Dinghy Chaps? Draw String Material?

[JohnnyB]

Howdy Folks...

We are currently attempting to make a set of dinghy chaps for out Caribe LT-10.

We are making the pattern (paper and tape), and have some bungee cord, 1/4 inch on a bulk spool. Would this work well for the draw string that goes around the base of the dingy chaps and pulls tight on the dinghy below the rub rail?

Should we be using something else?

Thanks...

[bearphish]

i would think that the bungee would break down quicker, do to the elastic. i personally would use something like 550 cord. just google it. it is cheap, and like the name indicates is rated to 550+ pounds. lasts a long time too. just my two cents. good luck. i'm sewing up friggin curtains.

[AnchorageGuy]

Cord is a much better option. The bungee will loose it's elastic quickly. We have the same dinghy with the drawstring. It is going on a couple of years of hard use now.

[wind rose ll]

Chuck;
I am in awe of the chaps you have on your dingy, could you advise if you had sewn these up yourself and what kind of sewing machine did you use? Are they sunbrella?
How are they secured ?
Regards.
Dave

[AnchorageGuy]

Dave, yes we sewed this ourselves sitting at anchor in Isla Mujeras. We have a Sailrite machine and the material is Sunbrella. Best to make the pattern out of clear shower curtain material that way you can see where to mark cut outs. A good explanation Can be found at
Custom cover for your inflatable (dinghy)

[Zoria]

Why would you want chaps? I could guess but I'd like to know the real reason someone would want these.

[janders]

Originally Posted by Zoria

Why would you want chaps? I could guess but I'd like to know the real reason someone would want these.

UV damage

[Kasidah]

I just finished our dinghy chaps but added a nice suncover on the bow which will be great for the dogs to get out of the sun or to help keep things dry if we catch a wave or some rain. I have a zipper in the middle of it and a batten that helps it keep its shape, which rolls right up with it when not in use. Now my husband has requested a drink holder..... A printed some directions on the sailrite site then just used my imagination. I have a 1959 singer 328k, I have made many items for the boat including new interior cushions, full encloser for the cockpit, covers for wheel and hatches ect... Never sewed until two seasons ago.

[Labatt]

I know we're sewing up chaps so that we reduce the chafe on the dinghy and our boat when we have it stowed on the foredeck. We scraped some of the hypalon outer skin off of our dinghy already on our last short passage, and our teak grab rails are getting eaten up by abrasion. We're hopeful the cover will help reduce the wear and tear.