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Meridian · 12-02-2007, 12:47

We are in the process of constructing some chaps for our Avon 310 dinghy, and I had a question as to the various ways of securing the chaps-material (sunbrella) to the hypalon tubes.
Aggressive use of velcro seems to be the logical choice, but I'm concerned that it will de-adhese (come unstuck) when I deflate the dink to store it.
1) Does anyone have experience with velcro in this way, and has yours stayed put?
2) other than velcro, what are ways to secure the fabric material to the dinghy tubes?
Thanks,
John

sv_makai · 12-02-2007, 14:43

Our chaps for our caribe were made in PLC Ven. They are attached by snaps that are glued to the tubes. Oriente Canvas cut squares of hypolon and then attached them. After 2 years they work perfectly. I think the snaps perfrom much better than velcro.

AnchorageGuy · 12-02-2007, 16:23

John, The Velcro will go in no time. Sew in a draw string around the bottom of the cover, be sure it extends well below the rub strake, and use the snaps through glued on pieces as Bil suggested. We cut the pieces in circles. Just looks a bit nicer then squares.The male snaps are attached to the circle, then the circle is glued to the tubes. Position the cover and mark the snap placement with a piece of chalk then put the female snaps on the cover. Space them as efficiently as you need them based on the shape of your inflatable

AnchorageGuy · 12-02-2007, 16:40

If you look hard you can see what I mean.

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Meridian · 12-02-2007, 17:28

Thanks for the ideas, guys.
Chuck, that's a great looking cover. How long has it been in place?
Thanks again,
John

AnchorageGuy · 12-02-2007, 18:04

Getting on 2 1/2 years old now but not at the time of that photo. It is still it pretty good shape though. 2 years of concrete wharfs, rough dinghy docks and hammering by some pretty rugged Pangas in the western Caribbean has made it prove its worth.

hellosailor · 12-02-2007, 19:04

The snaps sound good, but you could use velcro the same way. Sew 2" velcro to strips of hypalon (or whatever your dink is made of) and then glue the strips to the dink with the matching adhesive. I wonder if tire inner tube rubber would work.

Odds are the snap would be cheaper though. Toggle buttons probably would also work.

marc · 21-04-2007, 14:02

Just as a side, on locating the proper location of the female snap on the cover. I pull the fabric into position, then (carefully) burn a hole in the center of the impression made by the male part of the snap with a small tip butane soldering iron. Just burn enough to locate the center. Then remove the cover & install the snaps. Perfect fit, every time.

Marc

blahman · 19-04-2011, 11:57

Hey all,

I know this is an old thread, but I figured it worth adding to. We recently acquired a West Marine RIB310 of the PVC variety. The boat is in very good shape (after a small fiberglass repair and reinforcement), so I figured I'd build chaps to help save the PVC from the south Florida sun.

I had a bunch of two and three yard sections of Sunbrella lying around from projects completed for others, so rather than buy new stuff, I used the extras. Yep, she has six - count em! - SIX colors. The beige patches on top are just for a light, cool place to sit, and extra reinforcement. Perhaps a bit of an eye full, but it sure is easy to recognize the dink at a dock.

For patterning I used clear shower curtains purchased at a dollar store: good, heavyish plastic that clings to the tubes. Heavy visqueen or paint drop cloth would work. For the drawstring hold down, rather than make a hem in the sunbrella, I used some 3" folded dacron sail leach tape I had leftover (well, I still did a hem for strength, but I think the dacron is a better idea for the drawstring). On the inside, I sewed some 1" polyester webbing straps to hold oars, and a bunch of loops for attaching bags or pouches. I also put little loops on the exterior in such a way that we lace little finders along the exterior.

We patterned in the cool morning, sewed that evening and night, did a couple test fits and corrections the next morning, finishing that afternoon. About eight hours invested, and it was pretty easy. I highly suggest adding chaps to your dink!

Cheers,
Aaron

**sarafina** · 19-04-2011, 12:10

I suggest naming your dingy 'motley' or 'harlequin'!

Nice work.

Palarran · 19-04-2011, 13:49

Blahman, Nice job. I'm glad you found the old tread - it's given me some ideas also.

blahman · 19-04-2011, 14:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarafina

... 'harlequin'!...

Interesting idea, although every time I'd look at it I'd hear the lament "Vesti la gubbia", from Leoncavallo's Pagliacci! I don't want to be saddened by it!