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Capt.Don · 08-03-2016, 11:24

Hi, Does anyone have a recommendation for an online source for sunbrella and v-92 poly thread, other than sailrite? I'm about to attempt a sewing project!
Thanks,Don

4arch · 08-03-2016, 12:25

Defender. They actually sell Sunbrella in widths up to 80" where last time I checked the competition they only offered 60" maximum widths.

Bill Seal · 08-03-2016, 12:38

I get all my stuff, like Sunbrella, zippers & seamstick tape from Sailmakers Supply. Google it.
Made a full cockpit enclosure, including bimini, using their stuff and a Chinese walking foot machine.
BTW, Seamstick is a wonderful invention, even sailmakers use it.

**JPA Cate** · 08-03-2016, 12:41

We purchased Sunbrella from e-bay, in the States. Found it by following for sale ads after googling Sunbrella, or acrylic canvas, as there are other mills, too.

Fwiw, in Australia, it is available from Contender (in Pittwater, NSW) or from your local salimaker.

Ann

HBWT · 08-03-2016, 12:44

Just a note, I know sunbrella is the default fabric for anything marine and my wife finds fairly good prices on Ebay $15-$19 per yard. But... other fabrics are same/better for a particular use and in most cases cheaper than sunbrella. If this is a UV strip, sail cover, dodger/bimini I recommend you look at products like TOPGUN or WeatherMAX. Topgun is a little more rigid than sunbrella and can be better for anything that does not require alot of movement. Weathermax is just like sunbrella in both quality, durability and UV stability.

**JPA Cate** · 08-03-2016, 19:12

I have sewn a lot of Sunbrella and WeatherMax. WM is guaranteed only 5 yrs. Name brand Sunbrella, 10. Dark colors offer greater UV protection to what's under them. WeatherMax weighs about 1/2 of Sunbrella, and costs about 1/2, too, at least here in Oz. It has greater abrasion resistance than Sunbrella. Weather Max is somewhat slipperier than Sunbrella. We've been told, and I take this with a grain of salt, that Sunbrella is better for boom bags. The sailmaker who told us this does not offer Weather Max. Another sailmaker (here in Tassie, where there are less sunny days than other places in Australia) says he has shifted to using only Weather Max for UV strips on sails and boom bags. Sunbrella can effectively be cut with a hot knife. WeatherMax, not so (doesn't "melt" and seal the cut edge. It is pretty stable, though, and the cut edges haven't raveled in my cockpit awning or dinghy chaps.

Some projects are quick and simple, and others, more complex. If you decide that a 5 yr. lifespan is okay with you, then I think Weather Max will do okay for whatever job you want to tackle. However, if, instead, you want your new boom bag to go for 10 yrs--or more--then Sunbrella's a better bet, as long as you're content with its weight. If you want 10 yrs., plus, then use Tenara (ptfe) thread. It was used on our boom bag, which is over 10 yrs. old, and is in great shape. The Sunbrella (burgundy wine color) is on its last legs. The Sunbrella does not tolerate loose edges flapping.

Stamoid is very expensive (more than Sunbrella), also carried a 10 yr. guarantee when I used it to built a hatch dodger that used the Dorade principle. It is still flexible, about 11 yrs. old, now. Used 50-75% of our time, and we live mostly at anchor, and do use it in marinas if rain is expected. It is a stable, high quality non-woven material. Therefore, some sewing tricks that depend on bias stretch are not applicable to its use. One does not have to turn the edges under to hem them.

Ann

**George DuBose** · 09-03-2016, 08:28

It was actually cheaper to buy Sunbrella from Defender in the US, rather than in Europe. The fabric cost, plus shipping and customs duties was still cheaper than the exact same material anywhere in Europe.

Too many fingers on the scale.

In fact, I buy most of my marine equipment and supplies in the US and ship to Europe.

European chandleries don't know the meaning of the word "discount". They don't realize that if they have lower prices, they will sell more product and net a greater profit.

Capt.Don · 09-03-2016, 08:36

I hadn't considered Defender. Incidentally, on Sailrite's site, if you click through the order, they offer lower shipping options. Will compare Sailrite, Defender and Sailmaker's Supply. Thanks for the suggestions.