Protecting your canvas will extend its life as well as provide you and your crew protection from the sun and elements for many years. I actually enjoy sitting in the cockpit during rain storms, fully protected by the full enclosure. I find the sound soothing and enjoy the fact that we’re not stuck inside the stuffy cabin with windows and hatches closed. This is why I maintain a proper care regiment to protect and maintain all pieces of my canvas set up.
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I (biasly), believe, sails & many similar thing are far better off ‘rolled’ rather folded. It does far less permanent damage to the fabric & or the filler in it. As U already pointed out, especially clear windows, which leave a permanent white crease when folded. Can they be wiped, (& or broom swept), with ‘Sun Block’ for longevity? I Hang mine it rain for the best nonsalt wash. Pools have chlorine.
Hi Brian, Thanks for you comment and being a PS reader! As for cleaning, I have this large tarp I spread on my yard and, one piece at a time, I lay my canvas component and wash them with fresh water using a soft brittle brush and a mild fabric soap, Bissell. I give it a very thorough rinse then hang to dry. (I use a long rope from on of my yard fence post to my deck railing). Once dry, I lay the canvas down on the tarp and ‘paint’ on the waterproofing. Let than dry for an hour or so. The waterproofing also as UV protection properties.
Waterproofing also dramatically reduces mildew and lichen, because the canvas dries faster. Also mainsail covers.
Absolutely right Drew. I definitely should have added that to the article. I do all my canvas including mainsail cover and the UV band on my furling foresail. Thanks for adding that titbit of information Drew.
Very clear Marc : )
Merci beaucoup!
Dave
Thanks Dave… I appreciate that..
Fun up grade. Yes making the upgrades from scratch helps the brain come up with solutions on the go, when the marine supply house is not available.
True comment, on being aware of potential failure of the mounting, and giving some unsuspecting guest from being whipped if it should become dislodged.
Well done upgrade.
Hi Roger, thanks for your comment, but I’m not sure how it applies to my article on caring for your canvas. What upgrade are you referring to? Perhaps your commirent was about another article?
Thanks so much for the tips. It seems that your Woods Silicone Waterproofing Liquid is not available in the U.S. Is there another product you know of that is available in the US? What about the 303 fabric guard product? I do not know what is in it.
Hi T27, lol.. Sailorboy here. If you go to an outdoor sports store, I’m sure you will find canvas waterproof with UV protector. They use this on tents, outdoor furniture cushions, etc. The 303 is a very good product as well, but comes in sprays form. If you use that, I would buy two or three of them, poor them out into a larger container so you can use a paint brush to apply it. This will provide much better coverage and control as not getting any on plastic windows.