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Mark Hood next to a new CW Hood Wasque 26 at the BYC in Marblehead

"TOP 10" QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q? How long should my clear vinyl windows last?
A. Improper care is the quickest killer of marine windows. Cared for properly, you should get many years of service. This includes regular rinsing of salt spray, cleaning with soap, water, and sponge, and applying a Cleaner/Polish. We recommend using Sun Sox on frames to protect marine windows. We use 40 GA Strataglass exclusively in our fabrications as it has the best clarity and has a durable urethane finish to prevent scratching. Learn more about Strataglass, including important care instructions at: www.strataglass.com

Q? How long should my new Sunbrella top last?
A. Seven to ten years, seems to be typical, provided it is fit properly and under the proper tension. Baggy tops that flutter in the wind tend not to last as long. Learn more about Sunbrella, including color choices and cleaning directions at: www.sunbrella.com

Q? Is Sunbrella waterproof?
A. It is water repellent, not waterproof. Sunbrella has a waterproof finish applied at the factory that repels water. Over time this deteriorates and needs to be reapplied. The proper procedure is to remove the top, clean, and apply a sealant to restore water repellency. Sealants will not work on a dirty top. We stock 303 Fabric Guard as it is recommended for Sunbrella.

Q? Is there a waterproof Sunbrella?
A. Yes, it is sold under the name Seamark and it is a converted product. They take Sunbrella and add a heavy vinyl backing to make it waterproof. The colors are the same as regular Sunbrella and we will typically use Seamark on bimini tops and make the enclosure out of regular Sunbrella.

Q? How long should my thread last?
A. Five to Six years is very typical before a restitch is necessary. Tops should be brought in at five years, so seams do not part. Wind can do a lot of damage to canvas in a very short time. We use Heminway & Bartlett V-92 Thread exclusively in our fabrications as it is the best for New England. For yachts that spend time down south where UV exposure is great we use Gore Tenara Sewing Thread.

Q? Why do clear vinyl windows become yellow and brittle?
A. From day one the plasticizers embedded in the vinyl to keep it soft and pliable begin to migrate to the surface, where they leech out into the atmosphere. This causes the clear vinyl to dry out, discolor, and become brittle. A Cleaner / Polish will seal these plasticizers in, protect against atmospheric pollutants, reduce scratching, and extend its useful life. We stock 210 Cleaner/Polish for use on standard press polished sheets and Imar Protective Polish & Cleaners for use on Strataglass only.

Q? Why will you not copy my old top?
A. Generally, not a good practice. At best, the top will be as good as the original fit. You eliminate guess work making a new pattern on the boat that will fit perfectly the first time. Exceptions being sail covers or other non-tensioned canvas items.

Q? Why can't you make me a new top using the old side panels?
A. Again, not a good practice, unless we have the original pattern of your top. We like to build from the top down, not the other way around. We would rather help a customer repair his top until the top and sides can be done together. This way we can design an engineered system of top and enclosure panels with no compromises.

Q? Is it necessary to make a pattern of every job?
A. It involves an extra step in fabrication, but well worth the end results of a tight and wrinkle free top. We use Tyvek exclusively, as it is the best medium for perfect results. When a pattern gets back to the shop it goes through a development phase of cutting, taping, marking windows and divisions before any Sunbrella is cut. We store it with the customers name for future use.

Q? What should I do prior to storing my canvas for the winter?
A. Store dry and clean in a well ventilated area, not a musty basement. Clear vinyl windows should be cleaned and polished to remove atmospheric residue prior to storage. This is extremely important to avoid unpleasant surprises in the spring. Also store large panels flat if possible with padding between individual pieces. It is OK to roll a top or dodger, but be careful not to fold and put a crease in the windows or fabric.