Boat covers, biminis, enclosures, sails, awnings, tarps
Sewing machines for marine canvas, sails and covers
Marine canvas and sailmaking are about size. A bimini top, a cockpit enclosure or a mainsail is a large piece of stiff fabric, and the seam you are sewing is often in the middle of it. The machine that does this work well has a long arm, a tall foot lift, a hook that holds a big bobbin of V-92 or V-138 thread, and a compound feed that moves acrylic, vinyl window material and Dacron at the same speed without marking them.
Sail lofts also need zig-zag, because a straight seam in a sail will tear at the stitch line under load. Our zig-zag heads sew up to a 12mm bite with top and bottom feed, and the 2153L30 pairs that with a 30 inch arm for full-size sails.
Requirements
What the work demands from the machine
- 1
Room under the arm
The 18, 25 and 30 inch arms in our long arm group exist for this trade. Fewer repositions mean straighter seams and fewer needle holes in a cover that has to keep water out.
- 2
UV thread and big bobbins
Marine work runs on bonded polyester or PTFE thread in sizes 92 to 138. A large vertical hook holds enough for a long seam, and a correctly timed hook keeps slippery PTFE thread from skipping.
- 3
Clear vinyl without marks
Enclosure windows are sewn with the vinyl in the stack. Smooth feet, the right foot pressure and a stitch length of 6 to 8mm keep it from tearing along the seam.
- 4
Stretch in sails
Sailcloth seams need zig-zag. A three-step or wide two-step zig-zag spreads the load along the seam so the cloth, not the thread, carries the strain.
Recommended models
Machines for marine and canvas
In the order we usually suggest them. The first one is where most shops in this trade should start.
Long arm
SEWPRO 1508L-18
Long-Arm Walking Foot Lockstitch Machine
- Arm 18"
- Stitch 9mm
Long arm
SEWPRO 1510L-25-7
25" Long-Arm Walking Foot Lockstitch for Upholstery and Leather
- Arm 25"
- Stitch 7mm
Zig-zag
SEWPRO 2153L30
30" long arm walking foot zig-zag machine
Zig-zag
SEWPRO 266
Heavy-duty walking foot zig-zag sewing machine
Long arm
SEWPRO 8BL-30-2
30" Long-Arm Extra Heavy-Duty Double Needle Lockstitch Machine
- Arm 30"
- Stitch 10mm
Long arm
SEWPRO 204-30
30" Long-Arm Barrel Shuttle Sewing Machine
- Arm 30"
- Stitch 12mm
Marine and canvas: questions we are asked
Which arm length does a marine canvas shop need?
Most canvas shops are happiest on an 18 inch arm for covers and biminis. If you make sails or large awnings regularly, go to 25 or 30 inch.
Do I need a separate zig-zag machine for sails?
If you make or repair sails, yes. A heavy zig-zag with a 9 to 12mm bite is standard loft equipment. Set the width to zero and it also sews straight seams, so it can be your only machine in a small loft.
Will the machine sew Sunbrella, Stamoid and clear vinyl?
Yes. These are the materials our long arm machines are set up for every week. We test the machine on your material before it leaves the shop.
Get in touch
Request a quote for marine and canvas work
Describe the material, the thread and the product. You will get one machine recommended, a price for the complete setup with table and servo motor, and a delivery date. Quotes come from Sergey, not a call center.
- Phone and text
- (717) 940-0129
- sewprousa@gmail.com
- Visit
- 333 Railroad Ave, Ephrata, PA 17522
Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm. Showroom visits by appointment.