Sails, Rigging & Deck Gear
To test marine exterior fabrics, we sewed up a dodger and assorted deck covers for an Ericson 41 docked near Chesapeake Bay. We monitored how well the materials performed over a two-year period and also bench tested them.
Functional Fabrics
Sunbrella and Weathermax face off in long-term field tests.
In some ways, the good old days just weren’t that good. Just ask any old salt who has watched an expensive canvas dodger mildew, rot, and fall to pieces. When Sunbrella entered the market four decades ago, the strides forward were significant. When it comes to fabricating a long-term, waterproof fabric cover, it’s hard to beat the combination of vinyl and acrylic or vinyl and polyester. Practical Sailor compared Sunbrella, Sunbrella Plus, and WeatherMax in a long-term field test and some creative bench tests. Testers compared weight, sewability, breaking strength, water shedding, permeability, and price.
More Sails, Rigging & Deck Gear
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Build Your Own Fender Boards
Subscribers Only — Fender boards are almost a necessity when docking against pilings because without them, no matter how you position... -
Pushing Marine Fabrics Beyond Their Limits
Subscribers Only — Two years ago, we sewed up our own dodger and assorted deck covers made from Sunbrella and WeatherMax fabrics and... -
Caring for Marine Fabrics
— To keep your Biminis, dodgers, and sail covers clean and in service for the long haul, regular maintenance is a must.... -
After-market Cordage Treatments
Subscribers Only — Practical Sailor treated used running rigging with Downey fabric softener, Granger’s 2-in-1 Cleaner and... -
Field Testing Treatments
Subscribers Only — Practical Sailor followed manufacturer instructions for treating used lines, with one exception. Both the... -
Is Titanium an Everyman Metal?
Subscribers Only — Titanium is of particular interest to sailors due to its resistance to galvanic corrosion. It has the highest... -
Titanium in the Marine Chandlery
Subscribers Only — Titanium’s high price is only one thing that is keeping in the realm of mega-yachts and Cup boats. Some of the... -
Maintaining Stainless Steel
Subscribers Only — Stainless steel is exactly what the name says; the steel “stains less.” As PS’s February 2007 special... -
Products — Sailboat Refinishing
