How does this sound to you?

[Rwinemaker]

My son has a friend who does upholstery and marine canvass work. I asked him to quote a cockpit cover and a Bimini with SS hardware. The cockpit cover would use the same slide attachment at the roof as the Bimini. He said he could do it in material called Coast Guard. He said the material stands up better than Sunbrella. He came in right at $1100. I've never priced this kind of work. I'm wondering if I should take him up on the price or check another couple of shops. Suggestions welcome. Thanks.

[BrentB]

Do they use a high quality zipper and thread?

For the window panels do they use eisenglass or equivalent?

[Rwinemaker]

Hi Brent, The cockpit cover is only to keep water out when the boat is moored. The Bimini is only that no windows or zippers.

[BrentB]

Thanks I was thinking of a combo camper back.

[thataway]

"Coastguard" fabric is made by Glenn Raven Mills (maker of Sunbrella)--it is 9 oz per yard (60" wide) and Sunbrella is 9.25 oz per yard (46" yard)--so Goastguard is a little lighter than Sunbrella. It has a weather resistant finish. It is listed as an 8 year product--and used for covers. I would opt for Sunbrella or Sunbrella plus. But the Coastguard will work.

Have him use Tenara thread (which costs about 4x regular thread--but lasts the full lenth of life of the cover--and is worth it.

If this is for both a Bimni and slant back cover--the $1100 is a good deal. If just the slant back--then get some other bids. Have at least 3 bows for the Bimini--4 is better if you want to detatch it from the cabin roof for ventiallation--and want a full camper back later. Also the SS posts instead of straps to hold the ends are better (but more expensive).

[localboy]

Polyester/Dacron: http://www.sailrite.com/Thread-V-92-Polyester-Nickel-Polyester-UV-4oz-1-000-Yds

Tenara: http://www.sailrite.com/Tenara-Thread-Lifetime-Marine-Upholstery-Waterproof-Thread

Quite a difference in price. But for exterior use, you'll only do it once and it will last.