canvas canopy covers

[betty boop]

I wondered if anyone had any views on my research into canvas covers for the back of the Karnic.

These guys found at SBS http://www.habitent.com/ go against the norm of canvas canopy covers for over night'ing etc. but Im not sure on using tent material on an off the peg design. Cost wise it makes total sense, these are £500 if it fits -a made to measure rig is approaching £1.8k on latest estimates. the usual SS poles and Sunbrella fabric etc. None of either design will be left out to the elements in daylight, as there is no room for an arch or folding canopy without a big compromise on deck space or accessibility. what makes it worse is have 1/4 of a fixed canopy in black canvas and need to extend it the full length to utilise the deck area.

thoughts anyone?

[BruceK]

Does the material look like it will catch condensation? That's your biggest problem. More seat furnishings have been ruined through rot from water and black mold than by UV. Also how strong is it? Last season my old canvass went. You would not believe how much damage blown canvas can wreak on a boat when it becomes a blimmin sail while you are at home sleeping through the storm soundly.

[betty boop]

good point. having slept in the tent last week and it gettign soaked through with condensation I wonder how it would react or if canvas would be any less damp after a night. What is relevant though is if damp it will need to be put away wet each morning as the boat cant move off a mooring with it in place. so many if's and and's.........

[BruceK]

Good canvass does not catch condensation damp. And if it is installed correctly with regards ventilation, nor will the grp or vinyl underneath. My windows/windscreens however always gets condensate no matter what I've tried short of placing a blanket round them on the inside. For me that's a pain as you cant actually reach the windows easily to clean them without climbing on and lying on the dash

[argonaut]

You can treat canvass to help with this ... but thee are far better modern materials that old style canvas.

Micro-porous breathable is the way to go, or fit a de-humidifier .... which is what I do when covers go on at end of the season.