Cockpit cover edges

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I am making a cockpit cover with snaps around the periphery that attach to the boat. I know the snap area needs to be reinforced, and I am looking for opinions of the best way.
Some covers use webbing, but I am not a big fan, because it seems to shrink over time and make the cover impossible to install.  I could fold back a double hem of the Sunbrella, but this could get lumpy at the corners, which are curves rather than right angles.  I like the look of binding, but then I don't know the best way to get the reinforcement in there.  Strips of Sunbrella? Strips of vinyl? (I have access to lots of free scrap vinyl.)

Ideas welcome.

-Sue

Edited by Sue2 - 24 March 2013 at 9:15am

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Sue2 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 12 April 2010 Status: Offline Points: 164	Post Options Post Reply Quote Sue2 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Cockpit cover edges Posted: 24 March 2013 at 9:14am
	I am making a cockpit cover with snaps around the periphery that attach to the boat. I know the snap area needs to be reinforced, and I am looking for opinions of the best way. Some covers use webbing, but I am not a big fan, because it seems to shrink over time and make the cover impossible to install. I could fold back a double hem of the Sunbrella, but this could get lumpy at the corners, which are curves rather than right angles. I like the look of binding, but then I don't know the best way to get the reinforcement in there. Strips of Sunbrella? Strips of vinyl? (I have access to lots of free scrap vinyl.) Ideas welcome. -Sue Edited by Sue2 - 24 March 2013 at 9:15am

Tejas Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 14 February 2011 Location: Austin, TX Status: Offline Points: 206	Post Options Post Reply Quote Tejas Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 24 March 2013 at 10:09am
	My understanding is that at least some polyester webbing shrinks less than nylon webbing and moreover is more UV resistant.

Jcamp Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Forum Member Joined: 22 September 2012 Status: Offline Points: 28	Post Options Post Reply Quote Jcamp Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 24 March 2013 at 5:42pm
	Sue, check out Hood canvas. He has written many articles for Marine Fabricator Magazine, one of which addresses this topic.

MattGrant Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Sailrite Employee - Expert Joined: 21 April 2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3012	Post Options Post Reply Quote MattGrant Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 24 March 2013 at 9:42pm
	Sailrite offers 3" Shelter-Rite vinyl tape (no adhesive). I like to use this and then cap the raw edge with binding. But there are multiple approached and all are acceptable.
	Best Regards, Matt Grant Sailrite