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 cleaning with soap, water, and sponge, and applying a Cleaner / Polish.

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.

Q? Is Sunbrella® waterproof?
A. It is water repellent, not waterproof. Sunbrella® has a silicone 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 silicone based sealant to restore water repellency.

Q? Is there a waterproof Sunbrella®?
A. Yes, it is sold under the name "Seamark®" and it is a converted product. Meaning that 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 years is 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. Gore-Tex® thread is an option worth considering. It is guaranteed to last for the life of the canvas. It is impervious to ultra-violet rays, airborne pollutants, and does not loose its strength with time.

Q? What is the best way to clean Sunbrella®?
A. Using a large bucket , mix up a solution of mild soap, and lukewarm water. Lux or Ivory would be a good choice, place your top in it, and agitate with your hands. Repeat until the water is clear, then rinse completely, and line dry. After completely dry, apply a silicone based sealant to restore water repellency. Sealants will not work on a dirty top.

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.

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 less Sunbrella®, there is a permanent record for future use, and the customer gets a preview. 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.

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.