Marine Fabricator May/June 2023 - 42

Shop Talk Interior
Laminates, polyesters
and new technology
Laminates, such as Weblon Regatta®
,
are made through a PVC-coated
laminate process. Although they are
durable and waterproof, constant folding
of the fabric may create pinholes.
Laminates are best used on stationary
framework that does not get removed.
There is a demand for lightweight
fabrics in many markets. These are perhaps
used most often as dustcovers or to deter
bird droppings on the deck. Solution-dyed
polyester products, such as Hydrofend®
Sur Last®
or
, offer breathability and reduced
Coated PVC polyesters are perfect for
winter covers in the northern states. Snow
and ice simply slide off. Plus, all sorts of
gear can be stored inside for the winter.
for water repellency. Most acrylic fabrics
on the market are in the range of 9.0 to
9.50 ounces per linear yard and are quite
suitable for marine applications such as
bimini tops, mooring covers and enclosure
panels. Acrylics typically can be used with
either side facing up and have a degree
of stretch along the warp (lengthwise
threads). However, acrylics are not suitable
for snow loads or high-speed trailering.
" A less expensive
fabric does not
mean that it is
inferior. It simply
means that it may
be intended for a
different use. "
When PVC is the right choice
For winter storage or heavy-equipment
coverings, a PVC-coated polyester
(polymeric) product is my go-to fabric.
Typically available in heavy weights of
9 to 11 ounces per linear yard, these
single- or double-sided coated fabrics
offer waterproof solutions. Two great
examples are HarborTime®
Edge and
TOP GUN®
. Another popular polymeric
fabric among the larger boats in the yacht
category is Stamoid because of its ability
to be cleaned. However, these examples
of PVC-coated products must be vented,
as mold and mildew will grow on the underside
if air does not circulate properly.
These products typically begin with a
polyester mesh base. However, a waterproof
version of an acrylic fabric, known
as SeaMark®
, is created by applying a
PVC coating to the fabric's underside.
42 Marine Fabricator | May/June 2023
bulk. Just remember that lightweight
materials usually do not offer the longevity
seen with heavier fabrics.
Specialty fabrics and new technology
are progressing. We are seeing fabrics
made of silicone, fabrics that light up with
the flip of a switch and technology that
reduces heat. Fabric is an ever-changing
industry thanks to modern chemicals. As
one manufacturer's rep told me, " We are
no longer in the fabric business. We are in
the chemistry business. "
Keeping price in perspective
I cringe when I hear fabricators say,
" I use this brand of fabric because it's
cheaper than the other brand, " and the
two fabrics are totally different. They may
be comparing an acrylic fabric to a polyester
product, or a woven fabric to a coated
product. I also understand why some
boat manufacturers will purchase a lower-priced
fabric. After all, they are in the
business of making boats, not of selling
high-end canvas products. To keep costs
down, they may choose a low-cost fabric
over a fabric that would have performed
better over time. In many markets, the
fabric is not subjected to both hot and
cold temperatures all within the same
season. Therefore, the choice of fabric is
different. A less expensive fabric does not
mean that it is inferior. It simply means
that it may be intended for a different use.
Marine Fabricator May/June 2023

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