Bimini Material

Pelagic · 09-02-2008, 17:14

Did a search but found nothing specific as to the best material for my application.

I have extended the stainless supports for my canvas Bimini so as to provide full shade and rain protection underway in our rather large cockpit. Presently we have zip on attachments to the main frame but they are too sloppy and unsupported to provide good cover in strong winds or rain. I now have added additional stainless supports to put up a permanent cover, but what material?
A hard top that size would be very heavy.

I am familiar with Sunbrella and use it now, but in the tropics and in monsoon periods they only last a couple of years in the sun and leak in the heavy rains as the threads deteriorate.

Can anyone recommend a good quality vinyl material or something else, that is superior to Sunbrella in the tropics, for a permanent cover?

Thanks….Nick

GordMay · 10-02-2008, 06:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pelagic

... A hard top that size would be very heavy.
... Can anyone recommend a good quality vinyl material or something else, that is superior to Sunbrella in the tropics, for a permanent cover?
Thanks….Nick

There’s many different materials available to make Bimini covers; Acrylic, PVC, Vinyl Polyester, and Canvas.

The Acrylics (coated & backed), such as Glen Raven “Sunbrella-PLUS 8400” (Not “Regular” Sunbrella), Bainbridge “Solacryl”,(et al) are, by far, the best fabrics for marine use.

Joli · 10-02-2008, 08:27

We are making the switch from Sunbrella to Stamoid. Several boats in our marina have gone this way and the dodgers and biminis seem to hold up better then the Sunbrella. It does not shrink, mildew, and is waterproof. It is the same material most convertable tops are made from.

We have no experience fabricating the material but we have been assured it is as easy to work with as Sunbrella is. We let you know how it goes, we use 92 thread, size 18 Schmetz needles, on an old Consew wf machine.

GordMay · 11-02-2008, 04:34

Stamoid is a laminated woven polyester fabric, coated with vinyl - either on one side only (Lightweight Series), or on both (Double-Coated Series). The Double Coated can be heat sealed.
Sunbrella-PLUS-840 is a woven acrylic with a urethane (waterproofing) treatment on one side.

Stamoid is more waterproof than Sunbrella.
Stamoid is more subject to mildew than Sunbrella.
Stamoid does not breath, whereas Sumbrella does.

I was happy, over 10 years use, with my choice of Sunbrella; although I've known others just as happy with their Stamoid.
I've also known those unhappy with both products, mostly attributable to improper (or no) cleaning & maintenance.

Pelagic · 10-02-2008, 21:40

Thanks for the input. Any particular Mnfc\Brand that has the best reputation in the tropics?

Pelagic · 11-02-2008, 05:37

Thankks again Gord. Found this very good link which compares all the marine grade canvas materials

www.canvas-fabrics.com - Outdoor Fabric Selection Chart

GordMay · 11-02-2008, 06:15

Pelagic
Thanks - excellent link !
Click on the Click on the fabric names and category headings to see Sailbrite's clear & simple explanations.

rtbates · 11-02-2008, 08:13

If every 6 months or so you wash your sunbrella with a MILD soap and then treat with 303 FOR CANVAS it won't leak a drop. Search Results

As for thread. Sailrite sells a thread that will outlive us all, Tenera. Search Results

09-02-2008, 17:14	#1
Pelagic Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Boat: Van Helleman Schooner 65ft StarGazer Posts: 1,510	Bimini Material Did a search but found nothing specific as to the best material for my application. I have extended the stainless supports for my canvas Bimini so as to provide full shade and rain protection underway in our rather large cockpit. Presently we have zip on attachments to the main frame but they are too sloppy and unsupported to provide good cover in strong winds or rain. I now have added additional stainless supports to put up a permanent cover, but what material? A hard top that size would be very heavy. I am familiar with Sunbrella and use it now, but in the tropics and in monsoon periods they only last a couple of years in the sun and leak in the heavy rains as the threads deteriorate. Can anyone recommend a good quality vinyl material or something else, that is superior to Sunbrella in the tropics, for a permanent cover? Thanks….Nick

11-02-2008, 04:34	#4
GordMay Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario - 48-29N x 89-20W Boat: C.L.O.D. (Cruiser Living On Dirt) Posts: 12,578	Stamoid is a laminated woven polyester fabric, coated with vinyl - either on one side only (Lightweight Series), or on both (Double-Coated Series). The Double Coated can be heat sealed. Sunbrella-PLUS-840 is a woven acrylic with a urethane (waterproofing) treatment on one side. Stamoid is more waterproof than Sunbrella. Stamoid is more subject to mildew than Sunbrella. Stamoid does not breath, whereas Sumbrella does. I was happy, over 10 years use, with my choice of Sunbrella; although I've known others just as happy with their Stamoid. I've also known those unhappy with both products, mostly attributable to improper (or no) cleaning & maintenance. __________________ Gord May ~~_/)_~~ (Gord & Maggie - "Southbound") "If you didn't have time/$ to do it right in the first place, when will you get the time/$ to fix it?"

11-02-2008, 06:15	#7
GordMay Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario - 48-29N x 89-20W Boat: C.L.O.D. (Cruiser Living On Dirt) Posts: 12,578	Pelagic Thanks - excellent link ! Click on the Click on the fabric names and category headings to see Sailbrite's clear & simple explanations. __________________ Gord May ~~_/)_~~ (Gord & Maggie - "Southbound") "If you didn't have time/$ to do it right in the first place, when will you get the time/$ to fix it?"

11-02-2008, 08:13	#8
rtbates Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 615	sunbrella protection and thread If every 6 months or so you wash your sunbrella with a MILD soap and then treat with 303 FOR CANVAS it won't leak a drop. Search Results As for thread. Sailrite sells a thread that will outlive us all, Tenera. Search Results __________________ Randy Cape Dory 25D Seraph

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread:

10-02-2008, 08:27	#3
Joli Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,588	We are making the switch from Sunbrella to Stamoid. Several boats in our marina have gone this way and the dodgers and biminis seem to hold up better then the Sunbrella. It does not shrink, mildew, and is waterproof. It is the same material most convertable tops are made from. We have no experience fabricating the material but we have been assured it is as easy to work with as Sunbrella is. We let you know how it goes, we use 92 thread, size 18 Schmetz needles, on an old Consew wf machine.

10-02-2008, 21:40	#5
Pelagic Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Boat: Van Helleman Schooner 65ft StarGazer Posts: 1,510	Thanks for the input. Any particular Mnfc\Brand that has the best reputation in the tropics?

11-02-2008, 05:37	#6
Pelagic Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Boat: Van Helleman Schooner 65ft StarGazer Posts: 1,510	Thankks again Gord. Found this very good link which compares all the marine grade canvas materials www.canvas-fabrics.com - Outdoor Fabric Selection Chart

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Is a canvas/sunbrella Bimini a DIY job?	drh1965	Construction, Maintenance & Refit	14	25-10-2008 13:07
A bimini construction method	forsailbyowner	Construction, Maintenance & Refit	2	25-09-2007 20:52
Back of the head doodling - bimini/dodger	Amgine	Construction, Maintenance & Refit	32	24-02-2007 00:18
Bimini controlling depth	Robert Entwistle	Marinas	0	12-05-2006 19:57