Boat Canvas: Choosing The Best Option For You

Boat canvas is an essential component of any vessel, from the Bimini top to the cockpit curtains and steering station cover. When it comes to choosing the best boat canvas, there are several factors to consider, such as colour, fabric type, and intended use.

The most popular choices for boat canvas fabric are acrylic and vinyl-coated polyester. Acrylic canvas, such as Sunbrella, is known for its colourfastness, resistance to stretching and shrinking, and ease of cleaning. On the other hand, vinyl-coated polyester, like Stamoid and SeaMark, offers superior waterproofing and abrasion resistance.

The colour of your boat canvas is also an important consideration. Dark colours like black, navy, and burgundy are classic choices that offer better UV protection and hide dirt well. However, they absorb more heat and can make the cockpit area uncomfortably warm. Light colours, such as white, cream, and pale blue, reflect light and keep the area underneath the canvas cool. They are ideal for use in tropical climates but may not last as long as dark colours due to their lower UV resistance.

Ultimately, the best boat canvas depends on your specific needs, sailing environment, and personal preferences.

Fabric types: Sunbrella, Stamoid, SeaMark

When it comes to choosing the best boat canvas, several fabric types are available, each with its own unique characteristics. Here's a detailed overview of three popular options: Sunbrella, Stamoid, and SeaMark.

Sunbrella

Sunbrella is a well-known and trusted brand in the boating industry, offering marine canvas fabrics that provide ultimate protection and comfort. Sunbrella fabrics are engineered to protect boats from various elements, including constant sun exposure, rain, salt, and humidity. One of its key features is its resistance to fading, as the durable Sunbrella fibres are saturated with colour and UV-stabilised pigments, ensuring the fabric maintains its appearance even with prolonged sun exposure. Additionally, Sunbrella fabrics are mould and mildew resistant, easy to clean, and allow air circulation to create a comfortable environment on board. With a wide range of colours available and a 10-year limited warranty, Sunbrella is a popular choice for boat enthusiasts, manufacturers, and fabricators worldwide.

Stamoid

Stamoid is a vinyl-coated polyester fabric that offers excellent waterproof capabilities and abrasion resistance. It is highly resistant to UV light, making it ideal for protecting boats from the sun's harmful rays. Stamoid is also easy to maintain, as it can be cleaned effortlessly. While it may not be as colourfast as other options, Stamoid is available in a wide range of colours to suit different preferences.

SeaMark

SeaMark is a unique combination of Sunbrella acrylic fabric and Haartz textured marine-grade vinyl, resulting in a rich, colourfast, and completely waterproof fabric. SeaMark is designed to withstand the harsh conditions of marine environments, offering superior seam and tensile strength, as well as UV resistance. The fabric features a vinyl backing that is colour-coordinated with the Sunbrella top side, providing the durability of vinyl along with the look and feel of fabric. While SeaMark weighs more than other marine canvas options, it is highly recommended for boat tops and covers, convertible auto covers, and more.

Each of these fabric types offers distinct advantages, and the best choice depends on specific needs and preferences. Considering factors such as UV resistance, colour options, waterproof capabilities, and ease of maintenance can help boat owners make an informed decision when selecting the most suitable canvas fabric for their vessel.

Bimini hardware

• Tubing Material and Diameter: Stainless steel is recommended for Bimini top tubing as it is more durable than aluminium. Choose tubing with a diameter of ⅞-inch, as it has a thicker wall than the standard 1-inch aluminium tubing, making it stiffer and stronger.
• Deck Hinges: Bimini top hardware includes deck hinges, which are essential for attaching the canvas top to the boat. Look for stainless steel deck hinges with features like D-rings, pins, and lanyards.
• Jaw Slides and Inserts: These components are crucial for securing the Bimini top to the boat and adjusting its position. Stainless steel jaw slides and inserts are ideal for their corrosion resistance and durability.
• Toggle and Quick-Release Pins: Pins are used to secure the Bimini top in place. Look for toggle and quick-release pins made from stainless steel for easy operation and durability.
• Eye Straps: Eye straps provide additional attachment points for the Bimini top. Ensure you select eye straps made from durable materials, such as stainless steel.
• Mounts: Bimini tops may require various types of mounts, such as deck mounts and side mounts. Choose mounts made from durable materials like nylon or stainless steel.
• Support Poles: Adjustable support poles provide extra stability to the Bimini top, especially in windy conditions. Look for poles that can be adjusted to different heights to accommodate different boat sizes.
• Fabric Care: Proper maintenance of the canvas fabric is essential. Use fabric cleaners and protectants specifically designed for marine use, such as 303 High Tech Fabric Guard and Star Brite Fabric Cleaner.
• Fittings: Bimini top fittings include eye ends, slide track mounts, and jaw slides. Choose fittings made from durable materials like stainless steel or nylon.
• Tracks: Bimini tops may utilise slide tracks for attachment and adjustment. Look for tracks made from durable materials in various lengths to fit your boat's dimensions.

