Spray Hood and Dodgers

Dodgers

My Dodgers suffered major "flogging" damage last year. Close inspection indicated they were beyond repair; the canvas was failing along he seams so new dodgers seemed like the only way forward.

After some research it seemed like it was possible to use our old "Jones CB" sewing machine to make some new ones. In fact, on further reading, older sewing machines like the Jones and Singer seemed preferable to more modern machines that used plastic gears and lacked the "oomph" of the older ones.

The Material

Acrylic canvas is the best material. I bought PU coated acrylic canvas (coated with Polyurethane) which was a mistake; uncoated would have been better and slightly cheaper. But having got it I decided to proceed.

Needles and Thread

There are two weights of threads that you can use V69 and V92 polyester threads, which are generally used with a size 16 and 18 needle respectively. I decided for the heavier weight (V92). I just bought 1oz of the thread initially to see how I got on. One of the characteristics of this thread is that it needs to be pulled of the top of the reel unlike a conventional cotton thread that feeds at right angles. To facilitate this I made a feeder out of piece and wood and a coat hanger to allow the thread to be pulled off the top of the reel.

Brass Eyelets

There are two types of eyelet available, with and without "spurs". The spurs engage with the material and provide a more secure fixing with the material. The other type are not worth bothering with. I bought a steel die here [http:\\www.sdproducts.co.uk] and 100 3/8" spur eyelets.

References

Don Casey "This Old boat"