Photo credit: MAGNUS SANDBERG JOHANSEN
When comparing Boat canopies Many people talk about fabric, fit and details. But there is one component that often determines how long the canopy actually lasts: the thread in the seams.
Seams are particularly exposed to sun (UV), salt, rain, dirt and temperature changes. This is also why awnings sometimes “give up” even though the fabric still feels good – it’s the seams that give way first.
On Kapell & Annat We therefore sew with GORE® TENARA® – a thread designed for tough outdoor and marine environments.
Why Tenara wire 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 the high season, when the boat is in the sun a lot.
In short: Tenara is built to ensure that seams last when weather and UV would otherwise break down “regular” threads.
15 years of UV protection – so the seam can last longer
In our documentation we highlight that Tenara has 15 years of UV resistance. This is also supported by several established suppliers who state a 15 year warranty for Tenara in outdoor/marine applications. This means in practice that you can get a canopy where the seam matches the level of the fabric, instead of the seams becoming the bottleneck.
Why doesn't everyone use Tenara?
Because Tenara is not “just a thread.” It sets higher standards.
-
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 sew optimally. -
Needle selection and stitch quality become even more important
In our material we also mention using a thin, strong needle to make the needle holes as small as possible. Many suppliers also provide recommended needle sizes for different Tenara dimensions, which says something 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 built to be “sealed” in exactly the same way as some traditional threads that work with swelling/coating. In our documentation we are clear that if a seam should, against all odds, let water through, you can seal the seam using seam sealant, a very simple solution that solves any potential leakage problems. If you have any problems, contact us and we will help you.
Tenara costs more – a lot more (and that's part of the point)
Tenara is a premium choice. And yes – it shows in the purchase price. The Tenara thread we use costs about 3 times more than the next best thread we would otherwise choose. And that’s exactly why we choose it: because the small detail in the seam is often what determines whether you get 10 seasons or many more before something needs to be done.
It's an active choice: we charge a higher material cost to give you a seam that lasts.
Conclusion: Tenara thread is longevity in the seam
If you want one Boat canopies where 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 provides a canopy that is built to stand up to strong sun, salt spray and UV year after year. That is exactly where Tenara makes a difference – and exactly why we use it, even when it requires more from both machinery and craftsmanship.
Want to see our chapel categories? Start here:
• Boat canopies for sailboats
• Boat canopies for motorboats