Today’s plethora of textile options may seem like a godsend. However, having such abundance may be confusing or worrisome, given how important finding the right solution for a project is.

What can happen if there’s a mismatch?

“Using the wrong fabric for the job can compromise the product’s functionality and durability, leading to dissatisfied customers and potential damage to the boat,” explains Ron Paratore, senior account representative for Trivantage^®. 

“A common misperception is that a single fabric can meet all customer needs,” he continues. “In reality, different applications and conditions require different fabrics; no single product can deliver optimal performance across the board.”

Headquartered in Burlington, N.C., Trivantage provides acrylic, canvas and polyester fabrics — along with hardware and thread — to the marine, shade and furnishings industries. Applications for marine fabricators run the gamut from small crafts to large ocean-bound vessels and anywhere in-between. Among these is Hydrofend^®, a solution-dyed polyester designed for water resistance and breathability.

How various types of fabrics perform can differ depending on their construction and the qualities manufacturers incorporated into them. Still, there are some generalities one can use as a selection starting point.

Consider acrylics. Their high UV, fade and mildew resistance, as well as breathability, makes them good choices in sunny climates for bow and helm covers, tops and enclosures, sail and hatch covers, and seating cushions/pillows, among other uses, says Paratore. But their water repellency may prove insufficient for vessels operating in areas prone to heavy rain, resulting in leaking tops and ruined upholstery and carpets.

Coated fabrics, due to their weather and water resistance, generally perform well in wetter, harsher environments. At the same time, Paratore cautions, using coated fabrics for covers or enclosures could create a moisture-retention problem, potentially exposing the boat and its interior to damaging mold and mildew. Consequently, adequate ventilation becomes an essential calculation.

Fabric abrasiveness is another important issue to consider.

“Some fabrics can be abrasive to a boat’s surfaces, causing unnecessary wear and tear,” says Paratore. “Canvas made from cotton offers unmatched breathability and a soft finish, making it an excellent option for protecting delicate surfaces such as wood boat and winter storage covers.”

Potential cons? Low UV resistance and a susceptibility to mildew.

As for polyesters, their light weight and strength, along with their “exceptional abrasion and cut resistance,” makes them worth considering when the project calls for full covers or travel/trailer covers, he says. However, there’s the possibility of color transfer and, in the case of coated polyesters, low or no breathability. These fabrics can also stiffen in cold climates.

Diligence required

This is why fabricators must be “diligent” when selecting fabrics, since the wrong choice can prove costly, says Sandi Hester, vice president of growth strategy and marketing for Ennis Fabrics. Headquartered in Edmonton, Alta., Canada, with a warehouse in Plainfield, Ind., Ennis is a fabric and supply distributor, stocking various brands and its own exclusive product lines designed for the marine, awning and industrial markets. These include Challenger, Guardian and Guardian 2 — premium PVC vinyl collections — as well as the SolarShade collection.

Fabricators should identify project requirements pertaining to UV protection, water resistance, mold and mildew resistance, and tear/tensile strength, Hester advises.

Other factors to consider include anti-pinking resistance, the wet/dry crocking rating, cleanability, flame retardancy and the cold crack rating; the latter takes into account the temperatures the boat could be exposed to, particularly during winter storage. Environmental regulations such as being PFAS-free or Proposition 65-compliant may also come into play.

Dustin Snyder, chief sales officer for Rex Pegg Fabrics, says textile selection becomes easier when fabricators treat their suppliers as a trusted “technical partner” who will work with them to identify the best fit for the job — an effort requiring some back and forth between them.

The Tacoma, Wash.-based company is a wholesale supplier of upholstery materials and related products, stocking a variety of fabrics including vinyls and canvas as well as hardware and other tools and supplies. Markets include materials for marine, automotive, furniture and more.

“Asking the right questions helps avoid performance issues, warranty claims and customer dissatisfaction,” Snyder explains.

As such, fabricators should be prepared to inform their suppliers about the type of vessel and application (how the fabric will be used). Suppliers will also want to know the following:

• Environmental conditions in which the vessel will operate: High UV, hot and humid? A breathable, fade-resistant fabric may work the best. Cold and wet? Materials with enhanced water repellency or coating systems could be the way to go.
• Fabrication capabilities: The equipment and tools the fabricator or the shop is using.
• Performance expectations: What’s important to the customer — shade, waterproofing, visibility, airflow, etc.

