I make my new dinghy tent

Showing the creation of a new sleeping tent for my cruising dinghy, made from traditional cotton Ventile using a classic Singer sewing machine.
INTERESTED IN DINGHY CRUISING?
Read my book, "The Dinghy Cruising Companion":
www.amazon.co....
And join the Dinghy Cruising Association:
dinghycruising....
VENTILE
Is the trade name for a tightly woven long staple cotton developed in the 1940s by the Shirley Institute in Manchester and originally manufactured by Talbot Weaving in Chorley. It was used in the production of immersion suits for pilots forced to ditch in the sea during WW2, and continued to be used for this purpose for many years afterwards. As the Lancashire cotton industry began to decline, Talbot Weaving partnered with Stotz & Co in Switzerland to dye and finish their products. Eventually Stotz & Co started weaving their own cloth to a similar specification, branded EtaProof. Later Talbot Weaving bought Etaproof fabric from Stotz & Co, rebranding it as Ventile for sale in the UK. Then the company was dissolved in 2019. Stotz & Co had purchased the Ventile brand name in 2017, so the fabric continues to be manufactured - branded as Ventile in the UK and EtaProof in continental Europe.
ventile.co.uk
I purchased my Ventile cloth on the roll from Pointnorth in the UK before Brexit created new restrictions on trade between the UK and EU. Pointnorth are very helpful in the selection of outdoor fabrics, and I recommend them.
www.profabrics...
MUSIC
Whisper of the Pines - Howard Harper-Barnes
Footprints in the Sand - Roots and Recognition featuring Melanie Bell
- both from Epidemic Sound
HISTORIC ILLUSTRATIONS
FW 200 picture - commons.m.wiki...
Hurricane pictures - These works created by the United Kingdom Government are in the public domain. This is because they are photographs taken prior to 1 June 1957. HMSO has declared that the expiry of Crown Copyrights applies worldwide.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Ronan Coquil
AVEL DRO
Do you want a boat like mine?
Avel Dro is an Ilur designed by François Vivier, and built of clinker plywood by Les Charpentiers Reunis of Cancale in 1994. I bought her in France to import her into the UK, and more recently returned her to France again before Brexit came into effect, (see note below). The design is based closely on the traditional inshore fishing boats of Brittany in the early years of the twentieth century, hence her single boom-less lugsail rig and lack of a mainsheet horse, (sometimes controversial among my viewers). Although rare in Britain, Ilurs are relatively common in France. The name Avel Dro is Breton, and basically means a whirlwind.
Length 4.44 m
Sail area 12.2 m²
Beam 1.70 m
Draught 0.25 / 0.86 m
Design category C3
François Vivier's website (in English):
www.vivierboats...
Similar dinghies can often be found for sale on the website of the French magazine Le Chasse-Marée:
www.chasse-mar...
Or try Le Bon Coin, (where you can buy anything in France):
www.leboncoin.fr
(Note on post-Brexit trade rules. Since January 2021, Great Britain (but not Northern Ireland) residents who buy a boat in France or elsewhere in the EU, with the intention of importing it into the UK, will unfortunately need to pay VAT and other duties on the import).

[@andypandy955]

Great work Roger just a thought would it be better to preshrink the material before making the cover? I repaired a canvas kayak using a material glue called Bish's original tear mender it is an unbelievable product which is made in the US. It is waterproof and can be hot washed and is non toxic too. Once glued you will never pull it apart you will tear the material first. Thanks for making the vlog happy sailing.

[@leuvenisaplace]

"Did he pre-wash the fabric?" was the comment from sewing expert here, who was particularly impressed with the old Singer machine. Nice video!

[@bakerjmark]

I was just wondering about what ever happened to the project to rebuild the boat cover and there was your new video. Very nice work and it will help me with my future cover project (I'm still building the boat!) It is interesting what you said about the cost of materials and doing it yourself versus paying some one to make it for you. I think you have to enjoy the work and the journey. You had set backs but over came them. You must feel happy in the end. Thanks for sharing Roger!

