DIY boat cover

[rnln]

Hi everyone,

Has anyone done it? I plan on doing it now, with WeatherMax80. If you know, can you please tell what kind/size of thread is best for the money/effort?

I did some search and found some recommendation of PTFE or Polytetrafluoroethylene thread, size between #96 to #138. Does anyone know specific?

Thanks in advance.

[908/930]

I assume you want to make a fitted cover, how big is the boat? Do you have access to an industrial sewing machine? The V-92 should be fine but you are pushing the limits of regular sewing machine, some of the really old ones would have a better chance. I normally use V-69 Polyester thread for my sail repairs. The polyester thread with uv stabilizer does fail when used for sail covers left exposed to the sun all the time.

[rnln]

thanks for responding. I didn't know my writing is that bad. No wonder I have no response on this question anywhere. Let me try to make it better.

22' boat. It turn out to be around 30' total.

I am trying to sew a boat cover myself, one that last. Why not tarp? I have been using tarps, 10 and 11 mil, but it doesn't last longer than couple months, especially summer. So I bought some WeatherMax80 and try to sew it myself to fit my boat. I do have access to a commercial sewing machine and can use it.

The question is thread type/size, and needle size.

Many people recommended Sailrite. Sailrite is selling their PTFE Lifetime, sounds good to me but very expensive. Therefore, I don't want to buy too much more than I need. They have 800 yards and 1,600 yard. Does anyone know the ball part of how much thread I need? 300 yards maybe?

Thanks.

[908/930]

Sewing that size will be a bit of a struggle just moving material around but can be done, hopefully a fairly large room. The 800 yards should be enough depending how many darts you do for fitting and then hemming the perimeter.

Sailright specs#18 for the V 92 PTFE. They sell good quality threads, I have purchased mostly polyester and have been disappointed from some other sources. If you decide to use UV polyester thread use black colour, I believe dark colour to be slightly more resistant to UV damage.

Different machines use different types of needles, you will need to know what sewing machine it is, expect to break about 5 of them.

[rnln]

thanks guys,

going to SailRite.com and found these. Knowing the UV bonded Polyester wont' last that long, but prices between it and the PTFE LifeTime is significant different. It is so tempting on the UV Bonded Polyester
Does anyone know how long the WeatherMax80 should last?
Thanks.

PTFE Lifetime
825 yards
V92
$76

Heavy Tanara lubricate
950 yards
V92
$144

UV Bonded Polyester
1,350 yards
V92
$18

[Scott R]

Why bother? Iboats has a cover foe everything. And the last forever. My wake boat has been in storage two years the cover looks like new.

[Baz]

Wishing the OP luck in his endeavour.

I had a local gentleman make one for my 2 boats quite a few years ago out of Sunbrella. He did a fantastic job and I thought the cost was very reasonable.

I've since sold the sailboat, but still have the Mako center console.

For anyone else in the same boat - you may want to check for any local craftsmen, as I did.

To purchase online - I've found this company to do a very good job with a very user-friendly website to order from:

https://www.boatcoversdirect.com/

[rnln]

Thanks Baz and everyone,

Hi Scott,
too bad, mine is staying outside. As far as I searched, most cover last between 3 to 10+ years or so. The 10+ years is with good material. Making it myself, I don't care about the look, but I do care the material and the fit... and save a lot, if I can make it. I am seeing people are getting custom cover up to almost $2k with the WeatherMax80. I think it'll cost me around $300 max DIY.

[Baz]

Quick followup on my post above. I took out my old Sunbrella cover that was custom made and it was still in very good condition but needed a few repairs. I have someone here locally that does that kind of work and at some point will run it by her, but in the meantime decided to buy another from the company I referenced:

https://www.boatcoversdirect.com/

They are located in South Carolina - so my cover was custom made in the USA.

Color: Storm Gray
Part#: 70019S
Made to Order: 21 days
Manufacturer: MAKO
Model: 19 O/B W/ HIGH BOW RAIL
Years: 68-84
Material: Sun-DURA

Total cost incl. tax & delivery (UPS) was $432.38 - and also included a set of tie downs

Took 2 weeks from date of order to delivery.

I installed the cover this morning and took about 15 minutes total including the tie downs. I didn't install all the tie downs - just enough to secure it - but the way it fit like a glove I'm not sure I even needed them!

No affiliation - credit due where deserved - and maybe this info will help someone here.....