Bertram33 User Forum

Doug, Have them use Tenara thread. it is Gor-Tex material and will outlast the the rest of the material of the enclosure. Most of the fabricators don’t like to use it as it is hard to work with (too slippery) and wears out parts of their sewing machines. It also comes in a waxed version which helps with the slippery issue. They also don’t like to use it as they won’t get the restiching work after the UV light destroys the original thread they used, after several years. Most fabricators wiill use it if you ask, but you have to ask.

I second the Tenara thread. Didn't comment earlier as I couldn't remember the name. Al

Didn't know that it was called tenara, but the old one used whatever the goretex thread at the time was and the new one will use whatever the current one is. Thanks

Thanks Doug I’m having the same issues with mine over the couple of years. My guy doesn’t want to touch it anymore. He doesn’t leave his shop anymore either so he’s not a candidate next year quote:Originally posted by dougl33 Tony, The new enclosure will look basically just like the one in my signature post and will be Strata-glass. The old one lasted 14 years and was made of strata-glass. It needed restitching here and there with an occasional new zipper, but last year the zippers were falling apart all over and the glass has been getting more and more beat up even though 3 out of 4 smileys swing up rather than roll. There were so many busted teeth from the zippers that it looked like a hockey game broke out! A local guy in Salem will be doing it, His name is Ilir Korriku. I've used him for a few other jobs on the boat and I've been happy with his work. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Cummins 6BTA's Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]

I haven't between online much for awhile, but boats been idle since September. Hoping to get out next month, deepwater lingcod, rockfish, and tasty Dungeness crab awaits! Hope everyone is doing well, as much as one can be. I'll try not to be a stranger as much.

I for one am planning on running the boat more this year. Last summer was OK given I put 7 hours on it the summer before. The new NextGen 5.5 generator was great! A little noisier than the gas westerbeke but it ran every time without complaint. The install required a skinny pony tank along the transom. This year cosmetics are front and center along with bolster cushions plus a cockpit shade(too many trips to the skin doctor) and front window sun shades.

Bill, What type cockpit shade do you plan? I got crazy numbers last year.

The shade will be nothing fancy. Because the FBC has a higher cabin top it will attach to the base of the flybridge rails and catch the handrails on the side. Two shurhold handles in the rod holders to hold up the corners and a center loop to keep the belly out. Not made for underway, just for the hanging out time on those brutal days. More of a fitted tent fly.