Sewing Machine Suggestions

[lifeofreilly57]

I'm looking to buy a commercial sewing machine to do some dodger and Bimini repair, I'm also looking to make some other items for the boat.
Any suggestions on what type of sewing machine for this type of work.
I'm land bound currently so I'll be using 100/220 vac in the US.
A sailright is too expensive but there are good prices on second hand industrial machines currently.

[Turtle Blues]

I found my sailrite for 1/2 price by watching craigslist but that may not work for you. people buy them for a large project and resell when done.

So for used industrial old Juki or Pfaff (please forgive misspelling) are plentiful and not expensive. See them on e-bay regularly.
The important things are:
1. a walking foot -must have for moving heavy material and thick bindings
2. the deeper throat (longer arm) the better for large material.
3. Zig-Zag stitch function
4. Different feet for binding, button holing etc.

[Island Time O25]

I've had good results with sturdy Kenmore from the 70s. Picked it up at a yard sale for $25 and had a friend recut a jib for me to fit as my external roller furler main. He did go through a bunch of needles though as the only ones I could get during his short stay in town were regular needles size 90 to 110 from a crafts store. He said 120 and up would've been much better.

[MicHughV]

Do I like I did....trundle down to Walmart and get a normal, simple sewing machine. Nothing fancy, as long as it can sew straight and zig-zag, and has a walking foot, which I think most have, that's all you will need.

Now, here's the trick, get the heavy duty needles, not the flimsy stuff to sew clothes, and also get some heavy duty thread. These come in colors, so pick what you want.

As outlined above, with my Walmart machine, I sewed the bimini, dodger, sail covers, awnings, winch covers and several other items on my boat, like curtains, wind scoops, etc.
Several of these items required sewing thru' several layers of cloth.
Never had a lick of problems accomplishing any of it.

I've had the sewing machine now for 30 some years, and it still works like new.

I can't recall how much it cost, but it was under $100, and I doubt you'll spend more than this today.

You can spend a lot of money on these things, but why ??? Unless you are a pro, and will do this day in and day out, a Walmart machine is plenty. My model is a Singer, and I just priced one out for you...$84 at Walmart.

I practiced on some cloth for maybe one evening, before I set to it.

I typically always used the zig-zag feature, as this gives...in my limited opinion....a stronger connection.

Have fun !!

[JPA Cate]

Another thing to say for zig-zag is that it is easier to rip out if a seam went crookedly.

Years ago, I made a windlass cover in an attempt to help keep sea water away from the seals. Didn't work very well, as going to weather, the windlass was under water.

Ann