> I bought a sailmakers sewing machine from Sailrite a few years ago. The > thread on a Sunbrella cover that went around the railing on rear of > flybridge area > had begun to wear allowing some of the seams to come loose. It was a > fairly > simple job; just resew the seams. I think the quote from an upholstery > shop > was $125. I decided to put that money towards the purchase of a heavy > duty > sewing machine and it was well worth the price. I've done a lot of other > work > that has saved me $$$. So, if you do this job yourself and don't want to > invest > in the very expensive thread ($139 for an 8 ounce roll), just sew over the > seam with the polyester thread (see info about polyester thread below). > > Reid Gantt > Atlantic 30 Vouivre > docked at Sneads Ferry NC On the recommendation of a listee who operates Doyle's Sails in Tortola, I made my Bimini top out of ShelteRite, a practically indestructible material used for tarps on over the road trucks. He talks of tops, sewn with Tenara lasting 10 years. Also, if you sustain a tear, it won't run as it will in a woven fabric. He also recommends only white or beige for sunlight rejection.Having gone through s.Louisiana spring torrential downpours and relentless summer sunshine I love it and wouldn't have anything else. Regards, Larry and Teri M/V Cigano, 47' Prairie Sundeck Cruiser Lying: Slidell, LA N 30 13.28 W 89 48.63