The vessel’s intended function should also be discussed.

“For example, a fishing boat enclosure that will see heavy use, frequent abrasion and constant exposure to dirt and moisture may be better suited to a durable coated polyester canvas designed for toughness and easy cleanup,” Snyder says. “On the other hand, a bimini, boat top or cover that will be exposed to long hours of sun may benefit from an acrylic fabric that offers superior UV resistance, breathability and color retention.”

Hester adds that manufacturers and suppliers will also want to know where the boat will be used — in salt or fresh water, for example — and if it will operate seasonally or year-round. Whether the boat is stored inside, outside or on the water is another consideration.

Look beyond price

Included in Rex Pegg’s fabric lineup is Sunbrella^® Marine Canvas, a solution-dyed acrylic providing UV and fade resistance, among other characteristics. The company also offers Top Notch^™ 7, a 7-ounce solution-dyed polyester that is UV- and mildew-resistant and water-repellant, with high abrasion resistance.

Snyder says a mistake he sees fabricators make is giving more weight to price rather than to application when selecting a fabric. Paratore has encountered the same; although it’s important to understand the customer’s budget, he says, trying to help them save money by recommending a “lower-cost inferior product,” generally isn’t the best way to go, since this can result in poor performance and premature failure.

Jeff Dellinger, sales director for marine and distribution business for Serge Ferrari, agrees.

“Sometimes going with a cheaper fabric doesn’t pay for itself,” Dellinger says. With North American headquarters in Deerfield Beach, Fla., and corporate headquarters in France, Serge Ferrari designs, manufactures and distributes highly engineered PVC-coated fabric solutions for markets including marine, modular structures, tensile architecture and upholstery furniture. The company’s best-known brand, Stamoid^®, includes multiple vessel, equipment and crew protection options such as Stamoid Smart 1, Stamoid Light and Stamoid Heavy, Stamoid Open and Stamoid Top.

Fabricators will think they’ve made a certain amount of money on a particular project only to discover they have to go back to repair a tear or correct some other issue because the fabric they selected didn’t hold up, he explains. Opting for a higher-quality textile removes the worry about the boater returning for repairs and can lead to a better bottom line.

“Don’t sell on price. If you’re establishing your reputation based on price, you’re undercutting the next guy and just opening yourself up to headaches,” Dellinger cautions, adding that because Serge Ferrari’s customer base is largely comprised of “serious boaters” — generally owners of large and mega yachts, offshore boats and commercial fishing vessels — price doesn’t often factor in.

Fabricators need to communicate with the boat owner to ensure they understand how fabric selection will be influenced by the application, the use of the boat, its operating environment and the wear it could experience, Dellinger continues. Fabricators should also identify the expectations of the fabrics the customer is considering and if those will meet client expectations. Undertaking this effort is essential for avoiding problems down the road, as is guiding the customer to more appropriate fabric choices if necessary.

“People don’t want to take a risk on a product that doesn’t work,” Dellinger says. “When you’re 10 or 15 miles offshore and facing storm clouds ahead, you want to be certain you have the right products and protections.” 

Pamela Mills-Senn is a Seal Beach, Calif.-based freelance writer.

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SIDEBAR: A way forward

There’s a lot to think about when it comes to fabrics and their applications. Ron Paratore, senior account representative for Trivantage^® in Burlington, N.C., suggests fabricators consider doing the following:

• Keep an open mind: In an industry that is constantly innovating, be willing to learn about and consider new materials and techniques that could lead to better results.
• Rely on suppliers: Leverage their knowledge and experience. Ask them about new products and their applications. Seek their advice and recommendations. “Building strong relationships with suppliers can provide you with expert guidance and insights,” Paratore says.
• Attend trade shows and industry events: Not only will this keep you informed of the latest trends, products and technologies, these provide excellent networking opportunities, fostering valuable, mutually advantageous relationships in the process.

“Connecting with other fabricators can be incredibly beneficial,” Paratore says. “Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned professional, sharing ideas, challenges and solutions with peers can help you grow and refine your craft. By staying curious, building connections and leveraging available resources, fabricators can make more informed decisions and ensure they’re using [the] best fabrics for each project.”