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Project Details

Fabric 1

Sunbrella Seamark
Producer/Manufacturer: Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC
Primary Use: Main Fabric

Fabric 2

Sunbrella
Producer/Manufacturer: Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC
Primary Use: Secondary Fabric

Fabric 3

Strataglass 40 gage
Producer/Manufacturer: Herculite Products Inc.
Primary Use: Secondary Fabric

Fabric 4

YKK #10 Zippers
Producer/Manufacturer: OTHER
Primary Use: OTHER

Fabric 5

Solarfix Thread Black
Producer/Manufacturer: OTHER
Primary Use: OTHER

Design Name
Keri Ames

Design Company
Yachtsman's Canvas

Fabrication Name
Keri Ames

Fabrication Company
Yachtsman's Canvas

Installation Name
Keri Ames

Installation Company
Yachtsman's Canvas

Please describe the project specifications

This project consists of a four bow plus arch bimini top and full enclosure on a Hunter 456 Passage sailboat. The customer requested full coverage shade during the hot summer sailing days and protection from the elements during inclement weather. The customer also insisted in the use of an acrylic, coated, waterproof top.

The top itself is approximately 13’ x 9’ making the use of a much heavier coated acrylic fabric more of a challenge to achieve a good, tight, fit. The top is attached to the aft arch via keder welt and track and utilized tensioning straps on the most forward bow to secure in place. A custom visor for the forward of the top was fabricated matching the exact crowning of the framework. This allows the visor to lay nice and flat for a great detail in high end fabrication. Each bow pocket is fabricated to hide the required zipper for a clean finish.

The enclosure is a large 12 panel enclosure. The panel sizes were designed for ease of use for a one person only operation to roll up. Placement for zipper breaks was imperative to allow for good cross breeze flow while at anchor as well as ample space for boarding and deboarding. All panels attach to the top via #10 zippers except for the 3 aft panels. Fasteners were riveted to the aft arch to attach the 3 aft panels. This was a necessary design element to eliminate any openings (water entry points) a traditional wrapped zipper pocket would create. Any gaps in corners and adjoining panels were eliminated. Each zipper is covered both on the interior and exterior for protection as well as a professional, high-end design. Also, a key component in design when considering the large number of panels. The forward support straps were aligned with the forward panel zipper breaks to eliminate any unnecessary obstructions in view.

What is unique or complex about the project?

This project presented multiple challenges. To start, the sheer size of 13’x9’ using a heavy acrylic coated product for a 4 bow plus arch support structure. In addition, the center cockpit design had many design features such as the winch bases which caused the fiberglass combing to protrude out of a flat plain. The patterning of this project utilized nontraditional and non-digital methods creating a truly customized piece to conform to the little quirks in design for this center cockpit sailboat.

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