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canvas waterproofing

Discussion in 'Canvas & Upholstry' started by Robyn, Jul 31, 2009.

  1. Offline

    Robyn Seaman

    Message Count:
    49
    canvas waterproofing

    Hi! What kind of waterproofing brands are ok for the boat canvas. Can you use the same as for camping equipment or do you need a particular type. We are very new to boating and appreciate any input. Our boat has lot of water inside from the rain today.
  2. Offline

    ghettocop Ensign

    Message Count:
    1,034
    Re: canvas waterproofing

    Camping styles will work, and prolly a bit cheaper because they don't say "marine" on the lable.
  3. Offline

    Woofin Aweigh Ensign

    Message Count:
    1,007
    Re: canvas waterproofing

    I use '303', you can find it at most marine stores, I know West Marine carries it. Before we sprayed had lots of water dripping in our camper canvas. Sprayed down everything with 303, and now bone dry. Expensive, but well worth it!
  4. Offline

    Robyn Seaman

    Message Count:
    49
    Re: canvas waterproofing

    Thank-you for your replies. It is very helpful. Will probably stop at West Marine tomorrow on the way to the marina.
    R
  5. Offline

    Admiral Assistant Administrator

    Message Count:
    3,457
    Re: canvas waterproofing

    Depending on how bad your canvas is leaking... Mine was leak pretty bad since I washed the canvas. I used 303, but I had to essentually dump the entire bottle on the canvas until it finally stopped leaking. (303 is good stuff, it just took a lot)..

    Buddy of mine said, if you can find it by the gallon... The best thing to do if you really need to do a lot of canvas is to soak the canvas in a bucket full of waterproofer and then let it dry.
  6. Offline

    ghettocop Ensign

    Message Count:
    1,034
    Re: canvas waterproofing

    I have also been told to lay it out on the dock and roll it on with a paint roller. Let dry on a sunny day and re-install slowly.
  7. Offline

    Woofin Aweigh Ensign

    Message Count:
    1,007
    Re: canvas waterproofing

    Yes, I will be buying it in a gallon next year vs. the couple spray bottles I bought this year.
  8. Offline

    Kimmie Seaman

    Message Count:
    29
    Re: canvas waterproofing

    First clean your canvas with Woolite, never use a strong detergent. The products you use will penetrate the canvas pores far better if you clean it first. I don't know about soaking it in a bucket with your canvas treatment of choice however, spraying it down real good and placing it in a sealed plastic bag works very well. The idea is to minumize evaporation on the hot windy days. If you don't want to go through the trouble of removing the canvas from it's supports, spray soak it on a clear night..
  9. Offline

    Robyn Seaman

    Message Count:
    49
    Re: canvas waterproofing

    We washed the canvas and waterproofed it this past week. Yesterday we put the boat in the water for the first time. We had a great ride along the river. What a beautiful day.

    Another question though. The canvas and boot are really too hot and short to ride with so we took it off and put in the back of the truck. (This is a bowrider not a cruiser.) Then had to put it back on before we left. That doesn't seem like a great solution. The framing is too big and awkward to store on the boat while we are moving. What do people normally do with these canvas type setup??
  10. Offline

    juanita Moderator

    Message Count:
    1,591
    Re: canvas waterproofing

    Does it fold back and wrap around the pole? When we had the bimini canvas cover on our bowrider, we left it out for shade...didn't want the Captain or 6 year old getting burnt.
  11. Offline

    Admiral Assistant Administrator

    Message Count:
    3,457
    Re: canvas waterproofing

    I would think all you need to do is pull the front pins of the support pole, you should then be able to collapse the top back and then put the boot on for transport. Even the larger boats have the similar system or collapsing the support poles.

    If you can't collapse the poles and travel with the top still on the boat, I'm not sure a better solution other than what you are doing now.

    But if you have a "boot" as you say, then your top should be collapsible for transport. It may lean forward too, but I doubt it. Try just pulling the front support pole pins and leaning the top back. If that don't work, reconnect and try the rear.
  12. Offline

    Robyn Seaman

    Message Count:
    49
    Re: canvas waterproofing

    Ok,
    today we did get the frame to fold up and wrapped the canvas around it. thank-you for the suggestion.
  13. Offline

    ghettocop Ensign

    Message Count:
    1,034
    Re: canvas waterproofing

    Boating... Helping.. This is just what we do. I hope all worked out fer ya! Esp. the first time out last week.
  14. Offline

    Woofin Aweigh Ensign

    Message Count:
    1,007
    Re: canvas waterproofing

    Sounds like you got it fixed. I can try and find a pic of how we had ours set up on our bowrider if ya like.
  15. Offline

    ghettocop Ensign

    Message Count:
    1,034
    Re: canvas waterproofing

    Good idea. I would like to see that too, if you have one. We now have a bowrider. 36 footer is sold.. hahah. Now down to 3 boats. yeeee haw.
  16. Offline

    Robyn Seaman

    Message Count:
    49
    Re: canvas waterproofing

    I would like to see a picture if you have one. Thanks!
  17. Offline

    Woofin Aweigh Ensign

    Message Count:
    1,007
    Re: canvas waterproofing

    Best I could find. Hope it helps.
  18. Offline

    ghettocop Ensign

    Message Count:
    1,034
    Re: canvas waterproofing

    Hehehehe. That is too easy. I had 2 on YODA to put on. Wrap it and boot it. Saves alot of gas due to drag.

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