Making a Sprayhood

Making a Sprayhood

Having had Serenity for eight years, we decided it was time we had a sprayhood. We went for a wander around the marina and discovered that there are many different designs. Ours, however, had to fold down into the channel around the companion way. As a bought one would be way too expensive and probably not the design we wanted, we set about making our own.

First job was to design and order the stainless steel bars for the frame. We made up a template with water pipe and gave this to the steel benders in November. This was finally delivered to us in February with a few extra kinks but after a bit of alteration it fitted!

 The bars for the frame fitted in place to fold down into the channel.

 Next job was to attached the luff tape track to the deck to hold the bottom edge down.

 First piece of canvas with luff tape fitted into track. We certainly needed those clamps in the wind.

 Getting the front piece stretched around, not easy with so many curves.

 Pattern cut to size and shape.

 Next piece of canvas to make the roof. The flap in the centre is the zip to hold the sprayhood onto the front bar.

 Looking good so far! Needs a bit of stretching but the back triangles will do that.

 Dave downstairs marking out for the windows. A lot of canvas to deal with in a small space. We were very glad to be able to use Desi's sewing machine for the job.

 Windows in and back triangles attached to pull it tight. Zip over the back bar holds the edge and makes it all removable.

 Finished!!