[@jamesvan-lint7351]

Thanks Roger, another lovely interesting film. If its any comfort to you I started making my tent for my wanderer last easter and I still haven't finished it 😆. I broke my daughters sewing machine and am now sewing whats left by hand ! I doubled my thread knotted at one end and as well as adding strength does stop the annoyance of the thread slipping through the needle, as you encountered yourself ! Thanks again, I hope you love your new tent and you made it yourself !

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

Wave after wave of nostalgia, remembering my mum working away on her singer making and repairing clothes for me and my 4 siblings. (same model). I couldn’t wait until she moved away so I could muck around with it, turning the whole mechanism into a massive tangle she would patiently unpick. These machines are so robust. The skills she taught me have helped me make and repair lots of bits and pieces over the years including sail repairs and a set of cotton kit bags for spas and boating paraphernalia on Moonlight. Thanks for stirring up these beautiful memories Roger. Pure joy.

[@RogerRoving]

Thanks Chris

[@donanderson9872]

What an inspiring man you are Roger! Nothing in your videos are "youtuby" or "lifestyle" and you're drawing you viewers with raw human experience and knowledge. Thank you!

[@graemecook2548]

Do you think it might have helped to soak and dry the material first to shrink it before cutting it? I’m old enough to remember shrink fitting Levi jeans!

[@RogerRoving]

The fabric will shrink when wet and then expand when dry for its whole life. That’s what made things difficult.

[@graemecook2548]

Ah, I see. C’est Dommage! Interesting bit about the immersion suits. Thanks Roger, another fine video.

[@abeare9616]

@@RogerRoving that would really put me off using Ventile. Looks nice though!

[@AndyJarman]

You've need a whopping great washing machine!

[@pacoparigi2163]

@@RogerRoving MMM Really I always thought it was a one-way street that keep shrinking? It should come pre-shrunk? or the supplier should be able to give an indication of the properties, especially being that it was sooo expensive, what we used to do is cut a 1X1 meter piece wash wet dry heat cold and measure as you go to get a percentage so can adjust the pattern in the same fashion, looks like you have it sorted tho, love your videos

[@robhughes7351]

As an inveterate tinkerer and maker, I appreciated seeing another resourceful person making. I guess a professional could have done it faster but you have the satisfaction of having made it yourself. I think that every task which you undertake and at which you succeed equips you for future tasks and the experience makes you smarter.

[@neild735]

Well done, Roger! My wife has (and uses) a Singer machine of a slightly older vintage. They're sturdily built and get the job done, as you've shown. I admire the use of a natural fabric, however trying you may have found its properties. The next one will go much more smoothly I'm sure. :-)

[@calypso22]

Excellent work there, Roger. Great editing and music too. Always brings my blood pressure right down. :)

[@plymouthwelshboy]

Very good. Always great joy to be had in making your own things. Very professional and informative. Thanks for taking the time to show us how it should be done

[@daleskidmore1685]

Very nice job on the tent, love the colour. Some interesting quirks to take into account on using the material. It looked like the shrinkage was in one direction, along the horizontal length. Are any of the offcuts big enough for dry bags? Happy New Year.

[@janebaker966]

That was a lovely film. Beautiful river or sea place at the end. I don't care a fig about boat building but your voice is so mellow and mellifluous it just makes it seem all is well with the world. An aura of calm exudes from all your films. I love them but I never go in the water. You made a good job of that tent. Great idea to source the absolute best material as it will last for years.

[@RogerRoving]

Thank you Jane.

[@cwyuenvideo]

antique fibric, antique sewing machine and antique boat. Love it

[@paultraviss1802]

Well done. Great video. Imagine the poor pilots ending up in the sea and then their immersion suits starts to shrink lol.

[@jctothel]

Ahh thanks so much Roger! What a treat. This has made my fucking day!

