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Re: Skin-on-Frame: PVC Fabric - Quality vs. Price?
By:Tom Yost
Date: 3/12/2008, 10:42 am

: My options: 1) Company A: $23/m, Centex brand, 19 ounce
: 2) Company B: $14.14/m, 18 ounce
: 3) Company C: $10.50/m, 18 ounce

18oz vs 19oz make no difference in your application. If they've all
got a woven polyester cloth core, then any of them should work ok if 18oz or
so. Unless brand "C" is noticably inferior, it should be more than adequate
for the Sea Flea. You will need 5 linear yards ( 61" X 36" is standard) or
the metric equivelant to cover both hull and deck with the same color. Make
sure all 3 use the same dimensions per yard.

Company "A" seems way over priced, and Company "B" about right in todays
market, assuming it's a high quality PVC. The PVC I use is for Truck Tarps
( Mauritzon, Chicago).

However, there are differences in PVC that show up in long term use such as
abrasion resistance of the vinyl, and to some extent, gluing. I recommend you
get a sample of each and visually compare them, and also test glue some
samples sections of each to see how well they glue together.

If they have a spec sheet compare the tensile strength of each, and the core
weight of the woven Polyester. Look at both sides to see how smooth the
surfaces are. One side should be smooth, and the other should show some weave.
The less weave showing ( meaning more vinyl) the better for gluing. See how
flexible the material is as a stiff material will be more difficult to work
with.

If the boat is to be a folder, then PVC is pretty much your only realistic
choice. However, if it's a wood frame non folder, then sewn or stapled
canvas / latex paint is a good alternative, as is sewn nylon / urethane.

I used to buy 18oz Coverlight PVC and it was great. It has a tight weave in
the polyester core, and the vinyl was smooth and flexible on both sides.
Durabilty was very good with excellent abrasion resistance. I've never had
a tear, so I can't comment on that aspect of durability.

Coverlight is no longer available so I switched to Coverene from the same
retailer ( Mauritzon). The weave is less tight, and the vinyl coating is
stiffer but thinner on both sides. Abrasion resistance is only fair.
Coverene is considerably less expensive, but adequate for your needs.

Fading shouldn't be an issue , especially if you store the boat indoors, or
outdoors with a cover in summer.

Tom

Messages In This Thread

Skin-on-Frame: PVC Fabric - Quality vs. Price?
Pawistik -- 3/11/2008, 12:32 pm
Re: Skin-on-Frame: PVC Fabric - Quality vs. Price? *LINK*
Pawistik -- 3/26/2008, 2:36 am
Re: Skin-on-Frame: PVC Fabric - Quality vs. Price?
Tom Yost -- 3/12/2008, 10:42 am
Re: Skin-on-Frame: PVC Fabric - Quality vs. Price?
Pawistik -- 3/12/2008, 1:17 pm
Re: Possibly 2 types... ??
Rehd -- 3/11/2008, 2:39 pm
Re: Possibly 2 types... ??
Pawistik -- 3/12/2008, 3:01 am