Our bimini, deck shades and cockpit
cushions were all getting long in the tooth so we made a decision
last season to replace them if funds would allow after our summer
work. So last spring we met with the local canvas geru Hector
Escalante based in La Paz, BCS. He came aboard, talked about our
projects and then measured for material purchases which we would buy
in the States and bring down with us 3 months later, saving the 30%
import and sales tax that would be due if Hector imported the
materials directly to Mexico himself.
Work went well during the summer so we
purchased the needed materials to go forward with the job once we
arrived in La Paz sometime in Nov. 2016. Sunbrella, Stamoid,
zippers, thread (wow, UV Tenara thread is expensive at $115 per roll.
We needed 2 rolls.), grommets, twists and a few other things set us
back about $2000 which included all of the materials needed less the
cockpit covers and foam that we bought from a distributor here in
Mexico.
Projects that we tackled were new
foredeck and midship deck shades, new bimini with complete side and
rear enclosures for total protection from the elements with the side
and rear panels being somewhat convertible as they tie out to the
side rails to provide sun protection while still allowing for air
flow. Not originally planned but added in as we went along were all
new cockpit cushions, including new covers and new foam. And for the
finishing touches we also had Hector make all new winch and BBQ
covers.
We arrived in La Paz just ahead of the
Baja Ha Ha fleet in mid November and got on Hector's schedule to get
the project started. We were thinking that 2-3 weeks would be
sufficient but that turned out to be a bit unrealistic as the project
lasted about 6 weeks in all.
It was a windy day in La Paz when Hector came out to make his patterns for the sun shades.
Getting around halyards, shrouds, bimini tubing and all the rest of the crap on a sailboat is quite an ordeal. Hector is the master!
Making patterns for the hard dodger window covers.
Adjustments to the foredeck cover.
Installing the hard dodger covers.
Completed aft bimini section.
Hector's help for the day. I am not convinced how much help she was but she had a great smile!
Hector has been touted as probably the
best canvas man in Mexico and a couple of cruisers said that his
quality of work would be in the top 10% of work done anywhere in the
States. Although I have never had any canvas work done Stateside, I
will simply add that his work is near impeccable. He is very bright,
extremely insightful and creative and he is definitely concerned with
the fit and finish of his work. On top of all of that, he is an
extremely nice guy, very positive and a joy to have onboard as he
worked. The ONLY comment that I have that is not anything but
positive is that he is extremely busy, which delayed finishing our
project in the estimated time. However, he is busy for a reason...he
is VERY GOOD.
Pictures of finished product.
This shows the side panel propped out to the rail for shade.
Hard dodger window shades with a view of the side bimini panel bungied to the rail.
Detail work of window cover following the curves of the cabin top.
Looking aft from the front of the cockpit showing side shades. All side and rear bimini shades roll up and stow at underside of bimini making them very easy to use when needed. In this picture, the aft shades are rolled up in place and not even noticeable.
Looking forward into the hard dodger area showing the fold away, clear center windshield stowed in the open position providing great air flow.
Hard dodger window cover...perfectly fit.
In conclusion, we are beyond satisfied
with our finished project, all of them. The engineering and
execution of the work done on the Liahona was nothing less than
impressive and we are extremely happy with our new canvas. There is no doubt that we have
added much aesthetic value and a great deal of utility to our home. As for a total cost,
I won't reveal that publicly without permission from Hector but I am
quite sure it is a fraction of what we would have paid in the States.
I will say that labor cost was in the neighborhood of material cost
to give you a general idea.
One of 7 new winch covers.
Looking forward through the cockpit at the new cushions.
Captain's chair and aft deck behind.
A close up look at the Phifertex material used on the cushions. Very tough and 100% water proof. I might add that they are extremely comfortable and never show water or drying salt. A huge improvement over our previous ocean blue Sunbrella covers.
Two enthusiastic thumbs up for Hector
Escalante in La Paz, BCS for his skills in improving our home and
catering to my somewhat meticulous desires as the project progressed
along. If you have further interest in knowing more about our
project you are welcome to place a comment below this blog post and I will do my best to respond or give you my email for contact. Hector can be contacted directly at dinghychapsauthority@gmail.com.
A view from above showing the foredeck cover (no midship cover) and aft biminis.
The foredeck shades. At a height of 6'5", I can easily walk under it without ducking.
Until next time,
SV Liahona
Bret and Marne
