Last winter we got the old covers cleaned and re-proofed, but thanks to time marching on and the flipping oak tree nearby, I decided that this winter project was going to be a remake. I have started with the cabin cover and, time and money permitting, will go on to the more complex cockpit cover.
I measured up while the old cover was still on the boat, 13 metres, so adding 1 for luck- actually just insuring myself against errors, I ordered the acrylic impregnated canvas from Hawke House Marine, choosing Coffee as the preferred colour. I gave my name, which the salesman recognised, "Are you sure it's coffee you want? You had vanilla last time." He asked. Now I call that personal service, as is fairly usual with this company. I had used the lighter shade for our lifting cabin top a couple of years ago but the cover will be more hard working, so I went for the coffee/mushroom shade that is fairly traditional with these boats. The roll of canvas was delivered two days later, together with their uv stabilised thread, which is a dream to sew with btw.
I laid out the old cover on the living room floor and drafted a pattern from it allowing 2cm seam allowances when I subsequently cut from it. I had that 1 metre left at the end but there will be uses for it. Almost ready to start sewing.
I ordered a marine use zip for the front closure from eBay and while waiting for it to arrive, started sewing the front sectiions so that I could insert the zip flat before adding any side sections. All the shaping is in the front of the cover so beginning from the front and working back keeps the weight down. In fact I will do front then rear sections and then join them in the middle as being the easiest construction plan.
This evening I completed that whole front section, so tomorrow will get started on the back. So far so good
Will post a pic tomorrow.