If youre an avid boat enthusiast, theres nothing better than cruising out onto the open waters.
But finding the right cover for your dinghy can be a challenge.
Fortunately, its possible to make your own dinghy cover with a few easy steps.
In this guide, well provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make a custom inflatable dinghy cover, from measuring and cutting the fabric to securing the cover.
With this guide, youll be able to make your own inflatable dinghy cover and protect your boat for years to come.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Making an inflatable dinghy cover requires some basic sewing skills.
Begin by measuring the length, width, and height of the dinghy, then use these measurements to cut the fabric to size.
Sew the pieces of fabric together, creating a cover with an overlap at the front and a zip closure at the back.
Finally, use a sewing machine to reinforce the seams and attach any elastic or drawstrings for extra security.
Measuring and Cutting the Fabric
Making an inflatable dinghy cover is an essential part of protecting your boat from the elements and keeping it looking great for years to come.
The first step in making an effective cover is to measure and cut the fabric that will make up the cover.
When measuring your fabric, you will need to account for the size of your dinghy as well as the size of the cover you will need.
Consider the length, width, and height of your dinghy, as well as the area of the deck that you want to cover.
It is important to measure twice and cut once, as this will ensure that you get the accurate measurements for your cover.
Once you have taken the appropriate measurements, you can use these measurements to cut your fabric to the correct size.
You will need to use a sharp fabric scissors to accurately cut the fabric, as this will help you make sure that the pieces fit together perfectly.
Make sure to leave a bit of extra fabric to account for any shrinkage that may occur after the fabric is sewn together.
Once you have your fabric cut to the appropriate size, you are ready to start constructing your cover.
Be sure to double-check your measurements before cutting the fabric, as this will help you ensure that you get the perfect fit for your inflatable dinghy cover.
Selecting the Right Grommets
When it comes to selecting the right grommets for your inflatable dinghy cover, there are a few important factors to consider.
First, you will want to select a grommet material that is compatible with your fabric.
Second, it is important to select a grommet size that is appropriate for the fabric’s weight and thickness.
Finally, you will want to choose a grommet color that complements the color of your fabric.
Grommet materials can vary, but the most common are brass, nickel, and stainless steel.
Brass is the most economical option and is ideal for lighter weight fabrics.
Nickel is slightly more expensive, but is better suited for heavier fabrics.
Stainless steel is the most durable and heavy-duty option, but it is also the most expensive.
When it comes to selecting the size of the grommet, you want to make sure that the size is appropriate for the fabric’s weight and thickness.
For example, a heavy-duty fabric would require a larger grommet than a lightweight fabric.
Additionally, thicker fabrics will require larger grommets than thinner fabrics.
Finally, you will want to choose a grommet color that complements the color of the fabric.
Brass and nickel grommets are usually available in a variety of colors, such as black, white, and silver.
Stainless steel grommets are usually only available in silver.
When selecting grommets for your inflatable dinghy cover, it is important to choose a material, size, and color that is appropriate for the fabric and that will complement the overall look of the cover.
By doing so, you will be able to create a durable and custom-fit cover that will protect your boat and keep it looking great for years to come.
Choosing the Right Thread
Choosing the right thread for your inflatable dinghy cover project is important for ensuring a secure fit.
Thread should always be chosen based on the material of the cover fabric and the nature of the project.
For instance, a lightweight polyester fabric may require a different thread than a heavy-duty canvas material.
In addition, the type of stitch used to sew the fabric will also influence the thread selection.
You will need a strong, durable thread for projects that involve a lot of tension and stress, such as when installing grommets.
When selecting thread, make sure to choose a color that will coordinate with the cover fabric for a polished, professional look.
Sewing the Seams
Once youve cut the fabric to the correct size, its time to sew the seams.
This is a crucial step for ensuring a snug fit for the cover and ensuring it will stay secure even in windy conditions.
To begin, lay the fabric pieces out flat and pin them together along the edges.
Make sure that the right sides of the fabric are facing each other, as this will ensure that the seams are hidden on the inside when the cover is finished.
Next, thread your sewing machine with the correct type of thread for the material youre using.
Make sure you use a heavy-duty thread that can withstand long-term exposure to the elements.
