V-20 Enclosure

[inaforty]

I usually use 30 gauge rolled vinyl on smaller boats like the V 20. The thicker 40 gauge is nice but it's tough to roll up. However it being thicker means the plasticize in the vinyl will hold up better over time. You can spend a little or a lot on vinyl.
rolled 30 gauge is roughly $20 a yard
pressed 40 gauge is roughly $43 a yard
pressed treated (strata etc) 40 is roughly $65 a yard

Just got done doing this rear enclosure on a 48' Ocean in 40 gauge with lifetime thread.
Materials alone was over $700.


Here's old vinyl before it was swapped out.

[Destroyer]

Damn.. That is a work of art Barry. You have skillz!!!! (I'm jealous) I wish I could sew like that. I'm lucky if I get a patch to stick to my jeans without looking like something from a rag shop. Very nice job!!.

[inaforty]

Thanks Destroyer!

I really enjoying doing this type of work. The correct sewing machine and having it set up correctly is half the battle I'm still learning stuff about how to make things easier and short cuts etc. I'm still learning stuff at my day job and I've been doing that job for almost 40 years.... go figure HA!

[Redloon]

What type of sewing machine is that in the picture?

I've been looking at some old Singer upholstery sewing machines on e-bay because I'd like to be able to do my own boat cushions and covers.

[inaforty]

The sewing machine is a custom 18" long arm machine by Sailrite set up with a MC-SCR power system. The 18" under the arm makes working with clear vinyl panels so much easier. There are many people that sell them. You can get cheap china made units or better units made in Japan like this 18" machine.
Reliable is one producer as is Juki and others.

This machine will punch through most anything. Also it will sew a 138 thread and PTFE lifetime thread.
I also have an LTZ Sailrite machine. The Sailrite machine aren't cheap but there isn't any issues with getting it set up to sew regarding timing and thread tension etc.
I have an old Singer sitting in a shed in AZ that my in-laws are holding for me but the shipping and getting it set is $$$.
Maybe someday I'll get it home here on the east coast.

[Slightly_Twisted]

I'm guess you would be a good person to ask. If the zippers on a encloser are starting to break and it's really stiff to zip can they be replaced, and how hard is it?
I know 0 about sewing and process!

[inaforty]

The zippers sure can be replaced. I do it all the time. It's not hard but you need a machine capable of sewing through many layers of fabric. Also you need to mark the start and ending point etc.