From: "Casey Jorgensen" <scjorg_at_hotmail.com> > I want to make neoprene cockpit covers for myself and a friend and need some > paddle wisdom. Most of what I've read talks about glueing the neoprene with > cement. Is this preferable to sewing, or do you recommend sewing *and* > glueing? A cockpit cover or a skirt? I've made several cockpit covers out of coated nylon pack cloth (approx 400 denier). This is more than adequate; I think neoprene would be overkill. I just trace the outline of the coaming and add a couple of inches all round. I then roll the edge to make a generous hem. At the back, a large buttonhole allows a length of bungie cord to run through the hem and out the cover. I use a cordlock to allow the bungie to be tightened and attach a length of webbing with a hook to the front. This hook attaches to the deck bungies, just in case. Once the bungie is tightened, it holds snug. I've had no problems with the covers on the composite sea kayaks, but the cover on my plastic WW kayak once slipped off while driving - the webbing and hook held it on (I had loaded the kayak with gear, including a friend's improperly stuffed sleeping bag - the bag started expanding and popped the cover!) > Will sewing compromise the strength of the material? Yes, but probably not significantly. Many neoprene products are sewn. > And, can a household machine handle neoprene? Not likely, I've not been able to get two layers of 3mm neoprene under the presser foot - there's not enough room. I hadn't tried using a zigzag stitch and just butting the edges of the neoprene together. Perhaps a very light neoprene (1-2 mm) would work. Unless you have a real need for neoprene, I'd recommend going with cheaper and easier to work with nylon. Mike *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Tue Feb 05 2002 - 21:19:23 PST
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