I've been thinking of replacing some of the sunbrella on one of my boats. I've looked at the sailrite site and I like their offerings but is there a less expensive sewing mahine that would work? I need to be able to sew the sunbrella and the plastic windows.
Any thoughts?
replacing sunbrella canvas
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Paul S
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regular as as standard $100 non-walking foot machine. The walking foot is key, as well as the long stitch with sunbrella.
The tuffsew industrial looks like the Sailrite machines (similar price). The sailrite machine may end up being be a better value as it comes with a kick ass case, heavier flywheel, electronic foot pedal... a lot more stuff for not a lot more $.
The final selling point of the sailrite machine is the incredible customer support. Second to none in the Customer Support department. They also offer many CDs and videos (some free, some for sale) that offer great tips and tricks
The tuffsew industrial looks like the Sailrite machines (similar price). The sailrite machine may end up being be a better value as it comes with a kick ass case, heavier flywheel, electronic foot pedal... a lot more stuff for not a lot more $.
The final selling point of the sailrite machine is the incredible customer support. Second to none in the Customer Support department. They also offer many CDs and videos (some free, some for sale) that offer great tips and tricks
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Chip Hindes
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We paid over $100 to fix our "regular" (and fairly expensive) Singer after we broke it trying to assemble a Sailrite sock kit for our genny. False economy on that particular kit.
Being slow learners, we had better luck on the mainsail cover, also assembled from a Sailrite kit on the same machine. That time, instead of having the machine professionally repaired, I found the parts on the web and fixed it myself. $35.
No more Sailrite kits on that machine. Bottom line, I don't recommend trying to do this sort of work with a "regular" sewing machine.
Never heard of Tuffsew. The Sailrite machines have an excellent reputation and for the similar price I'd definitely go for the Sailrite.
Being slow learners, we had better luck on the mainsail cover, also assembled from a Sailrite kit on the same machine. That time, instead of having the machine professionally repaired, I found the parts on the web and fixed it myself. $35.
No more Sailrite kits on that machine. Bottom line, I don't recommend trying to do this sort of work with a "regular" sewing machine.
Never heard of Tuffsew. The Sailrite machines have an excellent reputation and for the similar price I'd definitely go for the Sailrite.
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Night Sailor
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I echo all the comments of Paul S above on Sailrite. It is a good machine, adjusted and ready to go by the Sailrite crew before shipping. they have every part or expertise you need with a call or email or question on thier web forum. Outstanding in every way. Wish more companies were like them.
I've been sewing for 60 years. Grew up using industrial sewing machines. I had used domestic or home machines for light sewing jobs on boats before, never more than two thicknesses of sunbrella. It can be done. However, more than two thicknesses and you are in trouble if you want perfect results that will last.
Tuffsew is somewhat similar to the Sailrite LZ in style and function. I looked at them closely before buying my 2007 Sailrite. I understand from sewing forums and those who have tried Tuffsew, they soon didn't like what they got in the machine and it's wear rate. What you don't get with Tuffsew is the finesse of the Sailrite predelivery setup, complete oerating and maintenance manuals, quick parts, accessory and advice 24/7 that you can get from Sailrite.
For a 2008 walking foot LZ model new with the necessary binding accessory (where you may be sewing through six to eight layers of Sunbrella, binding, facing and vinyl) , spare needles in 18 and 20 sizes, and standard drive wheel, not the one with a handle. Plus A style v69 or v92 polyester bobbins and thread plan on spending a boat buck and change, but you will find it's worth it.
Get the Sailrite walking foot machine.and you will be happy with the ease of use and maintenance, and when you are all through with it, sell it and recoup most of your cost. You will find that if you can find a used one, (I looked for a year and could only find one in the US, which UPS destroyed delivering it to me) it will be almost as much as a new one. They are so good they really hold their value.
