TEXTILES.ORG
Company:
Yachtsman's Canvas
Project Details
Fabric 1
Top Gun
Producer/Manufacturer:
Marlen Textiles
Primary Use:
Main Fabric
Fabric 2
Evolution 4
Producer/Manufacturer:
OTHER
Primary Use:
Secondary Fabric
Fabric 3
Solarfix PTFE Thread
Producer/Manufacturer:
OTHER
Primary Use:
OTHER
Fabric 4
YKK #10 Black Zippers
Producer/Manufacturer:
OTHER
Primary Use:
OTHER
Design Name
Keri Ames
Design Company
Yachtsman's Canvas
Fabrication Name
Keri Ames
Fabrication Company
Yachtsman's Canvas
Project Manager Name
Keri Ames
Project Manager Company
Yachtsman's Canvas
Installation Name
Keri Ames
Installation Company
Yachtsman's Canvas
Please describe the project specifications
The owner of this 28’ Alerion sailboat requested a full off season/winter storage cover. His requirements included full coverage down to the waterline, easy cover handling and installation, easy access to both the cockpit and companion way entrance and compact for summer storage when not installed.
The cover is a 4 piece Top Gun cover in navy blue. Each section is zipped together with a single zipper from the top centerline down the waterline with a “no see” fabric cover protecting the zipper against UV. The largest section when folded measures approximately 3’ x 2’ x 4” (smaller for each of the 3 remaining sections) meeting the client’s criteria for easy handling and compact storage.
Section 1 runs the width of the boat from the port side waterline to the starboard side waterline and runs lengthwise from the mast to the bow providing ample hull coverage meeting another of the client’s criteria. The port side of the cover wraps around the bow overlapping the starboard side and laced to secure in place. Two d-rings with reinforcements were sewn down the center line of this section to allow for 2 halyard attachments to support the front section of the cover.
Section 2 is also the width of the boat, waterline to waterline, running from the mast going aft to the end of the boom. This section utilizes the boom as “tent” support for the cover. Utilizing the boom for upper support also provides plenty of headroom when stepping into the cockpit meeting another of the client’s request for easy companion way access. In addition, the boom support and forward halyard attachment points eliminate the need for a skeleton frame making installation easy and time efficient. Another box checked off for the client!
Sections 3 and 4 are identical and cover the stern end of the vessel. Each section runs from the end of the boom to the centerline of the stern as well as from the end of the boom down each side, port and starboard. These sections continue to the underside up to the rudder / waterline providing full paint coverage. Either aft quarter section individually or both can be unzipped and removed allowing easy and safe access to the flat aft deck of the boat meeting the client’s final criteria. No need to crunch down through a small U zip door!
Other features of this project include multiple fabric matching vents on both the port and starboard side. They are not pre-fab covered vents and are made from matching Top Gun fabric with reinforced bottom edge to maintain the shape of the vent. In addition, each vent opening is lined with Superscreen small mesh screening and properly sized to provide ample ventilation. Evolution 4 fabric has been utilized on the inside of the cover to provide the protection needed against scratching from contact of zippers and/or grommets. Gusset wraps secured with 1” webbing and buckle fasteners have been added to the top openings at the mast, sidestays and end of boom topping lift. Lastly, grommets were added to allow the cover to be tied from side to side running under the boat. However, with the custom fit of the cover, you can see in the pictures, the ties are not necessarily required but do provide an additional piece of mind for the client.
What is unique or complex about the project?
This pattern was not taken digitally. The patterning process incorporated multiple techniques to provide a successful custom fit. It is an excellent example of utilizing a pattern angle technique to remove excess fabric eliminating darts resulting in a cleaner finished project. Instead of darts in the fabric, the “excess” is removed from the pattern itself prior to fabrication to create a custom tight fit. This technique was used to achieve the snug hull fit.
Running from the aft end of the boom to the top corner of the stern a separate patterning technique was used to create a concave, curved seam. Although a much different technique than the patterning angle, it too removes excess fabric to reduce any sag within this area. This is also removed from the pattern itself and not compensated by means of dart or other in the final product.
Two final techniques were utilized in this project. Half patterning with additional measurements on the mirrored side for small adjustments saving time and increasing profit and critical seam match marking on the stern for exact seam alignment and fit.
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