Our focus on quality

Fabrics

Many fabrics are available to boat owners, each having specific characteristics and applications. Different characteristics include resistance to mildew, UV deterioration, colorfastness, shrinkage, and water resistance. General categories of fabrics include solution dyed acrylic, acrylic with vinyl undercoating, polyester coated vinyl, and vinyl laminated polyester, just to name a few.

Thread

Polyester thread is a much better choice than cotton or nylon thread for the Florida Marine environment, however exterior canvas sewn with polyester thread may need to be restitched sometime during the life of the canvas. Restitching requirements will depend greatly on how the product is cared for. We use a #92 thread, which is effectively just as strong as a #138 thread, however does not require as large a hole in the fabric.

GORE™ TENARA® Sewing Thread is manufactured by the W. L. Gore Company, and "resists UV sunlight, chemicals, saltwater, extreme weather, and acid rain, ideal for outdoor applications."

It is "Completely resistant to UV sunlight, Unaffected by cleaning chemicals (even bleach), Unaffected by saltwater, Unaffected by temperature extremes, Unaffected by acid rain, Will not rot or mold, Colors will not fade, Non-flammable, Only thread with a lifetime warranty *."

CHCS uses Tenara thread on all new exterior canvas projects (new fabrication and repairs), which means your stitching will never have to be repaired due to thread deterioration.

Reinforcing

CHCS reinforces canvas at critical areas of the canvas, using Dacron or vinyl coated fabrics. This includes areas where snaps or grommets are used, as well as areas of intense abrasion, such as corners over windshields.

Edging

Some fabrics will tend to unravel if the edges are untreated. At CHCS, our edges are finished with binding or are cut with a hot knife to melt the fabric.

Snaps & Fasteners

Several different types of snaps and fasteners are available, some of which can be color coordinated to match your new canvas. Our full selection of snap types will be reviewed during your project consultation.

Zippers

We use the best zipper on the market, # 10 YKK zippers. These zippers are specifically developed for the marine market, and are not only heavy duty, but are UV resistant also.

Frames

The best choice for a marine frame is stainless steel. All frames built by CHCS are made of 1” stainless steel, and are fitted for each project. We bend the frames in our shop and do not use preordered frames or universal frame kits. We use only stainless steel fittings and tubing to create a strong and durable frame.

Windows

Several products are available for making windows in canvas. 20 gauge rolled ‘glass’ is thin with poor clarity. 30 gauge rolled glass is thicker with somewhat better clarity. 30 gauge extruded glass is better than rolled glass in that it is even clearer. 30 and 40 gauge sheet glass is thick and stronger than previously mentioned glass, with great clarity. Strataglass and Ultrashield glasses are as clear as a glass window. They are stiff and scratch resistant. These glasses are difficult to roll and should only be used in areas where the glass will not be rolled.

We pride ourselves on delivering the best products and highest level of service to our customers based on their needs. Our canvas and upholstery products are custom fitted and use only the best components available.

We discuss your needs and requirements, make recommendations, take precise measurements, fabricate your project according to your specifications, and professionally install your new canvas or marine interior. Please call 941-623-5343 for a consultation and estimate.