Hurricane Canvas Prep
Take bimini tops, enclosure panels and canvas covers down before a storm, then check seams and zippers after it.
Send photos, get a quote
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Before a storm, take off bimini tops, enclosure panels and canvas covers, because BoatUS advises cutting windage by stripping canvas and deck gear. After the storm, dry everything and check seams, zippers, snaps and frames before the canvas goes back up.
When is hurricane season in Florida
The National Hurricane Center gives the official Atlantic season as June 1 to November 30. It puts the peak around September 10, with activity concentrated from mid-August to mid-October, and notes storms sometimes form outside the season.
What to do with canvas before a storm
BoatUS tells owners to reduce windage by removing as much rigging, canvas and deck gear as possible, and lists bimini tops and canvas covers among the things to strip. Fold and strap the bimini frame once the top is off.
Store clear panels flat with a soft sheet between each one, as Strataglass advises, so they do not mark. Never pack canvas away wet, which OMNOVA warns causes fast mildew growth.
What to check after a storm
Dry the canvas first. Then look for torn seams, split zippers, pulled snaps and grommets, bent frame tubes and cracked fittings. Check clear panels for creases and cracks before rolling them again.
Before and after, part by part
| Part | Before the storm | After the storm |
|---|---|---|
| Bimini top | Remove canvas, fold and strap the frame | Check fittings, seams and zipper sleeves |
| Enclosure panels | Remove, store flat with sheets between | Check for creases, cracks, torn zippers |
| Boat cover | Remove it | Dry fully, check seams and snaps |
| Cushions | Take them off the boat | Dry foam, check for trapped water |
What we do in the shop
- Post-storm check of canvas, snaps, zippers and frames
- Seam, zipper and panel repair priced per repair
- Replacement panels patterned from the old ones
Questions
Questions boat owners ask
Should I remove my bimini top for a hurricane?
Yes. BoatUS lists bimini tops among the gear to strip before a storm to reduce windage.
Can I leave the boat cover on during a storm?
BoatUS lists canvas covers among the things to strip, since loose canvas catches wind and can tear free.
How much does canvas repair cost after a storm?
Storm repairs are quoted from photos of the damage.
Next step
Get a quote
Send photos of the storm damage. We price each repair.