Repairing Boat Tarps: A Comprehensive Guide To Mending

Boat tarps are prone to damage over time, with tears and holes being common issues. Before attempting any repairs, it's important to inspect the entire cover to identify all areas that need attention and determine the cause of the damage. While some damage can be fixed with a simple patch, more extensive deterioration may require a new cover. For minor tears and holes, a variety of repair options are available, including fabric patches, repair tape, glue, and sewing. It's recommended to use a patch that matches the colour and material of the tarp, and to reinforce the repair with stitching for added durability.

How to Repair a Boat Tarp

Reinforcing repairs for chafing

If chafing has caused a rip in your boat tarp, you will need to reinforce the repair. First, you must identify the cause of the chafing and take steps to prevent further damage. Cover any sharp corners with a cap, abrasion tape, or another buffer.

Next, you can begin to repair the tarp. Cut out a rectangle around the rip, then cut a slit at each corner and fold the edges of the patch under and sew them in place. Cut a rectangle of new patch material larger than the hole, hem the edges, and baste it in place on top of the hole. Sew around the perimeter of the patch to secure it. If you are using vinyl, you do not need to hem it as it won't fray.

If you cannot access a sewing machine, you can use a Tear-Aid® Fabric Repair Patch (Type A). These adhesive-backed patches will create a solid, quick patch as long as they are properly installed. Be sure to clean your fabric thoroughly and let it dry before application.

Using glue to repair a boat tarp

Repairing a boat tarp with glue is a straightforward process, but it does require some preparation and the right materials. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use glue to repair a boat tarp:

Step 1: Identify the Tarp Material

Before starting the repair, it's essential to identify the type of material your boat tarp is made of. Common tarp materials include canvas, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and vinyl. Each material requires a specific type of glue for effective adhesion.

Step 2: Choose the Appropriate Glue

For canvas tarps, a non-toxic, latex-based glue like Bish's Original Tear Mender fabric cement is recommended. This type of glue is best suited for fabric tarps, providing a strong and flexible bond. On the other hand, vinyl or PVC tarps require a different adhesive, such as vinyl cement or tarp glue. Vinyl cement, also known as HH-66 vinyl cement, is a strong and waterproof adhesive that can withstand extreme temperatures. It is ideal for vinyl-coated or vinyl-laminated tarps.

Step 3: Prepare the Tarp

Before applying any glue, ensure that the tarp is clean and dry. Use a cloth or paper towel soaked in rubbing alcohol to clean the area around the tear or hole. This step is crucial for ensuring that the glue adheres properly to the tarp.

Step 4: Apply the Glue

Once the tarp is prepared, it's time to apply the glue. For canvas tarps, brush on a thin layer of the fabric cement, ensuring that it penetrates the fibres of the fabric. Vinyl and PVC tarps, on the other hand, require a slightly different approach. Apply a coating of vinyl cement or tarp glue to both surfaces being glued, using a brush or roller for larger areas. Wait until the cement feels tacky before pressing the surfaces together.

Step 5: Allow the Glue to Dry

After applying the glue, give it enough time to dry and cure. For fabric cements, this typically takes around three minutes, while vinyl cements may take up to five minutes to dry. During this time, ensure that the tarp is undisturbed and free from any debris that could affect the adhesion.

Step 6: Inspect and Reinforce

Once the glue has dried, carefully inspect the repaired area. If necessary, apply additional glue to any areas that may require reinforcement. It is also a good idea to keep the tarp away from heavy use for a while to allow the glue to fully cure and reach its maximum strength.

Repairing a boat tarp with glue is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution. By following these steps, you can extend the life of your boat tarp and save yourself the expense of purchasing a new one.

Sewing vs no-sew repairs

Sewing and no-sew repairs each have their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to repairing a boat tarp.

No-sew repairs are often quicker and easier to execute, especially if you have limited time and resources. Adhesive-backed patches, such as Tear-Aid® Fabric Repair Patches (Type A), can be a solid, quick fix for small tears or holes. These patches require a clean and dry surface for proper installation and are not recommended for long-term use. Additionally, sail tape or fabric glue can be used to temporarily seal a tear and prevent it from growing, giving you more time to plan a permanent repair.