[@ВладимирВасильев-с3ы]

Good morning! Thank you! Good luck!

[@marcelomedina9358]

Dear Roger, I recently discovered your channel and I really enjoy everything you share, and you teach us it is really a learning about the different aspects of navigation and the details of it. But even more so, that simple and essential philosophy that you convey in your videos, there is a magical charm that I cannot stop watching... Congratulations. A novice navigator of the Argentine silver river.

[@lis819]

Good job!

[@toddstevens6608]

I enjoy your work so darn much, Roger. Thanks for all the hard work you put into your production quality.

[@WiltshireMan]

Great job Roger. Hopefully that new Ventile cover will last another 15 years. I wonder what the world will be like in 15 years?

[@ALoonwolf]

Something many people who go camping on land don't seem to understand: thick tarpaulin + small space = SUPER WARM. They'll always go for a larger space enclosed by thin fabric. The 100+ Watts of body heat they are producing takes a long time to fill it and then just radiates out through the fabric...

[@AndyJarman]

And the condensation all that heat produces? Backpackers will tell you their sleeping bag is what conserves their heat, the tent is there to keep the rain off. Maximum ventilation is the order of the day if you don't want to be showered in your own condensed breath in the morning..

[@tobyCornish]

Architect Tailor KZbinr Sailor

[@felixcat9318]

The Dinghy Cruising Companion immediately became one of my favorite books, beautifully presented and full of lovely photographs and great writing. It was, and remains a beautiful read, and whenever I open it I hugely enjoy it. Just to clarify, I write this as someone that bought the book and is simply an immensely happy reader and a (very) amateur boater.

[@RogerRoving]

Thank you Felix

[@chrisleggatt3240]

Lovely tent! Thankyou for the video

[@esiebert7625]

Very impressive build, had to be quite a chore figuring out those angles and cut lines. Even more impressive doing it with no prior experience. Turned out very nice!

[@bsdtec814]

with the needle use double the amount of thread, thread the niddle and move it to the middle, tie the loose ends together in a knot.... proceed to sow. Doesn't fall out, and you can thread it back on itself every 10 or so stitches to stop rip if it comes undone futher up. The double thread also make it excellent to box stitch.....

[@barryconway]

Shrinkage: hmm, I wish I'd known that before I started... (o: Fascinating- and, as a watcher, relaxing! Thanks for making and sharing.

[@steffenbjoern]

Thank you very much!!! Glueing the seams prior sowing is a great idea. Have I understood your concept right that you refrain from using any zippers or other "modern" material? How did you manage to keep that bow section so well closed?

[@latesailor1350]

Beautiful job Roger. Tent looks fantastic! Please take us along for a camping trip soon, especially if it’s supposed to rain! Ha ha. I was so excited to see the notification for this new video!!!

[@OldJong]

Well!... I was curious about the long haired lady!... It was not a lady!.... 🤣😁

[@Cody-ro9pv]

Phenomenal videos. Inspired me to start building my own interpretation of a Breton Canot yesterday. Would love to see a video giving more details on the lug rig and running rigging etc!

[@jameshewitt7000]

One of the small joys in my life is watching people who are masters of their craft. Although I am not a sailor. you are certainly a master. I find your videos very calming. Thank you.

[@moukafaslouka4796]

I have every possible channel from any country on earth. I have access to tens of thousands of movies and TV series. Yet, I find your channel to be more entertaining than all of those combined.

[@ALoonwolf]

I just tie the thread on to the needle with a simple single knot. It usually stays on reliably, and comes off easily when you want it to.

[@jimbojet8728]

It’s not the cost, it’s all about learning to sew, making your own repairs, knowing your boat etc? Personally, I’d have bought a cover. I recently bought a one person tent, lightweight, for bike packing. Cost £400, but it is expertly made from the best materials and comes with a warranty. That’ll do me.

