Headlining

The Westerly Droop

Vinyl headlining with a foam backing has a life of aproximately 20 years after which the foam turns to powder. On some Westerly yachts (eg Centaur) the lining was glued direct to the grp using a contact adhesive. Eventually the foam turns to powder leaving the contact adhesive still attached to the GRP. The vinyl then sags producing the appearance of the inside of a "Bedouin Tent" or the so called "Westerly Droop".

Over the years several different techniques have been evolved to deal with this.

Try to stick it back

Usually this is unsuccessful or at best only partially satisfactory. The powdery surface behind the vinyl is difficult to stick to and at the edges the vinyl may no longer be sufficient to cover the space.

Support it with Lathes

If the vinyl is in reasonable condition this can be quite an effective "bodge". Thin lathes say 0.5" wide can be sprung into a bow that supports the vinyly across the roof. The ends of the lathes can be located in notches in the curtain rails on either side of the cabin and two thicknesses of lathes can be used to give a multilayer spring effect in the central region. The effect can look quite pleasing and is effective for supporting the central area of the vinyl however the edges may be a problem and eventually the vinyl will become too soiled to make it worthwhile.

Rip it all Off

Eventually the time comes between, at betwen 20 and 30 years, that a headlining refit is necessary. Be careful to use an industrial mask when removing the old lining to avoid breathing the dust which is very possibly toxic. After scraping and collecting the remains of the foam clean the glue from the GRP using rotary "face off" discs in an electric drill. The "face off" discs are very effective at removing the old layer of contact adhesive (much more so than solvents) and used intelligently they don't damage the grp. Depending on the recovering method to be used it may not be necessary to remove all the old adhesive but it may be easier to clean it all off to start with than have to come back and clean bits that have been missed.

To Recover Use

Foam backed vinyl material glued to the grp

As the original Westerly fit glue foam backed vinyl direct to the GRP with contact adhesive. Probably good for the next 20 years. This can either be done DIY using pre-sewn kits or there are firms tha will do the whole job for you (see WOA magazine for advertisers). However foam backed vinyl has an open foam structure that is not particularly good at insulating. Some condensation may still be experienced. The methods below provide better insulation especially where a closed cell foam is used.

Vinyl clad 4mm marine ply panels

This has the advantage that it is removeable and wires can be concealed behind the panels. Later Westerly models used this technique.

Wood

Thin tongue and grooved planks or veneerd ply panels.

Marine carpeting

Backed by a closed cell foam for insulation carpeting gives a very warm feel.

Other materials

Such as Bamboo matting (occasionally available from Lidls).