Fabrics

At the Ship's Tailor we provide you with a large variety of fabrics, designs and colors to choose from to meet all of your boating needs. Once you tell us what you want we will recommend the materials that we feel are best suited for the application that you want. This is a general information page only. We cannot list all of the colors and designs here but we would like to give you some information on some of the products we use.

Fabrics (Most Commonly Used)

Sunbrella® - a 100% solution-dyed acrylic fabric that comes in a wide variety of colors, has a high resistance to fading and a long life span. Resists ultraviolet light longer than other fabrics. It does not shrink or stretch noticeably and is quite soft. Acrylic fabric breathes to prevent condensation, while also being quite water and mildew resistant. Commonly used for covers (sail, furling, boat) awnings, biminis, dodgers, bags and interior/exterior cushions.

Top Gun - 100% woven polyester fabric with an acrylic coating. An extremely rugged fabric known for its superior strength, excellent abrasion resistance, dimensional stability, and an exceptionally high degree of water repellency. Ultra-violet and mildew resistant. This fabric is used extensively for boat tops, mooring covers, travel covers, and any other exterior marine application where protection from the elements is extremely important.

Weblon - is a lamination of two plies of specially formulated vinyl with an inner reinforcing core fabric woven from high strength Hoescht Trevira ® polyester yarns. Weblon's exclusive Rain Kleen finish on the weather side provides ease of cleaning, prolongs the life of the fabric and adds to the appearance of the surface. This fabric has extreme strength and multi-directional stretch resistance, including the bias direction, which affords excellent contouring and a lasting, trim fit. Specifically designed for the rigorous top side exposure and below deck conditions. Excellent for boom awnings, Bimini, sun and convertible tops, curtains, dodgers, enclosures, cushions, mooring and protective covers of all types. Lightweight, waterproof, and mildew resistant. Heat, cold, abrasion resistant and reflects heat - pastel linings relieve glare.

Threads

Polyester Thread - 100% polyester thread which is high in strength and controlled stretch to provide smooth even tight-locking stitches. Extremely high stability in sunlight (UVR). High resistance to abrasion, saltwater and mildew. Thread weight will vary according to materials sewn and applications.

Gore-Tex Tanara - This is an improved version of the original Gore-Tex thread. It has the same high strength as the original but gives a nicer "stitch". This thread has been proven to last much longer than average thread. Highly resistance to UV radiation, pollution, saltwater, rain and snow. It is a more expensive thread but is worth the extra cost when the canvas on your boat is left out year round, especially in the lower states, Bahamas, Caribbean, the Med, etc. This thread will last two to three times longer than ordinary thread which will usually start breaking down requiring your bimini, dodger, etc., to have to be re-sewn before the fabric is worn out.

Glass

Plain Glass - Clear vinyl that makes excellent windows in any fabric. Used in biminis, dodgers, connectors, full enclosures, awnings and sails. We commonly use .40 mil which is a polished plastic with high visibility and clarity.

Strataglass - This is a premium .40 mil press polished vinyl window which uses a polymer coating to seal in the plasticizers which keep the vinyl supple, soft and improves its scratch resistance over other vinyl.

Cushions

Standard Foam - Closed Cell designed for flotation gear and cushions. It doesn't absorb moisture and is commonly used for cockpit cushions and cockpit cushions. Resists weather aging and abrasion. Comes in varying thickness for your comfort level and product application.

Reticulated Foam - Open Cell which allows water to drain through quickly. This foam does not stay wet. Used both indoor and outdoor in all types of applications. This is a fairly new foam on the market and provides for a much dryer boat than standard foam. Comes in varying thickness for your comfort level and product application.

Email us

The Ship's Tailor
PO Box 708
Deltaville, VA 23043
Deltaville (804) 776-7044
Whitestone (804) 435-7229