Tag Archives: covers

Cover It Up – TV Cover

Interior Projects, Projects,
One morning the Captain advised next on the list of projects - install the TV screen.  It's on a folding arm attached inside a cabinet.  We decided that a cover would be a good idea to protect the screen.   No problem for a Seamless Sailor.  I pulled out extra Sunbrella and made up a cover in a few hours.  Here's how I did it. Materials: Sunbrella Binding Tape Creatology Fun Foam - Measure the screen front to cover.  Cut the foam to this size.  For the Sunbrella front panel, add 1/2" seam allowance for each front side. Cut two of these in Sunbrella with a hot knife or finish edges. - Measure the back.  Is there a need for an opening for the arm or extra depth for a stand? Mark where the opening should be. Is there Read more [...]

Winch Covers – Why I Learned Pi

Exterior Projects, Projects, Saving money, , , ,
Pi - The number π is a mathematical constant that is the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter, and is approximately equal to 3.14159. Wikipedia In high school I wondered why in the world I would need to understand pi, you know 3.14.  Math and I got along just enough to get through.  Now I know!  I have actually used pi in a practical application.  Very exciting for a non-math type.  I used pi to figure out how to pattern a winch cover.  Winch covers are valuable for protecting those important winches that help give us ability to manage lines under load.  And they have a habit of getting lost or blowing away in a storm.  It's likely you'll need to make extras at some point. Materials you'll need: - Sunbrella - Read more [...]

Duvet Covers

Fav things, Interior Projects, Projects, Resources, Saving money, , ,
Here's some tips for making a duvet cover for your boat. 1. Look at the shape of your mattress and find the closest standard size to start.  We are fortunate that our mattress on board is pretty close to a full size.  The foot cuts in a bit but not too much.  The chart will help determine the amount of fabric needed.  You may want to take the boat mattress and make a pattern out of brown paper or an inexpensive shower curtain that way you can account for any odd angles.  Allow about 12"of overhang depending on how deep your mattress is, how much space you have on the side of the berth or if you are going to tuck the coverunder the mattress.  (You see that a lot on those big fancy yachts!) NOTE:  The above chart is for one side.  Read more [...]

Jerry Can Covers

Exterior Projects, Projects, , , , ,
March 2014 - Updated post on jerry cans here. Once you've found the best jerry can* to store extra water and fuels, you want to protect them from the sun and elements as they wait their turn to provide us with the reserves they hold.  Enter the canvas cover.  We'll be making covers for so many things on the boat.  This is a good basic project - no zippers or complex patterning.  It's an upside down tote bag or box.  Sides and a top.  Make a plan and think it through before cutting.  Disclaimer:  I haven't made these myself yet but I've been reading up on them as they are in my near future.  This is based on information from Canvas for Cruisers and other references and experience. You need about 1-2 yards of Sunbrella or similar Read more [...]

Boat Covers

Exterior Projects, Projects
Assuming that we are bypassing the question of leaving the boat in the water or putting it on the hard, boats in colder weather climates will likely benefit from a winter boat cover.  We'll also bypass the debate on shrink-wrap vs. a reusable cover since one reader specifically asked about making a reusable boat cover.  A cover can be a great tool for reducing wear on the boat in any weather if you won't be using it for long periods of time as well. It looks like the key to a successful covering is the frame you use underneath.  The Practical Sailor article and the blog noted below describe that.  Also be sure you have a way to get some air flowing through the boat periodically over the winter to avoid dreaded mildew come spring. Our Read more [...]