[@TheAlan1953]

Hi Roger, Love watching your videos, multiple times. A thrill to get a new today. Have you painted your boat?

[@garymalm]

You are very lucky to have Gandalf there to help you. Always a delight to catch with your doings Roger. Thank you. gary in Japan

[@MrFgd3]

I don't trust a short length of reversed stitching to stabilize a seam. I always pull a thread through and the the two ends together with a square knot and an overhand knot. Then I cut the tails close to the knot. If you put your seams together with straight pins instead of glue it is easier to make adjustments while you are sewing. After the seam has been sewn you can recover the straight pins for reuse

[@celiapage7002]

Love your videos and narration. I often wonder what make of sailboat you sail? I am an American who would like to purchase a boat like yours. Is it a Cape Dory sailboat? Thank you for your historical WW2 narration about survival fabric. Very interesting about your tent. Thankfully it is fabricated by the Swedes!

[@chrislee7817]

I like your new tent. I was surprised to hear ventile was made originally in chorley, I'm in Bolton, just down the road. I'm just embarking on the same adventure, building a tent for my Wayfarer, I hope it works out OK, I will take note of your findings. I will be sailing her in France in September with the Wayfarer International rally at the gulf de morbihan, I have watched you videos of your adventures there. Do you have any advice for tidal flows or general pilot guides for the area by any chance? Thanks

[@philj3727]

Thank you for this, if I ever get round to getting a dinghy tent I now realise I should probs have it professionally made! It looked a tricky job with plenty of opportunities for making a complete mess, which I would probably take! Thoroughly enjoy the vids 👍

[@SLOWBOAT2CHINA]

I’ve been looking regularly and was so happy to find another video from you today, Roger. It’s always fun to see what adventure you’re up to. And the calm way that you go about every challenge is very therapeutic to see. Wonderful work. So, thank you for the inspiration, mate. Perhaps I’ll have a go at making a cover, too.

[@markkurtis8637]

I see, that after all of the adjustments made, you've done a fine job of it! I taught Scouts to sew using my grandfather's emergency sail repair kit. And probably the best lesson learned isn't necessarily the sewing but to appreciate the efficiency and economy of utilizing skilled Craftsman. Apparently, the Ventile fabric undergoes unidirectional shrinking. I wonder if the company has a formula for calculating the shrink over length of panel.

[@davidhawes7783]

Hello Roger... I'm weighing up making a new tent for the Shrimper for the main reason that the old one is a horrible plastic 'material' which is very sweaty and hot. However, recently, while ashore the boat become flooded inside and it occurred to me that a more natural fabric tent in its bag would not have fared well in this situation. Now, I'm thinking the old plastic has its merits and storage of a new canvas type would have to be thought about -do you store yours in a dry bag? Are you worried about it not being dried out properly? Presumably you remove it from the boat after any trip where you know it has got wet -either from rain or sea water? David

[@tuisitala9068]

Sorry, I was not paying attention. I see that it is L24. Btw, the price now is £17.16 per half metre, almost double to yours!

[@davidgriffith6627]

Great job Roger. Off topic but could you say what watch you are wearing?

[@RogerRoving]

It’s a luminox. I like the tritium luminance.

[@davidgriffith6627]

Thanks 🙏. Much appreciated.

[@simtalkayak]

Unfortunately it's one of the drawbacks of using natural fibers.. no pun intended. It's something we keep ranting on about, that we have to relax the guy-ropes of the ridge tents if we are expecting rain.

[@riclaw3309]

Not sure if you are still monitoring this episode. If yes, what are the hooks on the side of your boat for the tent? How are they installed? Thx great show and book!

[@tuisitala9068]

Mm........ I have to make one of these for my Cornish Cormorant. Like you I have never sewn but you have shown the way!

[@lesbigorneaux2004]

Bonjour Merci encore je calcule aussi pour mon taud du voilier, ça va être super au printemps sur le bassin et sur l'île d'aix, bonne continuation.......

