Marinette Boat Forum

Ahoy! Looking to put a canvas top on my 1962 30' M to cover the back deck area. I believe it had one at one point. Has anyone installed one? Guessing I'm going to have to bend up a frame structure or do the folks who make the top do that too?

The shops that sew canvas also bend the frames. Fast Jeff and I did our own. Local shop wanted $900. I said to my self "how hard can it be" If you want to go that route I will start you in the right direction. Cost me about $300. I guessing Fast Jeff Much less. He know how to save the bucks. I'm trying to learn from his example.
Wayne

Wow. You mean you did the canvas work too? Don't suppose you have a picture of frame and top?

Lost photos in computer crash but will take some more. Started with an old Singer machine made for canvas found on ebay. Learned everything else from sailrite.com. They have lots of how to videos. Started sewing for everyone else at boat dock. Mostly make vent covers cushions, deck pads deck covers & window covers. Made enough in first year to buy new sewing machine. I make enough each month to pay my covered slip fee of
$340. just sewing.
Wayne

Wow

I plan on learning to do this myself. my fisherman has several different pieces that need to be replaced and some zip together. Any tips would be appreciated. what tools did you buy other than the sewing machine?

Older machines with metal gears are better than the newer models with plastic gears.
I bought a used Viking Husqvarna and it has served me well
Better yet find a good used Sailrite machine.
bill

Timely topic!

I had purchased a Sailrite LSZ-1 machine with the intention of making a full enclosure for the back of the boat. Sailrite has a video for a full enclosure but this only covers side curtains: http://www.sailrite.com/Make-Your-Own-F ... losure-DVD . You would also need the video for making a bimini top: http://www.sailrite.com/Building-a-3-Bow-Bimini-Kit-DVD

I called Sailrite (great folks to work with!). In talking to them, they advise that the videos are geared more to sailboats but can be adjusted for our boats. HOWEVER...

The guy at Sailrite advised that they are in process of creating a video targeted (for full enclosures on the aft end of a boat) towards power boats ( Big M's included) and should be finished within the next few months. He advised it may be completed in a month. The cost isn't known at the time (the 2 videos/DVD's retail for 49.95 and 19.95) BUT... he said they are considering making the video available on UTube for free (DVD's would also be available for sale). Since this process is targeted towards boats like ours, I'm inclined to bide my time (and work on putting together the other projects I'm looking to do... ).

Bill

Bill,I agree. They are great to work with & give advice when needed. They have a forum where people ask questions too. That have a material calculator that figures how much material you need. Been making flag covers and tote bags for gifts for my boating friends. Anyone is welcome to pm me if you have questions.
Wayne

Since the material is canvas, guessing it's going to require a heavy duty sewing machine? Can't say I've ever run any kind of sewing machine. Is it a steep learning curve?