[Pblais]

Gord makes some good points about the proper materials. You can also get cheap 300 stainless fittings dirt cheap that will rust really bad! The 316 stainless fittings are not $3 unless they are stolen. The dodger is the hardest canvas part to make and have it fit tight and hold up. To make a pattern you can cut material from, place double sided tape over the frame when it's all complete and use a reinforced plastic material that cuts easily and won't stretch. Lay this over the tape and cut the patterns out with a razor blad in place. You then have to add seam allowances and other extra fabric. Don't forget to figure out how you'll be able to take it off and on without totally taking the frame apart. When complete is should be very tight with no wrinkles. You'll need to fit it at least twice and make minor adjustments.

The last trick is to bury as many seams as possible. Bury all zippers totally so no UV can get them. This will protect the threads from UV and reduce the leaks. Sewing good high quality dodgers is not easy even for a pro. You can make a pretty crappy one quickly but one storm or a year of UV may tell a different story.

If you want something you can cruise with you want a first rate set of canvas. Your first attempt on a sewing machine won't make the grade. Perhaps buy some throw away fabric and make a couple first before you buy the real materials.