[@jwardroper]

Ive got a wooden frame for the open part of my boat and i cover it in military cotton canvass made in India then i put netting over that so i can hide by the river bank , but i go to Treguennec every year for swimming taking two dogs

[@truckyali4396]

Çok güzel olmuş Roger amca. Bize yelkenciliği sevdiren güzel insan selamlar⛵🇹🇷🙋🏻‍♂️

[@MilesCobbett]

What width was your roll of fabric? Wonder if I can find that material in USA?

[@larswetterstrom7209]

Learning by doing and experiencing. And do whats needs be done. Its the human condition.

[@AndyJarman]

I think I'll resort to some lacing for jouning the front doors so I can adjust the tension.

[@jovolle2801]

Very nice! Thank you! Is it waterproof?

[@tomleader7054]

Have you any idea what the shrinkage is in percentage terms?

[@captainhml3868]

Yes, there is. Take the end/ends of the thread and wet two fingers and make a ball/knot at the end.

[@AndyJarman]

Sewing machines are not as macho as thread projecting machines.

[@tuisitala9068]

What weight of cloth did you eventually go for please?

[@definedbyhandle]

Does the new height at the bow make accommodation more comfortable?

[@infomax2008]

Is this mean the fabric needs to wash and dry before being cut to size?

[@hodadyou]

Nice job. Have you considered batons to hold your tent out a bit?

[@TheBeaker59]

Now you have the skill could you sew in a couple of windows :)

[@willrobertson14]

Great video Roger! You would fit right in with our Texas 200 sailing club group. Would be really cool to have you join us for our annual 200 mile sail up the Texas coast. It’s a bummer we live so fare away. Keep up the great work we really enjoy your videos.

[@ИльяСергеевич-д5н]

Спасибо! Вы вдохновляете.

[@stuarttrewern]

I completely understand the warmth of nostalgia but Ventile is currently coated with a toxic polyflouride water repelling chemical, (natural fabric?) the marketing people would have you think otherwise... Love your videos.

[@RogerRoving]

Look into the bio ventile.

[@tonimontalbano3029]

I like your watch. What model is it?

[@robinengland5799]

You sure lead an interesting life! Enjoy your videos very much, wish I could be out dingy crusing!

[@RogerRoving]

Thanks for watching!

[@SailingKateLouise]

Great video Roger and what a great location to make something, beats working in a shed or garage. I hope your cover goes well and can't wait to see your new place on video, Cheers from Paul in Sydney 'Sailing Kate Louise'

[@paullaviolette2610]

I have a little 16 foot sloop with a cozy little cabin but I was considering a boom tent. You always look so comfortable inside I might just do it for a more cozy time when a long stay at an anchorage. And once again I love watching your videos they sooth my sole. A much needed remedy to escape the modern world. Please keep them coming. Thanks from British Columbia

[@Flexaret]

A man of many talents it seems. Very nice indeed and a classic and no doubt durable sewing machine to sew it with. The ventile looks like it'll be much lighter and more compact than the previous cover. My only concern would be durability based on my experience with ventile windproof smocks but I'll assume you've taken that into account. I must say I was surprised by the amount shrinkage but you've managed to make an allowance quite nicely. Excellent work.

[@barrysherwood5089]

think there is a boom tent in my future - more details re patterning and attaching the ties would be much appreciated - enjoy your vids plse keep them coming

[@RogerRoving]

I will do a video this winter about my thoughts after a season using the new tent. Promise!

[@allofus6133]

Binnenband van een fiets doet wonderen om regen tegen te houden rond de mast en tent

[@jelliottlein]

How waterproof is the Ventile in this use? Also, do you think it might be of suitable weight to make a decent small canoe sail (~30 sf)? I’d like a non-plastic material to craft a simple sprit sail for my CLC Mill Creek 16.5’. This seems like it might work well, and ships to the USA reasonably affordable.

