Repairing Guides

how to repair a pontoon boat cover

by Josh Parker Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  1. Measure the size of patch you’ll need by adding 2 inches to all sides of the torn area. Cut the patch square or rectangular to keep it simple. ...
  2. Hem the patch: line 3/8” double sided tape or fabric glue around the edge of the patch and fold over 3/8” of the edges. ...
  3. Add more tape or glue around the hem; this will be used to affix the patch to the cover. Do the same for the second patch.
  4. Stick the patch down over the damaged area, aligning it with existing cover seams or edges for a more pleasing look. ...
  5. With your sewing machine, start in one corner and drop the needle by hand to begin. ...
  6. Pivot the fabric 90 degrees on the needle and carry on sewing to the next corner.
  7. Repeat for the third side. At this point the fabric is quite twisted with all the turning, so it is a good spot to stop and reorient for the ...
  8. Untwist the fabric and move back to the starting corner, this time aiming along the final side. ...
  9. Pull the fabric from the sewing machine and trim the threads. You are done!

How do I repair my boat cover?

The best way to patch your cover is with a sew-on patch. If you can do it yourself then go for it! Below, you will see what a basic boat cover repair kit should look like. 1 yard of closely color matched no-fray backing fabric 60" x 36" (used for the back side of your hole repair) 1 roll of Polyester 92 Marine Thread 4 oz. size (black or white)

What are the most common problems with boat covers?

An equally troublesome problem is when boat cover snaps actually pull through the canvas from a tear or an enlarged hole in the canvas. This always requires a patch to be sewn on before setting a new snap for your boat cover snaps repair. See how to sew on a patch on our boat cover repair page.

How do you repair a tent pole on a boat?

If your boat cover tent pole is the type that sticks through a grommet and your pole has ripped out of the grommet, as long as it is a clean protrusion, you may be able to repair it on your own using a tent pole vent called a Boat Vent 3®. These type of vents require a 2 1/4" hole to be cut into your cover.

What tools do I need to repair my boat cover snaps?

See how to sew on a patch on our boat cover repair page. Professionals primarily use the Pres-n-Snap ® tool built by Hoover to set snaps. It is costly, but the press style tools are your best choice if you desire a professional crimp for your boat cover snaps repair.

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How do you fix a rip in a boat cover?

Steps1) Measure the size of patch you'll need by adding 2 inches to all sides of the torn area. ... 2) Hem the patch: line 3/8” double sided tape or fabric glue around the edge of the patch and fold over 3/8” of the edges. ... 3) Add more tape or glue around the hem; this will be used to affix the patch to the cover.More items...•

How do you repair a canvas cover?

0:005:02Repairing Sunbrella Canvas - Sewing a Patch on Canvas - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe peel off the transfer paper revealing the glue and then baste it in place using a double sidedMoreWe peel off the transfer paper revealing the glue and then baste it in place using a double sided tape for canvas is great because it holds everything in place prior to sewing.

How do you repair a rip in a canvas boat cover?

Cut out a rectangle around the rip in your canvas. Cut a slit at each corner and fold the edges of the patch under and sew in place. Then, cut a rectangle of your new patch material (top and bottom if necessary) larger than the hole in your old canvas.

How do you repair a ripped Bimini top?

0:000:59Bish's Original Tear Mender Boat cover or Bimini Top repair On ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHere we are and one of our friends boats. And he's going to be a tear mender believer because at aMoreHere we are and one of our friends boats. And he's going to be a tear mender believer because at a rippin is canvas. Cover here this acrylic fiber and tear mender works on it and can do the job.

How do you sew a boat cover?

0:111:55:09How to Make a Trailerable Boat Cover - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn order to quickly complete the project the so panels of fabric together then pattern the actualMoreIn order to quickly complete the project the so panels of fabric together then pattern the actual fabric on the boat we will then reinforce the edges for passes. And sew binding on the raw edges.

How do you use a canvas repair kit?

How to patch a Canvas Tent in 6 Simple StepsSelect a round patch 4 inches larger than your tear.Make sure your patch lines up and fits the hole.Cut your patch down to size.Glue your patch with Barge cement glue, making sure it's flat.Patch the other side.Place weights on each side of the patch overnight.

How do you sew a ripped canvas?

0:321:58How to fix a torn painted canvas - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd use a flat brush to evenly distribute the glue lay the patch over the area place a sheet of waxMoreAnd use a flat brush to evenly distribute the glue lay the patch over the area place a sheet of wax paper over the patch. And then wait the area with a number of books.

How do you repair a hole in a Sunbrella fabric?

1:403:13Patch Sunbrella Canvas With Tear Aid Type A - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we'll put it right at the edge of the material. And then we'll fold over that patch tear aid toMoreSo we'll put it right at the edge of the material. And then we'll fold over that patch tear aid to complete the repair. Here's the filament fold over the patch. Working out all the bubbles.

