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Best Canvas choices for Flybridge Enclosure

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by Zud, Oct 14, 2016.

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  1. Zud, Oct 14, 2016
    #1
    Zud

    Zud Senior Member

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    Well it's time to repair/replace my canvas on the Flybridge enclosure. Being a newbie, what are my best choices?
  2. Capt J, Oct 14, 2016
    #2
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    We need more info. Are you talking about bimini top canvas? The see through strataglass? or?
  3. ranger58sb, Oct 15, 2016
    #3
    ranger58sb

    ranger58sb Senior member

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    Two common fabrics are Sunbrella and Stamoid.

    Common "sheet glass" roll-up-able clears are Stratoglass and Ultralite/Regalite, and the clearer rigid EZ2CY and Makrolon. There are others. These all are usually available in various gauges, or thicknesses.

    -Chris
  4. Zud, Oct 15, 2016
    #4
    Zud

    Zud Senior Member

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    Thanks Guys...I know whats common, I need opinions Canvas and "windows" - Full Flybridge cover Bimini Top and all 4 side curtains with "windows"

    Thanks
  5. chesapeake46, Oct 15, 2016
    #5
    chesapeake46

    chesapeake46 Senior Member

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    If you can install EZ2CY on your front panels instead of Stamoid , you will have much better vision, day and night.
  6. Sea Gull, Oct 16, 2016
    #6
    Sea Gull

    Sea Gull Member

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    On a previous boat, I had some issues with cracking of Makrolon in areas with curves after about 3-4 years. It's much clearer than Strataglass but about the same as EZ2CY. If you need to roll or install smileys, then go with strataglass.
  7. chesapeake46, Oct 16, 2016
    #7
    chesapeake46

    chesapeake46 Senior Member

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    Sea gull, what did you use to clean your maroon ?
  8. Capt J, Oct 16, 2016
    #8
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Generally Strataglass works the best for most boats, unless the bridge has the correct angles for EZ2CY to work. Those are the only two brands I like to go with.
  9. Zud, Oct 16, 2016
    #9
    Zud

    Zud Senior Member

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    What about the canvas portion...stamoid or sunbrella ?
  10. Capt J, Oct 16, 2016
    #10
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Depends on your preferences and the design itself. Both work well. Sunbrella tends to stay cleaner easier depending on color.
  11. DOCKMASTER, Oct 17, 2016
    #11
    DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    I had my flybridge enclosure done last winter. I went with the heavy weight Stamoid. I agree with Capt J and the Stamoid can be a challenge to keep clean. However, I believe it is more durable and repels water better than Sunbrella which is a must for my location.
  12. dainisk, Oct 17, 2016
    #12
    dainisk

    dainisk Member

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    I've used Strataglass for the clears - works well. I used to have a sunbrella bimini before changing to a hardtop. Sunbrella worked well, but the biggest issue in either Sunbrella or Strataglass (and probably any other material) is what is being used to sow the materials together. generally, anything seems to last about 5 years in this part of the world (Perth Australia). But the threads are the weak point. I now only use Sunbrella for dingy covers and other misc. areas (see avatar) The dingy cover has been on now for near 10 years and going strong. The Mrs. redoes the stitching every now and then.
  13. Capt J, Oct 17, 2016
    #13
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    IMAR makes several stamoid endorsed cleaners and protectants, they work really well. I use the cleaner lightly with a magic eraser and it does magic to keep stamoid clean.
  14. olderboater, Oct 17, 2016
    #14
    olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    Imar is endorsed by Stamoid and Strataglass.
  15. Sea Gull, Oct 18, 2016
    #15
    Sea Gull

    Sea Gull Member

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    Mostly water with some mild soap. There are common, brand name cleaners and treatments recommended by the manufacturer.
  16. Capt J, Oct 18, 2016
    #16
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Yup and I've found all of IMARs products work really well. A little hard to find some of them, but the strataglass cleaner and also the polish work really well and so do the 3 different stamoid products they have.
  17. olderboater, Oct 18, 2016
    #17
    olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    Boat Owner's Warehouse (stock) and Bee Clean (Order).
  18. Capt J, Oct 18, 2016
    #18
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    The strataglass stuff is easy to find. The stamoid products not as much, BOW only carries the cleaner, not the protectant and not the wax.