[@jasonstork9606]

Very nice Roger. Once I am finished my cuddy cabin I will go and try to find some Ventile to make a cockpit cover.....no chance in Australia probably.

[@christopherpeterson1400]

Hello from SEATTLE WASHINGTON USA ,, always love your videos,, hey we got a bunch of water up here in the pacific northwest ,, some day I hope to see you up here sailing along in a dinghy.

[@jwardroper]

Just tie the thread at the ends that way its very strong

[@roydesignedthat]

The glue is a good idea, I've used staples but not for water tight jobs. Thanks!

[@neilsutherland3301]

Fair play to you. I however don't have the skills to make a tent so i just bought one for my 15'6" Clovelly Picarooner, from Italian Upholstery in Birdham, Bespoke item, they templated it and then made it in two pieces, the forward piece can be used as a windbreak and put up independently from main. It has three openings fore and aft for ease of access and cost me around £900 with a bag, so happy with it, roll on the season.

[@AndyUK-Corrival]

Lovely video Roger. Great job, I wouldn’t have thought of that much shrinkage, amazing. Tbh I didn’t think the material was that pricey but then I’m not sure how much Sunbrella or pvc would be. Do you have to water proof it at all or is it naturally water proof? Can’t wait to hear more about the little place you bought recently it looks amazing. Spring is round the corner. Andy UK

[@ceesailor]

Hello Roger. I was interested to learn of your enthusiasm for Ventile. In my loft I still have an anorak and overtrousers for mountaineering which my mother made for me ca.1955, from RAF blue surplus Ventile. It works as a breathable material (essential for pilot comfort on a long shift) until wet when it absorbs water, the fibres swell up to close its pores and it becomes watertight. Thus it does shrink and become very stiff and less flexible. When wet through I could stand the trousers up alone to dry. Repeated flexing of the wet material causes it to develop lines and points of wear and tiny holes. eg. at knees and elbows. The best mountaineering clothing was made from 2 layers of Ventile I remember. I still think it is an excellent tent material but too expensive for me. I made my last boat tent from a number of gazebo side panels of proofed, but not coated, synthetic material, probably polyester, bought v. cheaply from Lidl. I have found it difficult to proof it as it is not a very tight weave and under wet windy conditions it allows a fine spray to penetrate in spite of heavy applications of Grangers. I recommend zips from ridge to gunwhale amidships for easier access than foredeck or transom doors which I do also have for anchoring/mooring access. Over a lifetime I have made land and boat tents on mother's or wife's sewing machines and the best tip I heard was to stick panels together with 2 sided tape, as sail makers do, then stitch it up. The best tent material I ever used was Army surplus green cotton canvas, warm and waterproof but heavy. The worst was a heavy coated nylon, waterproof and durable, but we got soaked by condensation every night when touching the tent brought down a heavy shower. I'll see you at the AGM, ATB Tony N

[@MilesCobbett]

If I remember correctly my mom put the unbleached muslin I had picked out to make my Sabot sail directly in her washing machine to get the cloth to shrink to its size before she made the sail. PS most Sabots have a mast 13.5 feet tall and 35 sq feet of sail area. When My dad found a pal that cleaned swimming pools that had extra alum poles the one I picked out for my mast was 17 feet tall. I saw no reason to cut down that beatiful length and we ended up having 78 sq feet of sail. Needless to add we had the fastest Sabot around, it even required hiking out. We could even beat a catamaran in light winds :) fun memories. Thanks for reminding me of them.

[@katej3z715]

It looks much more comfortable, courtesy of more head room. It looks good, too, and proves that where there is utter determination, a way will be found with a few tweaks. I once made a pair of boy's pyjamas (Ninja turtles, don't ask!) using a worn out pair as a pattern. It is a tribute to Singer machines that they scarcely flinch. The cover looks really smart. Brilliant vlog.