How do you repair a tear in a canvas awning?

For very small tears and holes in the canvas, you can simply apply a dab of clear silicone caulk with your finger to the area. For corner rips, you may need to loosen each corner in order to access the underside of the canvas awning. Most canvas patio awnings are laced on with awning line.

How do you repair a canvas boat top?

0:041:15Patching a torn boat cover - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll right I have another piece over here. That I already patched down after I push it down then I goMoreAll right I have another piece over here. That I already patched down after I push it down then I go around the edge and seal it up nice but let's go ahead and do this long slit.

How do you fix a tear in a grill cover?

0:371:34Repair your grill cover or fire pit cover with Plastidip spray - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut it was all basically torn in and it took about I'd say six coats thirty minutes apart. And putMoreBut it was all basically torn in and it took about I'd say six coats thirty minutes apart. And put it right on there and now it looks terrific it's nice and thick.

How do you repair a hole in a canvas bag?

Pull the thread across the tear and insert the needle into the outside of the bag on the other side of the tear and pull the thread through. When pulled tight, this loop-like stitch should begin to close the tear; repeat the stitch along the length of the tear to pull the torn canvas together.

What is the best glue to repair canvas?

This tear mender adhesive works instantly to repair canvas fabric. It saves money spent on costly fabric replacements. Use to mend torn tarps, awnings, boat covers, upholstery, acrylic material, leather goods, work clothing, and others.

How do you repair a ripped canvas awning?

For very small tears and holes in the canvas, you can simply apply a dab of clear silicone caulk with your finger to the area. For corner rips, you may need to loosen each corner in order to access the underside of the canvas awning. Most canvas patio awnings are laced on with awning line.

How do you fix a torn canvas art?

Lay the painting face-down on a clean surface. Use an acid-free glue ("white" craft glue) to adhere the repair fabric. A primer such as acrylic gesso or a medium such as matte or gel medium also works well as glue. Apply a thin, even layer of glue, gesso, or medium to the patch and place it over the tear.

How do you repair a ripped canvas tent?

Clean both sides of the area of dust and apply the repair glue. Stick a circular self adhesive canvas patch on both sides and let it dry. If the ratpure is too large, use speedy stitcher to sew the ends together and seal the seam with waterproof tape.

Step Number 1: Measuring The Torn Area

The first step is to find the length of the patch or torn area using a ruler or a measurement tape. This is done in order to know the size of the c...

Step Number 2: Cutting The Patch Piece

The patch piece needs to be cut carefully using the scissors, 4 inch longer in length as well as breadth. For example if the torn area is 2 inches...

Step Number 3: Working on The Patch

The canvas adhesive should be applied on the Patch piece and has to be placed on the tear. After placing them properly on the tear any heavy object...

Step Number 4: Stitching The Patch Canvas

After you have successfully stitched the boat cover patch, an observation has to be made to ensure that the torn area is properly repaired. If ther...

How to repair a torn boat cover?

Repairing a torn boat cover is a simple job. The boat cover can be repaired by using a small sail repair tape. However, the repairs done using the sail repair tapes won’t hold for a long time. This is because of climate change and heat. Over time, the adhesive present in the sail tape will be damaged and then finally the repairs will be useless.

How to fix a tear in a patch?

Apply the canvas adhesive to the patch pieces and place them on either side of the tear. With the patches in place, weight them down. A book, wooden block, or other heavy item is ideal for this. Allow the adhesive to dry completely under the weight. This works as a strong reinforcement for the stitching. Even if the stitches loosen out, the adhesive will help keep the patch cover attached.

How to fix a patch that is glued?

Reinforce the glued patch with stitching all the way around. Be sure to add extra stitching at the beginning and end so it doesn’t unravel. Then inspect the entire patch to make sure there are no gaps. If there are gaps at the edges, glue it down and add stitching.

How to measure for a torn canvas?

The first step is to find the length of the patch or torn area using a ruler or a measuring tape. Use this to calculate the size of the canvas required to cover the torn area. Add an extra four inches around the tear size in your measurements.

What to do if your boat is chafing?

If chafing is the cause, you’ll need to reinforce your repair and/or cover the spot on your boat, such as a sharp corner, with a cap, abrasion tape, or other buffer to prevent further damage. It is a good idea to keep sail tape, Tear-Aid® (Type A), or a similar fabric patching product on hand and get it on the hole as soon as possible ...

What to do before you run out of a new cover?

Before you run out and drop a bundle on a brand-new cover, consider repairing your existing cover with a patch. It will be less expensive than a new cover, will not take up too much time, and will be more environmentally friendly than sending a cover to the landfill.

How to make a patch for a torn t-shirt?

1) Measure the size of patch you’ll need by adding 2 inches to all sides of the torn area. Cut the patch square or rectangular to keep it simple. Use fabric scissors for a precise cut. Make a second patch the same size . 2) Hem the patch: line 3/8” double sided tape or fabric glue around the edge of the patch and fold over 3/8” of the edges.

