I just had a new bridge enclosure completed with subrella fabric along with new eisenglass.....The seams leak quite a bit and the installer says it needs to cure....with all the rain in Seattle I need it to cure soon !! Is this normal ..??
I just had a new bimini top made out of sunbrella and it does not leak at all in the worst thunderstorm.
Seams themselves shouldn't leak unless the stitching is not close enough. More often zippers are the culprit on panel edges and smile openings. Most good canvas shops will sew flaps with velcro over seams and openings especially on the front of enclosures where wind will drive water through zippers. Also make sure the tracks are caulked to the hardtop and bridge structure. I know it isn''t zoomed in but you can see this enclosure has flaps covering the smile and corners on the front and is very dry even on rough days when there's a lot of water in the air!
What needs to cure is the check so it can be cashed before you put a stop to it. I've replaced the canvas twice on my previous boat and it didn't leak when new. It tended to leak a bit as it aged, due to stress on the threads/holes. Did you ask what the "curing" process entailed?
By no means am I a canvas expert, but I would get a refund! New Sunbrella or "acrylic" fabric should not leak when new. It may leak after a period of time, mostly after three years of use, but not new. Been boating over 35 years never heard of Sunbrella having to "cure". Just Sayin!
I'm with Tom. Don't deal with that. I have had Stamoid material leak right out of the gate then 'cure' after a few days. I don't know if that's really what it's called, but regardless, I haven't heard of this with Sunbrella. I am also located in the Seattle area and provide marine service. If you could pm me and let me know who did this work, I would be happy to steer my clients clear. I would also be interested in talking to a few of my vendors to see what they say and get back to you. Sorry you have to deal with this and good luck!
start YELLIN'! my canvas is 12 yrs. old and no leaks... I've never heard of cure ? And stop that check ASAP,
canvas back on and fine The canvas shop put the enclosure back together last week and it is good to go....they used 303 water proofing and it is nice and dry....for Seattle that is saying something !! Thanks for all of the replies !!