Once the machine is threaded, begin sewing the pieces together along the edges with a straight stitch.
When youve finished stitching the seams, use a seam ripper to open up a small gap at the corners of the fabric.
This will allow the fabric to lay flat when its folded over the boat.
Finally, use a zigzag stitch to reinforce the edges of the fabric and prevent fraying.
This will also give the seams a finished, professional look.
Installing the Grommets
Installing the grommets is an important step in making a durable and secure inflatable dinghy cover.
Grommets, also known as eyelets, are metal rings that are inserted into the fabric of the cover to help secure it to the dinghy.
The grommets will provide additional strength to the cover and help prevent it from ripping or tearing when exposed to the elements.
The first step in installing the grommets is to mark the spots where they will be placed.
You will need to measure the circumference of the dinghy and then mark the spots where the grommets will be placed.
Make sure to evenly space the grommets so that the cover fits snugly and securely.
Once you have marked the spots where the grommets will be placed, you can begin to install them.
Grommets come in a variety of sizes and types, so it is important to choose the right size for your project.
For a typical dinghy cover, you should use a size 8 grommet.
To install the grommet, you will need a grommet installation tool.
This tool is used to punch a hole in the fabric and then insert the grommet.
Make sure to use caution when using the tool, as it can cause damage to the fabric if not used properly.
Once the grommet is inserted, you will need to secure it in place.
To do this, you can either use a grommet setting tool or a hammer and anvil.
If using a grommet setting tool, simply place the tool over the grommet and press down firmly until the grommet is secured in place.
If using a hammer and anvil, place the grommet between the anvil and the hammer and gently tap the grommet into place.
Installing the grommets is the final step in making your inflatable dinghy cover.
Once the grommets are in place, you can then proceed to attach the cover to the dinghy and secure it with rope or straps.
With a few basic tools and materials, you can easily make a durable and custom-fit cover that will keep your boat safe and secure.
Securing the Cover
Securing the cover is the last step to making your own custom inflatable dinghy cover.
Once youve measured, cut, and installed the grommets, its time to secure the cover to the boat.
This will ensure that the cover stays in place and wont get blown off by the wind or waves.
Depending on the size and shape of your dinghy, there are a few different options for keeping the cover in place.
The most common way to secure a dinghy cover is with bungee cords.
Bungee cords are elastic cords with metal hooks on the ends, and theyre available in a variety of sizes and lengths.
To use them, simply loop the cord around the boat and hook the ends to the grommets on the cover.
This will keep the cover snug against the boat and prevent it from coming off in windy conditions.
Another option is to use a ratchet strap.
Ratchet straps are made of heavy-duty webbing and feature a ratchet mechanism for adjusting the tension.
To use them, simply wrap the strap around the boat and use the ratchet to tighten it.
Once its secure, hook the ends of the strap to the grommets on the cover.
This is a good option for larger boats or those exposed to rough conditions.
Finally, you can also use Velcro straps to secure the cover.
Velcro straps are adjustable and easy to use simply wrap them around the boat and secure the ends to the grommets on the cover.
Velcro straps are great for smaller dinghies, as they can be adjusted to fit snugly.
With a few basic tools and materials, you can easily make a durable and custom-fit cover for your inflatable dinghy.
Securing the cover is the last step, and with a few simple techniques, you can make sure that your boat is safe and secure.
Finishing Up
Once you have the cover cut and all of the grommets in place, its time to finish up.
Start by ensuring that the cover has enough slack to fit over the boat and secure it with the drawstring.
Once the cover is in place, use the bungee cords or rope to ensure it is secure.
Make sure to adjust the cords or rope so that the cover is not too tight or too loose around the boat.
Finally, you should check for any weak spots in the fabric or grommets that could be vulnerable to the elements.
If you find any, you can patch them up with a bit of extra fabric and some strong glue or stitching.
With these few simple steps, you will have a custom-made inflatable dinghy cover that will keep your boat safe and secure for years to come.
Final Thoughts
Making a custom-fit inflatable dinghy cover is easier than you might think! With this guide, you now have all the knowledge you need to make a durable and protective cover for your boat.
Get started today and you’ll be able to keep your boat protected from the elements and looking great for years to come.
Best of luck and happy sailing!