To: baidarka@lists.intelenet.net
From: Bram van der Sluys <bvdsluys@direct.ca>
Subject: Re: [baidarka] fabric wear at sharp corners
Message-Id: <E0yXF83-0002as-00@jack.direct.ca>
Date: Wed, 6 May 1998 18:05:44 -0700
At 07:59 PM 05/05/98 -0400, you wrote:
>Many of the PVC-coated polyester "canvas" used in awnings, specifically
>Sunbrella brand, has a tendency to be difficult to stretch initially, but
>stretches badly over time. I used it to make a "bikini" top for my Amigo
>(sortof a Jeep). It went on really tight, with no give to stretch to the
>snaps, but went limp with heat, sunlight and time. The Astrup Co. (don't
>know if they have a web site--gimme a while) is a wholesale source for tons
>of canvas and canvas work supplies--worth any watersportsperson's (toooo
>PC) attention.
>
>Wynne
>Americus, GA
To say the least, I am not happy to hear of your experience, Wynne, but my
kayak is now two years old, sits outside (under cover) and so far has shown
no signs of any stretch. I also can't imagine anyone selling material as
suitable for awnings if goes all out of shape in a couple of years. The
product I used could not be made to stretch with ant application of heat.
You could melt the PVC off the fabric but still no stretch. Might you have
gotten a PVC coated nylon fabric? This type of fabric should be more prone
to the performance you describe.
Best wishes
Bram