I've been sewing for 60 years. Grew up using industrial sewing machines. I had used domestic or home machines for light sewing jobs on boats before, never more than two thicknesses of sunbrella. It can be done. However, more than two thicknesses and you are in trouble if you want perfect results that will last.
Tuffsew is somewhat similar to the Sailrite LZ in style and function. I looked at them closely before buying my 2007 Sailrite. I understand from sewing forums and those who have tried Tuffsew, they soon didn't like what they got in the machine and it's wear rate. What you don't get with Tuffsew is the finesse of the Sailrite predelivery setup, complete oerating and maintenance manuals, quick parts, accessory and advice 24/7 that you can get from Sailrite.
For a 2008 walking foot LZ model new with the necessary binding accessory (where you may be sewing through six to eight layers of Sunbrella, binding, facing and vinyl) , spare needles in 18 and 20 sizes, and standard drive wheel, not the one with a handle. Plus A style v69 or v92 polyester bobbins and thread plan on spending a boat buck and change, but you will find it's worth it.
Get the Sailrite walking foot machine.and you will be happy with the ease of use and maintenance, and when you are all through with it, sell it and recoup most of your cost. You will find that if you can find a used one, (I looked for a year and could only find one in the US, which UPS destroyed delivering it to me) it will be almost as much as a new one. They are so good they really hold their value.
If you can afford the Sail-Rite machine, by all means go for it, and as said, get the walking foot. Magnificent piece of machinery! Definitely get zig-zag as well.
However, Barb has used my 27 year-old Bernina 801 with walking foot to sew a Sunbrella genoa sock, mainsail cover, outboard cover, and winch covers. In some cases, there was at least 5 layers of Sunbrella plus Sail-Rite seam-stick tape, and in other cases there was the zipper or heavy-duty Velcro.
The secret was adjusting the lower tension on the bobbin case. In fact, she bought one to tweak just for Sunbrella and not mess with one that came with the machine. They're only a few bucks. She also sewed a rudder carrying case and life line cushion covers out of heavy vinyl with velcro (and seam-stick)
It's not just the Bernina that can do this. Other quality sewing machines from that era, including Pfaff and Viking, which you can pick up used, as well as today's quilting machines, can as well. Sail-Rite's videos, of which she owns many, show how to do the work if you don't have one of their machines, and they encourage it.
However, Barb has used my 27 year-old Bernina 801 with walking foot to sew a Sunbrella genoa sock, mainsail cover, outboard cover, and winch covers. In some cases, there was at least 5 layers of Sunbrella plus Sail-Rite seam-stick tape, and in other cases there was the zipper or heavy-duty Velcro.
The secret was adjusting the lower tension on the bobbin case. In fact, she bought one to tweak just for Sunbrella and not mess with one that came with the machine. They're only a few bucks. She also sewed a rudder carrying case and life line cushion covers out of heavy vinyl with velcro (and seam-stick)
It's not just the Bernina that can do this. Other quality sewing machines from that era, including Pfaff and Viking, which you can pick up used, as well as today's quilting machines, can as well. Sail-Rite's videos, of which she owns many, show how to do the work if you don't have one of their machines, and they encourage it.
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kmclemore
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You're right, Moe. We inherited my mom's 1949 Pfaff and that thing will sew *anything*. I've sewn Sunbrella, vinyl and even leather with it... marvellous piece of kit.Moe wrote:... It's not just the Bernina that can do this. Other quality sewing machines from that era, including Pfaff and Viking, which you can pick up used, as well as today's quilting machines, can as well. ....
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hvolkhart
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We bought a heavy duty machine, no walking foot. The machine works OK but next time I would invest about $100 more and go with the Sailright.
As mentioned befor, the long stich distance is very important for all boat works.
We build a bimini and a dodger (for sale, since we got the full enclosure, please PM me) as well as a main sail cover.
As mentioned befor, the long stich distance is very important for all boat works.
We build a bimini and a dodger (for sale, since we got the full enclosure, please PM me) as well as a main sail cover.