Colour: dark vs light

When choosing the colour of your boat canvas, there are a few things to consider. Dark colours, such as black, navy, burgundy, chocolate brown, and dark green, are a popular choice among boaters due to their classic look and the striking contrast they create against a white or cream-coloured boat. These colours also have a higher level of UV resistance, do not create a glare effect, and are better at hiding dirt, pollution, and smudges. However, dark colours absorb more heat, which can lead to a build-up of heat around and under the canvas, especially in tropical climates. This can be mitigated by ensuring good air circulation and sufficient space between the canvas and your head. Additionally, bird droppings are more visible on dark fabrics, so if birds are a nuisance at your marina, this may be a factor to consider.

On the other hand, light colours such as white, natural, cream, pale blue, light green, yellow, and orange can give your boat a fun and contemporary look. They also reflect light, creating a cooler area around and under the canvas, which can be beneficial in tropical climates. Light colours provide better visibility at night and can make your enclosure feel brighter and more airy. However, they may not last as long as dark colours due to the fabric dyeing process and their susceptibility to mould and mildew growth. Light colours also do a poorer job of hiding dirt, smudges, and pollution, although bird droppings are less noticeable.

Ultimately, the choice between dark and light colours for your boat canvas depends on your personal preference, the climate you sail in, and how much care and maintenance you want to put into your canvas.

Cleaning and maintenance

Boat canvas materials are typically made from acrylic fibres to ensure they are resistant to mould, mildew, water penetration and UV light. They are also designed to be breathable, so they do not trap heat and moisture, which can cause mildew.

General or Light Cleaning

• Brush off any loose dirt.
• Prepare a cleaning solution of one-quarter cup of mild soap, such as Woolite or Dawn dishwashing liquid, per gallon of lukewarm water.
• Use a sponge or a soft-bristle brush to clean.
• Allow the cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.
• Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
• Allow the fabric to air dry.

Heavy Cleaning for Stubborn Stains and Mildew

• Prepare a solution of one cup of bleach and one-quarter cup of mild soap per gallon of water.
• Spray on the entire area and allow to soak into the fabric for 15 minutes.
• Remove the stain with a sponge, clean towel or very soft-bristle brush.
• Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
• Allow the fabric to air dry.

One of the best ways to keep boat canvas fabrics looking good is to hose them off on a monthly basis with clear water. This helps to prevent dirt from becoming embedded in the fabric and eliminates the need for more frequent cleaning.

Common applications

Boat canvas is used in a variety of marine and boating applications. Here are some common applications:

Boat Cover Fabric

When a boat is in dry or wet storage without a cover, it is exposed to the elements, particularly UV rays and water damage. A boat canvas cover fabric provides protection from these elements, preventing damage to boat vinyl fabric, fiberglass finishes, and wood trim. It also helps to prevent the growth of mould and mildew caused by water exposure.

Boat Awning and Bimini Top Fabric

The most common use of boat canvas is for boat tops, often called bimini tops or awnings, found on many houseboats. These canvas coverings shield passengers from direct sun exposure and provide protection from rain.

Boat Sail Covers

When a sailboat is anchored or in port, a boat sail cover is used to keep the lowered sail in place and provide additional UV protection.

Boat Upholstery

Boat canvas can also be used for upholstery. Acrylic fibres are typically woven to create a fabric that is highly resistant to mould, mildew, water penetration, and UV light. This type of canvas is breathable, preventing the trapping of heat and moisture.

Other Applications

In addition to the above, boat canvas can be used for various other purposes, such as booms, cockpit curtains, steering station covers, and more.

Frequently asked questions