Boat Covers and Tops
We do Boat tops, mooring covers, boat covers, custom boat covers and . We solves your upholstery problems by providing superior personal service and quality work delivered on time at competitive prices!
Don't wait till the last minute to make your appontment for your boat today! Make it now!
Boat Upholstery
Our highly skilled staff of expert upholsterer are happy to handle your uholstery work. We can duplicate an original upholstery, or change your color scheme. We solves your upholstery problems by providing superior personal service and quality work delivered on time at competitive prices!
Quality Protection You Can Afford!
High quality cover provides excellent protection in all conditions including towing. Whether You’re looking to protect that brand new bass boat or the family ski Boat, we can Custom make or repair your existing boat Cover and upholstery to your satisfaction. Your canvas will be hand sewn and tailored to fit your needs.
IS THE FABRIC WATERPROOF?
Most fabrics used for marine applications are water repellent. This fabric, while not guaranteed 100% waterproof, usually performs well in repelling or beading of moisture. A waterproof fabric usually has a vinyl coating will be the closest to 100% waterproof. However, when sewn the machine needle will cause a small hole in the coating while depositing the thread. Thus, the vinyl coated fabric would not be 100% waterproof also.
IS THE FABRIC BREATHABLE?
The marine acrylic fabric offers very good breathe-ability followed by the polyester fabrics; the vinyl coated polyester fabric is not a breathable fabric. Most applications for storage will be best suited for a breathable fabric. If used primarily for traveling the vinyl-coated fabric would afford the better water repellency.
IS THE COVER PADDED?
We sew reinforcement to the underneath side of the cover at possible abrasion areas based upon the configuration of your boat.
CAN YOU TRAVEL WITH THE COVER DOWN THE HIGHWAY?
You can use the cover during travel when it is tied down properly (see installation page). If you notice considerable movement in the cover, it is advisable to stop and check for proper installation.
DO I NEED TO APPLY WATER REPELLENT TO THE FABRIC?
In some cases, a new cover may require a short period for the fabric to tighten around the thread at sewn locations. As the cover has been in use, it may require that the water repellency be rejuvenated. The duration will depend on a combination of factors thus no set time will apply. If water is wicking and not beading off, then it is time to reapply repellent to the fabric. - Some boat covers can be machined washed (mild detergent) in large commercial sized washers - just let air dry and then apply the proctors. You should wash your cover at least once a year!
DO THE COLORS FADE?
The marine acrylic fabric is very colorfast. Covers that we have made 10 to 12 years ago, made from the marine acrylic have shown very little if any color change. The polyester fabric uses a different dyeing system, while still very colorfast they do show some change after several years.
HOW LONG DOES THE COVER LAST?
There are many different factors, which determine the life expectancy. Some climates are harsher, and the application of use will be factors in the longevity. Polyester gives 3 to 5 years of dependable service with more in some instances. It is not uncommon for the Marine Acrylic vinyl coated polyester fabrics to last 5 to 8 years. This is if you take care of your covers by cleaning and protecting them each year. If not your could cut its life in half.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO MAKE MY COVER?
Our normal peak season turn around time is approximate. 3 days to one week. However, in the fall we have a 1- 3 Days turn around time. Interiors can take up to 1 to 3 weeks
Care and maintenance
of your new custom canvas product is important after the initial purchase. You purchased the very best custom made top or enclosure, now you need to maintain that pride of ownership for years to come.
Canvas
Your canvas should be washed at least once a year. You can wash it with a gentle detergent and a brush (rinse thoroughly). Also, you can wash it in a full size washing machine ( available at some laundry mats) Here in Merrillville - the one at 61St and Harrison has a super capacity washer . Air dry only. Canvas can not be put in dryer. It will shrink and/or burn. Poles may have to be adjusted since canvas will stretch and shrink over time.
Windows
Windows should be cleaned and polished regularly with a soft cloth. You can use any of the products designed for this, available at your local marine supply store. We recommend Mother plastic polish . which we have in stock. Furniture polish is not recommended since it can build up a residue.
Zippers
Zippers should be cleaned with a brush, and then a silicone spray should be applied. Be careful to not get it on the windows. Do not use the "stick" kind of lubricant. It leaves behind a residue that makes it difficult to operate the zipper. Bar soap can be added to ease in operation.
Fasteners
Fasteners should be lubricated regularly both on the boat and on the canvas. Any type of clear lubrication is fine. Grease should not be used as it will discolor the canvas. Some fasteners should be replaced if they have seen signs of wear.
Storage
It is always advisable to clean your canvas and windows before storage. They must be perfectly dry before storing.
Tarps should not be put on over canvas. Windy conditions can cause them to rub through the canvas, causing rips and holes, and costly repairs.
Canvas can be folded; windows cannot. Windows should be stored either lying flat with sheets or towels in between them or rolled up in a protective tube.
Traveling
Only covers specifically designed for on-the-road travel, should be used while Traveling. You should never trailer a boat with the enclosure or bimini top up. The high rate of wind speed can destroy them. If they do survive the trip, the dirt and grime will have scratched the glass or soiled the canvas.
Also, accidents can happen. If your top flies off, it could blind another driver!
Even covers that are designed for travel need to be cared for correctly. Do not use straps across the cover. The straps can cause chaffing, and ultimately, rip through the cover.
Merrillville Auto Glass & Restyling
8606 Mississippi St – Merrillville IN – 46410
Hours are : Monday – Friday
9:00am to 5:00pm
(219) 769-1905
© Copyright 2007,-2010
Serving: Whiting, Hammond, East Chicago,Belshaw,Brunswick,Cedar Lake, Creston,Crown Point, Dyer, Gary , Green Acres, Griffith, Highland, Kreitsburg, Lake Dalecarlia, Lake Hills, Lake Village, Lakes of four Seasons, Leroy, Liberty Park, Lowell, Merrillville, Munster, New Elliott, Ross, St. John, Schererville, Schneider, Winfield, Chesterton, Hobart, Knouts, La Crosse, Lake Station, Michigan City, Portage, Porter, Oden Dunes, Valparaiso, Wheeler, burns harbor
8606 Mississippi Street
Merrillville IN 46410
(219) 769-1905
Our Hours are:
9:00 am to 5pm
Monday - Friday
