Sailing Jibseavideo
BUILDING MORE USABLE LIVING SPACE on our SAILBOAT before Sailing to the Arctic! - Ep 238
June 8, 2025 · 22 min · 38K views · Outer Banks, North Carolina
What this video covers
The crew of a 45-foot aluminum sailboat fabricates a custom cockpit enclosure to improve weather protection and living space for high-latitude sailing.0:58 Working from a marina in the Outer Banks, they install luff track along the existing hard dodger and bimini to secure the canvas panels.3:10 They choose 60-gauge Strataglass for the front window and 30-gauge for the side curtains, opting for soft roll-up material over rigid polycarbonate to simplify installation and reduce costs.4:45 The project involves templating, cutting, and sewing the panels using PTFE lifetime thread.12:03 To avoid needle gumming, they strategically place double-sided tape away from stitch lines.12:20 They use a hot knife to seal canvas edges and employ a relief-slit technique to sew windows into the fabric panels.13:22 Despite initial concerns regarding window symmetry and material constraints, the final enclosure provides a sealed, wind-resistant cockpit.15:33 The project demonstrates that custom canvas work is achievable without professional templates, provided the installer accounts for non-symmetrical boat geometry and material limitations.
More from Sailing Jibsea
From Sailing Jibsea — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.
The Sailing Directory Newsletter
One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.