25
CANOPY FOLDING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Lay can-
opy on a
clean, at
surface with
the top fac-
ing up.
2. Fold the
sides of the
canopy on
the seam.
Fold one
end of the
canopy to
the seam.
See Fig. 60.
3. Start at
the end that
is folded, measure in 16”, fold the canopy to-
ward opposite end and continue folding until you
reach the other side. The canopy should now be
approximately 20” wide and resemble Fig. 61.
4. At one side, measure in 16”, fold the canopy
until you reach the opposite end. The canopy
should now resemble Fig. 62.
CANOPY FABRIC CARE & CLEANING
SOLUTION DYED POLYESTER (SDP)
SDP is a woven fabric and will not support the
growth of mildew. Mold and mildew needs “food”
to grow on and polyester isn’t a desirable sub-
stance for mold. Dirt or dust on the fabric is a per-
fect “food” for mildew growth, which makes regular
cleaning important. There is no set time for when
a fabric should be cleaned. The local environment
has a great deal to do with determining cleaning
frequency. Cleaning is required less frequently in
a dry environment than in a humid one with heavy
foliage cover. SDP has a nish applied to the fab-
ric to deter mold and mildew growth, but does not
make it mold-proof. Keeping the fabric free of dirt
is important to deter mold growth.
FLOE SDP fabrics will provide excellent protection
to your boat from harmful sun exposure. Also, the
combination of heat-sealed seams and the water
repellent fabric will minimize rain from entering the
boat. Heavy and/or persistent rainfall can increase
the likelihood that a limited amount of water could
pass through the fabric. It is recommend that the
canopy be kept taut using FLOE’s horizontal fabric
tensioner and Quick-Clip with elastic tension belt
system. A taut canopy fabric promotes water run-
off and will minimize water penetration. Also, ap-
plying water repelling fabric treatments such as 303
may increase the water repellency further.
Cleaning: One of the best ways to keep SDP look-
ing good and to delay the need for deep cleanings
is to hose fabric off on a monthly basis with clean
water. This practice will help prevent dirt from be-
coming deeply embedded in the fabric. In most
environments, a thorough cleaning will be needed
every two to three years.
To thoroughly clean SDP fabric, follow these simple
steps:
1. Brush off loose dirt.
2. Hose down.
3. Prepare a cleaning mixture of water and mild
natural soap (no detergents).
4. Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
5. Allow soap to soak in.
6. Rinse thoroughly.
7. Air dry completely before storage.
-or-
Size permitting, SDP fabric can be cleaned in a
large commercial washing machine with mild natu-
ral soap and water.
Re-Treating the Fabric: SDP fabrics are treated
with a uorocarbon nish which enhances water re-
pellency. This nish is designed to last for years but
must be replenished after a thorough cleaning. The
fabric manufacturer recommends 303 High Tech
Fabric Guard™ as the preferred re-treatment prod-
uct. Fabric should be re-treated after a thorough
cleaning or after ve years of use. 303 High Tech
Fabric Guard™ can be purchased at most marine
supply stores or online at 303-products.com.
If a canopy fabric has any build-up of dust or dirt
in the pores and it is in a moist environment where
it cannot dry out regularly, it may cause mildew to
grow on the fabric. Although this mildew can be re-
moved, it can be very difcult or even impossible
to remove the stain on the fabric left by the mildew.
With darker colored fabrics, even if such a stain oc-
curred it is much less visible to see.
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