Carver Owners Forum

Arrived on board after a couple of days away. We left on Sunday when the winds we expected to gust up to 90 km. On the other side of the lake it hit 102km. Anyhow, upper canvas got ripped. Suggestions for repair work. I was thinking of just a patch that is wider than the current piece. Also was there anyway to prevent?

Assuming you have access to a sewing machine here..

I would take some basting tape and put the piece right back on the seam using the tape, then run a zigzag stitch along it. The tape will help waterproof the seam, and the zigzag stitch will give it some strength.
It looks like the thread that was used is getting towards the end of its life. How does the rest of the canvas look?

Have someone install a zipper on there. It makes it much easier to take it off and clean and re-waterproof it once in a while. I had someone do mine a few years ago.

EDIT... OOPS.. looking closer at the pic, looks like there is already a zipper near there!

chpsk8 wrote:Source of the post Assuming you have access to a sewing machine here..

I would take some basting tape and put the piece right back on the seam using the tape, then run a zigzag stitch along it. The tape will help waterproof the seam, and the zigzag stitch will give it some strength.
It looks like the thread that was used is getting towards the end of its life. How does the rest of the canvas look?

I like this option - a little less work, hopefully!!! The rest of the canvas looks okay. Hopefully a few more years before we need to replace.

Use Tenara teflon thread, polyester thread eventually breaks down in the sun.

Hi all... We'll Scurvy Dog,. Looks like you've got a simple issue, like Deckhand mentioned , as long as you have a machine, and aren't afraid to dive in. I had bought my 1988 , 3607 a couple years ago, and after finding out what it would cost to hire the repair, I went and bought an old singer direct drive 1591, and proceeded to learn to see and dove in. Initially, I was just going to do a couple repairs, and replace the front panels of Isinglass, so I could see out the front better. We'll, on thing led to another.... And I actually enjoyed the challenge.... And ended up doing many repairs, and replacing all "29" panels of Isinglass.
Ended up turning out really well for an amateur .
My best info was watching Sailrite videos on YouTube. I spent only about $600 on sewing machine, and materials, copaired to approx $6000-$8000 , if I would have hired it out.
I may attempt to build a new Bimini top this winter or next, just because I enjoyed the challenge.
So go for it!

I've also learned to sew with help of sailrite.. I purchased one of their machines about 10 yrs ago. I have made several things including redoing the interior softgoods and curtains and reupholstering the carver barrel chair in my 405. Its a great feeling but I don't know if I would make my living at this, although there's plenty of money to be made.

Oh so very true!!! Now that you mention it, our barrel chair is probably next on our list.!!!.
And actually I was thinking of doing small repairs around my area, after I retire. Sure would take a little of the hurt away hen topping of the tanks four or five times a season.......LOL

Nice job and the fact you did the work yourself is priceless. A great sense of accomplishment is something I would think you felt also.

There was nothing you could have done to prevent that. The stitching, while UV protected and pretty durable, does dry out & rot after a number of years. Should be a relatively easy repair, and the reseal with 303 fabric sealer/protectant. er