I did some research and found this company. Super easy to install and adds about 1 inch to your zip. After installing everything fit perfect. View attachment 76024 View attachment 76025 View attachment 76026 View attachment 76027
My boat has a couple places where the snaps dont reach. I couldn't find the zipper extender but theres lots of snap extenders. I'm gonna try those.
 
Google. Ez extend boat zipper. Thats the site i got mine at. I think the button extenders will be a pain in the ass for ya. Just my 2 cents
 
My boat has a couple places where the snaps dont reach. I couldn't find the zipper extender but theres lots of snap extenders. I'm gonna try those.

If you look at a couple posts, the zipper extender ad comes up on this site, they are a sponsor.

I used them on my 20 year old canvas, worked great!
 
The windshield sunshade on my boat will need replacement this spring; it's made from Phifertex. I'm thinking of using this as a learning experience in canvas making. I've been taking in the Sailrite videos which are excellent.
What are the thoughts on the Sailrite LS-1 Premium machine and accessories?
Thanks!
 
The windshield sunshade on my boat will need replacement this spring; it's made from Phifertex. I'm thinking of using this as a learning experience in canvas making. I've been taking in the Sailrite videos which are excellent.
What are the thoughts on the Sailrite LS-1 Premium machine and accessories?
Thanks!

My thought process when buying the Sailrite machine last year was that if I got the LS-1 I'd find a need for the zig-zag stitch within days of owning the unit that doesn't do zig-zag. So I went with the LSZ-1.

I haven't yet used the zig zag feature. It's like buying a snow blower and having no snow for the next 3 seasons I suspect :)

The Sailrite is awesome, FWIW. It's been great to learn on. I'll be doing new spot light and windlass covers next week. Fun small stuff.
 
The windshield sunshade on my boat will need replacement this spring; it's made from Phifertex. I'm thinking of using this as a learning experience in canvas making. I've been taking in the Sailrite videos which are excellent.
What are the thoughts on the Sailrite LS-1 Premium machine and accessories?
Thanks!

Awesome machine and a great company to deal with. I started with the LSZ a while ago and now it is my dedicated portable. I take it everywhere I need to do onsite repairs.

If you do not think you will need the zigzag the LS-1 will save a little money. I will comment that while I do not use the zigzag often I regularly use the needle positioning (part of the zigzag function) to move the needle left or right - especially with zippers. It will easily handle the Phifertex.

-Kevin
 
Some more comments on the project. You may wish to consider using Tenara thread since it will always be exposed to the sun. The thread is a bit more money but will not degrade in the hot sun. Also there are two grades of Phifertex that will block varying levels of sun while still giving a little visibility.

-Kevin
 
Some more comments on the project. You may wish to consider using Tenara thread since it will always be exposed to the sun. The thread is a bit more money but will not degrade in the hot sun. Also there are two grades of Phifertex that will block varying levels of sun while still giving a little visibility.

-Kevin
Understand - what is the difference between PTFE Lifetime and Tenara Lifetime threads?
Planned on using the Phifertex Plus for more shading.
Also I plan to have a Sunbrella binding all around the shade. Pretty much how they show in the Sailrite video for a window sunshade except mine will be nearly 24 feet long and 5 feet high..
 
Understand - what is the difference between PTFE Lifetime and Tenara Lifetime threads?
Planned on using the Phifertex Plus for more shading.
Also I plan to have a Sunbrella binding all around the shade. Pretty much how they show in the Sailrite video for a window sunshade except mine will be nearly 24 feet long and 5 feet high..

Tenara is a Trademark of Gore.

Depending on what you need we may also be able to help you out with the supplies - PM me when you are ready to order and I can check with my distributors. Let me know if you have any other questions.

-Kevin
 
Awesome machine and a great company to deal with. I started with the LSZ a while ago and now it is my dedicated portable. I take it everywhere I need to do onsite repairs.

If you do not think you will need the zigzag the LS-1 will save a little money. I will comment that while I do not use the zigzag often I regularly use the needle positioning (part of the zigzag function) to move the needle left or right - especially with zippers. It will easily handle the Phifertex.

-Kevin
I'm assuming being able to move the needle from center is relative to the foot and feed dog right?
Is this an advantage to getting different feet?
The LZ model is only 1/10 of a boat buck more expensive than the LS model.
 
I'm assuming being able to move the needle from center is relative to the foot and feed dog right?
Is this an advantage to getting different feet?
The LZ model is only 1/10 of a boat buck more expensive than the LS model.

With the LS-1 you really need different feet to get closer on either side but the LSZ-1 does allow for the needle to move Left-Center-Right for positioning. Even with that ability you may wish to have the left and right zipper feet as the basic remove one half of the presser foot based on the side. This is helpful with zippers where the presser foot may occupy to much of the zipper fabric.

I believe the standard foot has the tunnel for running standard piping (welt) through it. So unless you need a larger welt you are going to be ok.

-Kevin
 
With the LS-1 you really need different feet to get closer on either side but the LSZ-1 does allow for the needle to move Left-Center-Right for positioning. Even with that ability you may wish to have the left and right zipper feet as the basic remove one half of the presser foot based on the side. This is helpful with zippers where the presser foot may occupy to much of the zipper fabric.

I believe the standard foot has the tunnel for running standard piping (welt) through it. So unless you need a larger welt you are going to be ok.

-Kevin
Understand - Thanks for the help.
 
I will second this...Being able to move the needle from center has helped me...
Here’s one more vote for Zig-Zag.

I haven’t done zig zag stitching yet, but being able to move the needle left or right of center is well worth the added cost. I find it most useful when installing piping between 2 pieces. It really helps to tighten things up and hide the stitching.
 
A slow January Saturday and my fourth attempt at sewing with a Sailrite (coming from zero sewing experience). I should have started with something this simple last year :)

The factory spotlight cover is on the right in the classic 90's tan canvas...
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Sewing those 90 degree box corners are a PITA eh? I finished my first full enclosure a couple of weeks ago on a 36 Avanti. My buddy is thrilled with the project but he doesn't see the flaws that I do. He got a great enclosure for about $1500 in material and I got to learn on someone elses dime. Next project is to remodle my aft bridge inclosure in the spring. I clearly still have a lot to learn.
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Got my Sailrite sewing machine and any other do-dad they had to do canvas and upholstery. Besides a few tool bag training things my first amateur project:
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