Canvas shade tent inquiry and recommendations

[colemj]

Marine One Plus is a polyester fabric compared to Sunbrella, which is an acrylic fabric.

MOP will have much better abrasion resistance, but much worse UV resistance than Sunbrella.

Depending on the application, they are not alternatives to each other.

Mark

[belizesailor]

Had mine built on the Rio Dulce from a frabic we found there. Don't know the name, but think its PVC coated material. Great stuff...inexpensive, excellent UV resistanance, water proof, tough...even glues together with a solvent for water tight seams. Tom of Cayo Quemado Sails & Rigging made it up. If anyone is on the Rio, or plans to be, and wants an awning this is a good option.

[travellerw]

Originally Posted by colemj

Marine One Plus is a polyester fabric compared to Sunbrella, which is an acrylic fabric.

MOP will have much better abrasion resistance, but much worse UV resistance than Sunbrella.

Depending on the application, they are not alternatives to each other.

Mark

Can you tell me your source of that information. Its my understanding (from a few people) that Marine One is a Acrylic fabric. It certainly looks and feels like it. We have both Sunbrella and Marine One (not plus) on hand and the only difference is the Sunbrella surface is more fuzzy. None of the information online (that I can find) says its polyester.

[colemj]

All I have found is "Marine One Plus", which is described as a "Sunbrella Surlast type fabric".

Sunbrella Surlast is a polyester fabric (from Sunbrella's website).

All the places I could find that sold "Marine One" all resolved to a single seller on eBay, and he does not state what it is made from other than it is "Sunbrella Surlast type fabric".

It is possible that it is not polyester (hence not "Surlast type"), or that there is a non-plus MO version that I can't find that is acrylic instead.

Mark

[jaybird1111]

"marine one" is a nick for Weathermax:

WeatherMax Outdoor Performance Fabric - FAQ

[colemj]

Thanks for the link. They don't say what their fabric is made from, but compare it to acrylic fabric in a way that makes one believe it is not an acrylic.

Mark

[travellerw]

Originally Posted by colemj

Thanks for the link. They don't say what their fabric is made from, but compare it to acrylic fabric in a way that makes one believe it is not an acrylic.

Mark

I'm pretty sure its acrylic as its pretty much identicle to regular Sunbrella. It frays the same, burns the same, smells the same when burning.

I'm not convinced Marine One and WeatherMax are the same fabric. Many of the descriptions I'm finding about WeatherMax don't match up with my experience.

In any case, I'm hoping to get 7 years or so. The original Sunbrella on my boat barely made 10 years (5 in the med, 5 in Cuba). The Sunbrella was worn through in many locations (cockpit cushions) and super faded. We will see if the risk was worth it, but for less than 1/2 the cost I felt it a worthwhile risk.

[jaybird1111]

Upon further research: MARINE FABRICATOR http://marinefabricatormag.com magazine shows this:

"Coated polyester stocked in 15 UV-resistant colors

January 1, 2009
BondCote’s Marine One, for marine cover and top applications, is a 9.25-ounce coated polyester. It is waterproof, has excellent tensile, tear and abrasion properties, is mildew resistant and passes the FMVSS 302 flame test. Marine One is stocked in 15 bright, UV-resistant colors and is available in 60-inch width and 60-yard rolls. It comes with a five-year limited warranty.

SOURCE BondCote, +1 540 980 2640 ext. 432."

[Badsanta]

I picked up a little used shade tree awning for boats. Fantastic I love it does not work well at dock cause your never pointing into the wind but at anchor works well.

[AnchorageGuy]

We too have used Phifertex or it's equivalent for awnings for many years. It allows the air to flow through no matter what direction the wind hits it and it does not have as much wind resistance as standard cloth in higher winds. We have used awnings made from shade cloth, the type used for covering plants and gardens. It can be purchased in rolls from any large box store like Home Depot or Lowes. We sew our own and custom make it to our needs It holds up for years and is a fraction of the cost of Phifertex or Sunbrella. You can sew it with a regular sewing machine. Chuck

[RDW]

I realize every boat is different but for a monohull how are people supporting the back end of the cover. Mine is DIY and not complete, i.e. I need to fit it for the best use. Now the front part is supported by the boom and going aft the bimini. I would like to have good head room all the way to the stern bench seat. FYI I have a 46 Morris. I have seen battens that make an arch but I want to keep it as simple as possible and space and weight are a consideration
Thanks
RDW

[savoir]

Fix a light halyard to your backstay. No need for a block - just a U bolt and a SS ring with some 3/16" string. A couple of hose clamps would also work.

[Sthompson]

Thanks to everyone who responded. Your information and recommendations are greatly appreciated.

Steve


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[gosstyla]

The Dashew's Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia II has a good section about awnings. The book is dated but still has a lot of valuable information.

[hpeer]

Here is a pic of our cover.

Large Bimini behind dodger with tent forward.