time to replace the canvas?

[Pachanga Boy]

so the wife is looking into replacing all our cavas (cha-ching!) and I'm sort of having issues of deciding what all needs replaced. nearly all my curtains have cracked isenglass, thanks to a hail storm) and all the zippers are toast so that's a no brainer but, the big question (and likely expense) is do I need to replace the top? zippers, snaps and seams all are in good condition about the only issue we have is leaks. does sunbrella "wear out" I've tried water proofing and it's helped some but hasn't eliminated the issue as it seems to always leak in a heavy rain usually around the support bars. will new canvas on top fix that or do I need to find a better way to waterproof it? I just hate to blow the money for a top that's not needed. wife is convinced it's time purely because you can see little specs of light coming through the material on a sunny day, to be honestly I'm not sure if that's a sign or not.

 

[Danny Troy]

I had some specks of light coming through on my last boat, but using the 303 protectant ( http://www.amazon.com/303-High-Fabric-Guard-Gallon/dp/B0000AY1W7 ) seemed to keep it in check. I would hit it with a good coating, top and bottom, and that should do the job. Have you used this type protectant on the canvas once or twice a year? If you do get new canvas, I would opt for the coated Sunbrella called SeaMark. That requires no maintenance, and the bottom is less likely to develop mold.

 

[jrseitz]

If you don't replace all of it you will be kicking yourself this spring when half of it looks all new and bright and the other half doesn't!

 

[Pachanga Boy]

I had some specks of light coming through on my last boat, but using the 303 protectant ( http://www.amazon.com/303-High-Fabric-Guard-Gallon/dp/B0000AY1W7 ) seemed to keep it in check. I would hit it with a good coating, top and bottom, and that should do the job. Have you used this type protectant on the canvas once or twice a year?

yup used the 303 about 3 or 4 times this year in an effort to seal it up. that said I only did the top it wasn't until I did the bottom side this fall. go figure it never really rained after that.

jrseitz. my hope is that I can reuse the curtains they just need new windows and zippers. so my hope was to reuse the existing canvas and simply upgrade/enlarge with new windows.

 

[Quint4]

If you are seeing daylight through it, it is worn out. I suppose you limp through another season with it if all new is not in the budget.

Greg, clear your inbox so I can send you a private message.