On the other hand, sewing repairs offer a more durable and long-lasting solution. If you're comfortable with a sewing machine, this option may be ideal for larger tears or more extensive damage. It's important to use the appropriate needles and thread thickness for the job, as well as consider the colour of the thread to match your tarp. Sewing by hand is also an option, but it requires a lot of time and patience. The backstitch technique is recommended for hand sewing as it provides a strong and secure repair.

When deciding between sewing and no-sew repairs, consider the extent of the damage, the time and resources available, and the durability you require. For complex or extensive damage, a combination of both methods may be necessary. For example, using fabric glue or tape for a quick fix while planning a more permanent sewing repair.

Additionally, it's worth noting that certain types of damage, such as chafing, may require additional reinforcement beyond a simple patch. This could involve using a chafe-resistant material like Shelter-Rite® vinyl or SureRite™ to prevent further damage.

Repairing internal vs external damage

When repairing a boat tarp, it's important to first identify the cause of the damage. This will help you determine whether to repair or replace the tarp and whether you need to reinforce the repaired area to prevent further damage.

If the damage is caused by chafing, you will need to reinforce the area to prevent further chafing. In this case, you should patch the inside of the canvas with a chafe-resistant material such as Shelter-Rite® vinyl or SureRite™. You can then use the same cover material on the outside. If the damage was caused by external forces, you can simply patch the outside of the canvas using the same material the cover is made from.

To repair internal damage caused by chafing, cut a rectangle around the rip in your canvas and cut a slit at each corner. Fold the edges of the patch under and sew them in place. Then, cut a rectangle of your new patch material larger than the hole in your old canvas. Hem the edges of the patch fabric and baste it in place on top of the hole in your cover. Sew around the perimeter of the patch to secure it.

To repair external damage, follow the same steps as above, but use the same cover material for the patch. It is important to note that if your tarp is over 10 years old, it may be more cost-effective to replace it entirely rather than repair it.

Using patches

Step 1: Assess the Damage

Before starting the repair, it is important to assess the extent of the damage and identify the cause. Check if the damage is limited to a small area or if there are multiple holes or tears. Common causes of damage include chafing, external impact, or UV degradation. By understanding the cause, you can make a more effective repair and prevent future issues.

Step 2: Choose the Right Patch Material

The type of patch material you choose will depend on the cause of the damage and the location of the repair. If chafing caused the tear, consider using a chafe-resistant material like Shelter-Rite® vinyl or SureRite™ for the inside patch. For the outside patch, use a material that matches your boat tarp, such as Sunbrella®. It is important to select a material that is durable, flexible, and compatible with the tarp's existing fabric.

Step 3: Prepare the Patches

Using a pair of fabric scissors, cut out two identical patches from the chosen material. The patches should be slightly larger than the damaged area, leaving about an extra inch of fabric on each side. For a neat finish, cut the patches into simple shapes like squares or rectangles. If needed, hem the edges of the patches to prevent fraying.

Step 4: Secure the Patches

Before applying the patches, ensure the area around the damage is clean and dry. Place one patch on the inside of the tarp and another on the outside, covering the damaged area. Use double-sided tape or fabric glue to secure the patches in place. Make sure the patches are smoothly applied and free of creases.

Step 5: Sew the Patches

Using a sewing machine or sewing by hand, carefully stitch around the perimeter of the patches to securely attach them to the tarp. Start sewing from one corner, and don't forget to reverse stitch at the beginning and end to lock the stitches. If hand sewing, use sturdy thread such as marine thread or UV-treated polyester, and keep your stitches close together.

Step 6: Final Inspection and Sealing

Once the patches are sewn in place, carefully inspect your work. Check for any loose threads, uneven edges, or air pockets between the patches and the tarp. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure a tight seal. Finally, apply a seam sealer to the outside of the patches, following the manufacturer's instructions for curing time. This will help protect the stitches and enhance the waterproof qualities of the repair.

Frequently asked questions