Photo credit: MAGNUS SANDBERG JOHANSEN
When comparing Boat canopies , many people Boat canopies about fabric, fit, and details. But there is one component that often determines how long the canopy will actually hold together: the thread in the seams.
Seams are particularly exposed to sun (UV), salt, rain, dirt, and temperature fluctuations. This is also why awnings sometimes "give up" even though the fabric still feels fine—it is the seams that give way first.
At Kapell & Annat , we therefore sew with GORE® TENARA® – a thread developed for tough outdoor and marine environments.
Why Tenara thread is superior in marine environments
GORE describes TENARA as resistant to UV/sunlight, chemicals, salt water, extreme weather conditions, and acid rain.
This is exactly the environment a canopy lives in—especially during peak season, when the boat is exposed to a lot of sun.
In short: Tenara is designed to ensure that seams remain intact when weather and UV rays would otherwise break down "ordinary" threads.
15 years of UV protection – that's why the seam lasts longer
In our documentation, we emphasize that Tenara has 15 years of UV resistance. This is also supported by several established suppliers who offer a 15-year warranty for Tenara in outdoor/marine applications. In practice, this means that you can get a canopy where the seam matches the level of the fabric, instead of the seams becoming a bottleneck.
Why doesn't everyone use Tenara?
Because Tenara is not "just a thread." It sets higher standards.
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It requires the correct settings on the machines
Tenara behaves differently than classic threads. It is often pre-lubricated and needs the right combination of tension, stitch length, needle, and feed to be sewn optimally. -
Needle selection and stitch quality become even more important
In our material, we also mention that thin, strong needles are used to make the needle holes as small as possible. Many suppliers also specify recommended needle sizes for different Tenara dimensions, which says a lot about how "technical" it actually is. That's why not just anyone can sew Tenara and get the same results—it requires knowledge, testing, and correct machine settings.
But does it seal as well as other thread?
Tenara is not designed to be "sealed" in exactly the same way as certain traditional threads that work with swelling/coating. In our documentation, we clearly state that if, contrary to expectations, a seam should allow water to pass through, the seam can be sealed using a seam sealer, a very simple solution that solves any potential leakage problems. If you have any problems, please contact us and we will help you.
Tenara costs more – much more (and that's part of the point)
Tenara is a premium choice. And yes, this is reflected in the purchase price. The Tenara thread we use costs about three times more than the next best thread we would otherwise choose. And that is precisely why we choose it: because that small detail in the seam is often what determines whether you get 10 seasons or many more before anything needs to be done.
It's an active choice: we accept higher material costs to give you a seam that lasts.
Conclusion: Tenara thread is longevity in the seam
If you want a Boat canopies the seams are not the weakest link, then Tenara is one of the strongest material choices you can make. It demands more from the canopy maker – but it also gives you a canopy that is built to withstand strong sun, salt spray, and UV rays year after year. That's exactly where Tenara makes a difference – and exactly why we use it, even when it demands more from both machines and craftsmanship.
Want to see our canopy categories? Start here:
• Boat canopies sailboats
• Boat canopies motorboats