How long does it take for a marine thread to break down?

If you notice one, there very well could be more, or it could indicate a larger problem if, for example, the thread is breaking down (most marine thread starts breaking down in 2 – 3 years). Inspect your entire cover before committing to a repair plan: keep in mind you may need to replace the cover if it is too far gone.

What happens if a fabric cover tears?

If it tears, then your money is better spent towards a new cover. If the fabric is sound, then repairing it would be your best option.

How often should you give a tug test on a boat?

Thread tip! Give your boat cover the tug test every year, without fail, to check the integrity of your thread. If you do this faithfully, especially after a storm, you will save yourself many costly repairs. The thread may look fine, but fails when substantial pressure is applied. I can't tell you how many conversations I've had with customers on this subject and how many times I have been told “my thread was fine”.

How to clean Sunbrella fabric?

The best way to clean your fabric is by laying it flat on a driveway, dock, or grassy area and use a soft bristled, long handled scrub brush. Sunbrella® suggests using a mild, natural cleaner such as Woolite®, Dreft® or Ivory snow® for light cleaning.

Why is it important to keep a cover clean?

The mildew grows on the dirt trapped in the weave of the fabric, so keeping your cover clean is your best defense.

What to do if your thread is gone?

If you've gotten to the point where your thread is gone, you'll be looking for a shop to re-stitch your cover. Remember to ask the shop owner what kind of thread they use!

What type of patch is used for Sunbrella?

The patches come in Type A for all fabrics, including Sunbrella®, and Type B for vinyls. Just clean your fabric according to their instructions, stick the patch on both sides of the fabric, rub, and you're done. Instant boat cover repair! The patch is semi-translucent in color, so it blends pretty well.

Can you restitch with polyester?

Some fabricators carry PTFE® thread which are lifetime threads, but since they are very expensive you may not find them everywhere. Most of the time, restitching with polyester is all you need. Just ask yourself if your thread will outlast your cover to determine if you should add the expense of re-stitching with PTFE® thread.

How to repair canvas cover?

If you need to repair the canvas first, do so. 2. Mark where the fastener will go in your cover. 3. Chalk the tips of the prongs on the male side of the fastener. 4. Center the chalked prongs over your original snap mark on the fabric and touch the tips of the prongs to the fabric to transfer the chalk marks. 5.

What tool do you use to crimp boat covers?

Professionals primarily use the Pres-n-Snap ® tool built by Hoover to set snaps. It is costly, but the press style tools are your best choice if you desire a professional crimp for your boat cover snaps repair.

How to test fiberglass in boat?

Always start with an 1/8 inch drill bit to test the thickness of the fiberglass in your boat. After you drill any hole in fiberglass, you will need to countersink the hole. This just means that you need to clean away the sharp edges of fiberglass from the opening of the hole.

Why do boat snaps come apart?

Dot Fasteners. It is a common problem for boat snaps to come apart on the canvas due to crimping failure. An equally troublesome problem is when boat cover snaps actually pull through the canvas from a tear or an enlarged hole in the canvas. This always requires a patch to be sewn on before setting a new snap for your boat cover snaps repair.

What to use for a hole in drywall that is too big?

If the hole is still too large you can use a plastic drywall anchor like this one. They do come in varying sizes.

How to clear a hole in a Phillips head?

Just spin the Phillips head in the drilled hole while asserting pressure and you will clear away a nice opening as shown in the photo below.

Do you need to hammer boat cover snaps?

The vice grip tools shown below are a little quicker and no hammering will be required for your boat cover snaps repair.

What is a one man pontoon boat?

We’re all familiar with one-man pontoon boats; those inflatable single person watercraft which range from small, pond-appropriate single-bladder floats on up to whitewater grade, three-man catarafts.

What is a Renegade boat?

Outfitters “Renegade” boat, a nine-foot craft similar to many other models on the market, such as those made by Water Skeeter or Scadden Boats. You will need the following items:

How to get bladders back into their cases?

Let the patch dry overnight or for a few hours, then tuck the bladders back into their cases by grabbing the inside of the tip of the case and holding it to the tip of the bladder while you stretch the case back to its full length . Lubricate with water if necessary.

Do you need to repaint PVC?

You need to repaint the PVC top coat. There are several products for that if you google it. Raft companies like Aire will also know how to handle it so you might ask them.

Can you repair raft material?

You can repair raft material on your own, but you might need to use some needle and heavy thread depending on where the problem is. The cover material is just a cover, but it does provide some structure for the bladder below. My suggestion would be a raft patch kit, which you can find here:

Do you need a valve wrench for a Bravo valve?

Replace the valve. You will need both the valve (I believe it is a Bravo brand) and also the valve wrench. Trust me the wrench is not optional. You can get the valve here:

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