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ALL AT SEA AUGUST 2014
EXPERTS’ FORUM SPRAYHOOD CHOICE WITH TECSEW
SPRAY STOPPERS
sprayhood should look right on the boat, whilst being practical in terms of allowing use of all winches and cleats. Just as importantly, we also need to consider the longevity of product, quality of materials and ease of use.
PRACTICAL DESIGNS
John Bland, Managing Director of TecSew Limited, turns the focus onto sprayhoods - what should you consider when commissioning a new design? THERE are two main aspects to commissioning a successful sprayhood. Firstly, we need to think about the aesthetics of the design, i.e. that the
On most single helm yachts you would usually want to be able to look over the top of the sprayhood from the helm. Visibility forward is important; bear in mind that visibility is impaired when looking through the window material. On twin helm boats it is normal to be able to look around the sprayhood, allowing for a higher design. The biggest complaint heard is that, “I cannot see over or through the hood when it rains and end up folding it down when I need it most”. The design should reflect the lines of the boat and fold down with ease whilst being practical. Due to this, a full turn on the handle of coachroof winches is not always practical and they may have to be ratcheted. Access to primary winches should be maintained; if winches are set well forward, consider specifying a roll back wing which will offer both coverage, yet when rolled will clear the winch handle.
Each month, All at Sea invites a leading marine industry expert to share their opinion together with their top tips to help you get the most from your boating. It is important to view examples of previous work when choosing a supplier; if a company has 3D CAD design capabilities, this can help enormously in getting the design ‘just right’. Many companies will have online galleries showing previous work and it may be possible to order a standard product, perhaps one that was developed
ENSURING LONGEVITY
Quality of canvas is important. A quality acrylic canvas with an internal water proofing coating such as Sunbrella plus will give optimum performance and resist fading.
Factors to consider include:
■ Ease of removal of canvas - zip pockets and zipped track should be included ■ Ease of dismantling frame; are the deck and frame fittings quick release? ■ Is the back edge of the sprayhood reinforced where it will take wear? ■ Is the sewing thread top quality? Ask about the size of the thread and whether it’s UV stabilised? ■ How is the hood tensioned aft - preferably with a strong 40mm webbing strap sewn to the rear edge of the sprayhood? Frame size and fittings are important; preferably go for 22mm tube or heavier, avoid 19mm. Choose heavy-duty frame
with the original yacht builder or importer. Perhaps an online search detailing boat model and sprayhood will return results and it’s also helpful to make use of Google images. Even if you are ordering a bespoke design, pictures of alternative designs can help show your manufacturer what you want to achieve. fittings, which should be riveted to the frame, and avoid grub screws, which work loose. Avoid fittings that contain plastic. Grab bars, if specified, should preferably be welded, and consider having them hand leathered - not bolted - through the canvas for strength and ease of canvas removal. Consider other extras, such as windows in the wing sections or sides of the top panel to improve visibility, or a roll up centre window to provide ventilation and improved visibility looking forward without folding down the hood. You might even like to consider blinds to protect the windows. Make the right informed choices and you will end up with a product which will enhance the lines of your boat and give longevity of service, not letting you down when conditions are rough. www.tecsew.com
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