Dinghy Chaps

I am editing this post to make it one very long post over the several days it took to make the chaps so you don't have to page thru all the different daily posts.  (So it will read a little weird but you'll get the idea)

 

The new dinghy needs  new clothes!

Same drill as last time..... 

Using cheap shower curtain liners and tons of masking tape, I made the pattern for 1/2 of the dinghy.  (The other side should theoretically be a mirror image).

Then I took the pattern pieces and rough cut them out of marine grade Sunbrella material.  It's tougher and therefore stiffer than the Sunbrella material you'd use for an outdoor cushion or umbrella.

All cut and ready to start fitting/sewing.  All this in 90+ degree heat!  Yuck!

But that's all for today - we've got a picnic this afternoon that replaces our sailing club trip that was cancelled for weather.

 

 

Pretty way to end the day yesterday.

This morning I started the actual sewing on the dinghy chaps.

First I cut out all the holes for the handles, etc.

Then I used paper to make patterns for all the reinforcement patches.

And cut out all the patches from Naugahyde that matches our Sunbrella sailcover color. 

Many, many patches!  Two for each opening because I'm making a "sandwich" to attach the patch to the grey Sunbrella material.

And here are some of the patches in place.

And that's it for the day.  I know it doesn't look like much, but that was about 8 hours of work (play)!

Beautiful sunrise!!

Another full day....


Just a lot of the same - sewing patches on and progressing towards the bow.

Moved the dinghy under the awning beside the camper for some sun relief!

And that's as far as I got today.  (Keep in mind that I've got the dinghy deflated quite a bit - so when we pump it back up, the cover will (hopefully) be nice and tight fitting.

Left a little cleanup until tomorrow, I'm tired!

Got a lot accomplished today - may not look like much, but the dreaded bow panel is in place!  It's tough making that rounded end fit well with non-stretchy material.  Lot's of darts (and a few seams ripped out and re-done).  Keep in mind that the dinghy is not fully inflated and the chaps are not attached yet to the boat - so it will look tighter when finished.

The end caps are treated special since this is where all the water will end up - it needs very porous material to help it drain.   Made a pattern and cut the triangles of Phifertex.

Rough fitting.

And end caps in place.  That's it for today!

All I really accomplished in a couple of hours was to fit and sew in the "drawstring" at the base of the chaps.  The string will hold the chaps onto the boat.

I know it doesn't look like much progress.....

I'm pretty pleased with the fit.

I'm pausing here on the project because we have to go home for our yearly bloodwork and physicals.....when we get back I'll be adding some rubrail wear-strips and some pockets inside for storage.  Then we'll be ready to rig it up and lift it onto the boat davits.

Man, it is hot!!!

Back to the dinghy project.....

I used masking tape and fabric markers to lay out where to sew the Naugahyde rub-rail protector strip.

Gives it a nice look and will keep the fabric from wearing when we are next to a dock.

Next up is some patches at the bow.  This is where we step onto the dinghy from the back of the boat and it gets a lot of wear.

Patches installed.

And in progress now - the cover for the outboard.  Just wrapped it up with paper.

And cut out the patterns.  I'll add seam allowances when I cut the Sunbrella fabric.  That's it for the 96 degree day!

Man, it's still hot, hot, hot!!


Proceeding with the motor cover, I just cut out the sunbrella per the patterns with about 5/8" seam allowance added, just by eye.  Started the assembly.  I ended up ripping two of the seams out and re-doing.  Made for a nice snug-but loose enough fit.

Mostly assembled.  Ready for the bottom seam/pocket for the drawstring.

All done with reflective tape added.  The little dog-ears will have an elastic string attached for extra security.

Added reflective tape to the dinghy itself - incase we ever need to search for it with a spotlight!

Added this plaque - I will attach a long bag/pocket for our swim fins, etc.  (I haven't made that yet)

Getting closer to "splash"!

I started the day with a "fail". 

If you'll remember on past dinghies, we've ordered this custom made registration number plate.  It costs $50....and I thought "I can make that" instead....

So, I printed out the numbers/letters using a large bold font, then carefully cut out the letters.

Traced backwards on the back of the vinyl and cut out the characters.  Thought they turned out really nice!

So here's my patch - ready to sew.  I changed to black thread since I thought it would be less "visible".

And here's the "fail".  I just could not control the sewing machine to make the turns easily.  The "walking foot" on this machine grabs the fabric with every stitch (which is very good when you've got heavy materials) but I tried several times and this is the best I could do.....so I'm calling it a fail and ordering the $50 plaques.

Next up is the bag for our swim fins/etc.  I just made a simple box using Phifertex material.  It will let the water easily escape when we store wet items.

The almost finished bag.

And this is where the bag will be in the dinghy.  We just need to put in the grommets and tie them in place. 

I know you're happy to hear it!  Me too!!

Saturday afternoon, we took a break.  The local marina - Deaton Yacht Service - had their 40th Anniversary celebration.  They sweetly invited the entire town for music and a catered BBQ.  We carpooled with Jerry and Donna - a lovely afternoon, but hot!!!

Last thing that needed to be done was attach the swim fin bags.  I sewed a batten in the front border pocket to keep it "stiff".

 Took the trailer next door to our neighbor's boat ramp that he nicely offered for our use anytime!  Off we went for a little tour of Brown/Broad creek.  We have to run the engine at 1/2 power for 2 hours to break it in.  It did great - got up on plane easily at even 1/2 throttle. 

 On our little dinghy ride, we saw new friend Sue out in her yard so we puttered over to chat.  Rick came out and invited us in for a glass of wine.   Had to twist my arm!!! 

Beautiful house - enjoyed chatting with them.   Sue got out a watermelon and Rick did a great job with a fancy cut -

Ended up with fun little watermelon spears!  Yummy one too.  (Watermelon and red wine are a surprisingly good pair!)

Back to the boat - swapped the new with the old on the davits.  Yay!!!  A project complete!!