Question about material for the MARINE people????? What should I use?

[hdflame]

I'm making something for a motorcycle called a "lap robe".  It's similar to what you see in pictures of people riding in sleighs in the snow.  It will be used when riding a sidecar rig in the winter, when it's cold and rainy.

I want something that is heavy and waterproof.  The urethane backed Cordura that I've tried, just isn't heavy enough.  The urethane backing is too thin.  If I hold it up to the light, I can see through it.

Isn't there some marine material similar to Sunbrella, that has a heavy rubber/urethane type backing that will be wind and rain proof and hold up good outside in harsh conditions?

What should I use to make these out of?  I don't have any samples of marine material.

[scarab29]

WhenI was just in france , all the scooters had these. Seems they aren't skeered of a little bad weather when commuting on their scooters. Looked to be made out of sunbrella type canvas but was quilted , maybe a layer of like  1/8 or 1/2 "sew foam between 2 layers of canvas . Thought it a neat idea.

[hdflame]

WhenI was just in france , all the scooters had these. Seems they aren't skeered of a little bad weather when commuting on their scooters. Looked to be made out of sunbrella type canvas but was quilted , maybe a layer of like  1/8 or 1/2 "sew foam between 2 layers of canvas . Thought it a neat idea.

It's actually a very old idea and that's why the lap robe's retro look, fits the Ural and sidecar type of rider.  I've seen lot's of pictures, but the only one I've actually been able to look at is only one layer except for the wear areas.  I've thought about sandwiching a layer of quilted Thinsolate in between the outer layers, but that just adds more labor and cost.

I think the original lap robes were made of heavy waxed/oiled canvas.  I think that one of the marine materials that are currently being used for boating applications, will work in a single layer. (Except wear areas.)  The problem is I'm not familiar  with all the different materials.  Seems like I remember someone on here talking about Top Gun having a heavy backing that made it more waterproof than Sunbrella.

Here's a link to a site that makes them for Police motorcycles:
http://potomaccanvas.com/police.html

Here's what they list as a description, maybe this will help with suggestions of what I should use:

The following is a list of some of the specifics of our product:
Material: 100% Acrylic, 9.25 oz/sq.yd. weight, water repellent, solution dyed inner and outer shells.
Thread: Dacron bonded black in color, size 138.
Insulation: Dacron or polyester type fiber material quilted between the inner and outer shells. It is machine washable.
Fasteners and Closures: Combination of 1" delrin side release buckles and hook and loop type closure system.

[Mike8560]

Sea mark is sunbrella with a vinyl layer on the inside.

[hdflame]

Sea mark is sunbrella with a vinyl layer on the inside.

Thanks Mike, can you tell me who carries it?  Any of our suppliers on here?

[Mike8560]

Tri vantage and manart hirsh doo  I'm nit sure about Miami mike ?

[bobbin]

I guess a buffalo skin is out, huh?

The first thing I thought of was, Seamark, too.  It's expensive, but it's great stuff.  I don't know if the lap robe is a special shape, but if it is you could simply cut it out and then bind around it for a neat, clean, "finished" look. 

[hdflame]

The lap robe is a special shape.  I'll try to post some pics tomorrow.  I'm wanting to bind the edges when it's finished.

[Miami Mike]

I carry the RecWater, Acrylic with a PVC back coat, Just like the >>>>>  how much do you need to do the job.. I'll send you some. If you have done it already, want to make another one.??  I might be able to get you a few things to try. I'm easy going, I just need you guys and gals to work with us on trying new things. I feel some of our option will work better and give you the same ending result , that your customer will love. Just need to look at the option.

I sell a lot of our products to a lot of Marine, Awning and Auto guys. But you Guys and Gals are tough.  ;D  :o  And I think I can save you Money.

Thank you,

Mike

[hdflame]

I carry the RecWater, Acrylic with a PVC back coat, Just like the >>>>>  how much do you need to do the job.. I'll send you some. If you have done it already, want to make another one.??  I might be able to get you a few things to try. I'm easy going, I just need you guys and gals to work with us on trying new things. I feel some of our option will work better and give you the same ending result , that your customer will love. Just need to look at the option.

I sell a lot of our products to a lot of Marine, Awning and Auto guys. But you Guys and Gals are tough.  ;D  :o  And I think I can save you Money.

Thank you,

Mike

Mike,

Thanks for the offer.  I think 4 yards will do one lap robe.  I'm thinking of using Dacron batting to quilt between the two layers for insulation.  I have some quilted Thinsulate, but I think this might be overkill and just add to the cost of making it.  I'm making the prototype in black, but may offer some other colors as options later.

I'm thinking I will have a pretty good demand for these.  The only place that is currently making them only deals with Police Depts.  I may also incorporate this material into a cover similar to what's used on a kayak to seal around the top opening.  The way the sidecar is made, the passenger can get pretty wet in a hard rain.  The water will puddle in the seat underneath them.  I'm thinking about using some neoprene rubber, like wet suits are made of, to create a piece to seal around the passenger.  Nobody offers anything like this now.

[hdflame]

I carry the RecWater, Acrylic with a PVC back coat, Just like the >>>>>  how much do you need to do the job.. I'll send you some. If you have done it already, want to make another one.??  I might be able to get you a few things to try. I'm easy going, I just need you guys and gals to work with us on trying new things. I feel some of our option will work better and give you the same ending result , that your customer will love. Just need to look at the option.

I sell a lot of our products to a lot of Marine, Awning and Auto guys. But you Guys and Gals are tough.  ;D  :o  And I think I can save you Money.

Thank you,

Mike

Hey Mike,

I never heard back from you??  Did you send out any material?  I've got several jobs going right now and would love to try out what ever you want to send! ;D

[Mojo]

Bobby:

You may want to e-mail him instead of PM. He always answers my e-mails and if that doesn't work I call him.

Mike Weunski <MWeunski@miamicorp.com>

Chris

[Miami Mike]

Bobby, did you ever get that account set up.???? I can send it to my house and bring it by.???? You need Black.????

[hdflame]

Bobby, did you ever get that account set up.???? I can send it to my house and bring it by.???? You need Black.????

Yes, my account is set up, and yes black is what I need.  If you need my account number I can PM it to you.

I think about 4 yards of the RecWater will make the project.  I've also been looking at some Softouch by Odyssey.  Do you have anything similar?

If you'd rather send it to your house, that's fine.  Whatever is easier for you.

Thanks!

[fragged8]

hiya

I've got some softouch odyssey at the workshop, i bought it for a screen cover on my boat
as the screen is made from acrylic not glass, I'm not sure it would be suitable for your
lap robe ? I think the wool backing would just deteriorate with use.

Rich