[@autoculto7629]

Oh no, that would have been soul destroying after putting all that time and effort in. I purchased a sewing machine 3 years ago so I could make my own cover's etc and learnt very quickly how much of a skilled profession it is. I'm an engineer/fabricator so can design and manufacture anything from metals, but quickly found its a whole different ball game working with a material that wants to change shape at the slightest opportunity. I've enjoyed the challenge but sewing is definitely a skill that's earned with time, practice, knowledge of different fabrics and their behaviour. Definitely not a skill you could learn from a book but still fun lol.

[@vernbower]

Congrats, on yer tent, Roger. You did a right proper job of puttin' a new bonnet on yer lass. She looks elegant steadfast, against any weather, giving you a secure place to rest yer head. Thanks for the videos. I'm a dry-lander from Michigan with a never fulfilled desire for waterway travel. God bless, ya, Mate. May moderate breezes and soft seas be with ya.

[@scottengh1175]

I knew the history of Ventile! I have some clothes by Willis and Geiger. They made clothes for lots of exploration for years. Nice material. USA used the material for WWII pilots, too. I talked to some of the pilots and they were not aware of how great the material was. Beautiful boat. Nice cover.

[@vaunmalone3064]

@Roger Barnes you can do everything! 😊 I'm watching back to back but not chronologically. One is suoposed to make a little knot on the longest thread of your sewing needle! You did an excellent job.

[@OkieBobby]

Roger, I hope you know how welcomed and appreciated your videos are. Today in particular I really needed an escape from the world's nonsense. After moping and hem-hawing around for too long, trying to find something to improve my mood - I decided one of your marvelous videos might help. It damn sure did. Much appreciated! Oh and thanks for being big enough to keep in the full story, even the cloth shrinkage setback. Takes character to share our setbacks and to move beyond them. You demonstrated both, as well as many other fine traits.

[@billhayward1585]

Really enjoyed your new boat cover episode. I wish you had done it last year. I was contemplating making a new top for my pedal boat. I even went as far as buying a Sail rite sail makes sewing machine. I think I was more intimated by the machine than the sewing. I chickened out and got a real canvas worker to make the top. I think you were very brave tackling your cover. Great Show. ps, my Father showed me how to do basic sewing when I was a kid. He learned in the Royal Navy ( pre WW 2)at Dartmouth. That generation could do almost anything.

[@brucebaldy]

Well, Roger dodger, if you use thread with a knotted loop it will stay threaded. I found Shoe Goo a sneaker repair in a tube very useful for affixing heavy materials instead of sewing, it is waterproof annd fairly buoyant lasts quite a long time (I break needles) so I like it. Nice you done.,

[@kevinperryman9149]

what a great project completed ,im just looking at getting my first small craft ,an original wooden clinker which needs a fair bit of work....i couldnt walk away and leave it to rot away ....watching your videos just underlined my own rescue mission .Keep them coming Rodger never realised the adventures with small craft to be had .

[@SirPrancelot1]

Ventile, it's the dog's.........May it bring you many happy, dry years Roger. Thanks for all of your videos.

[@briggspayer42]

That is a sharp looking boat tent Roger - I think you are overly modest about your skills! Love the warm light it gives inside the boat. Perhaps next time consider leaving the bolt of fabric unrolled outside in a storm with a few bricks or rocks before you measure, cut and stitch. Natural fabrics tend to shrink and 'fill in.'

[@pauljessome5718]

Another Mr. INDEPENDENT who gives life a good go. How sweet is that. Learn as you go plan.. it works Paul in Canada

[@keithcurtis3580]

Great job Roger, I was wondering if you could make a video of how you raise the mast and prep Avel Dro for a dinghy cruise?? I love the simplicity of your rig. I think it would be the way I will rig my dinghy so my wife could enjoy learning to sail.

[@colinunderdown1758]

Well done Roger, it looks grand. I should imagine that you are becoming quite a character now in Douarnenez and have a following there as you do on KZbin. Hope to get back over your way soon and perhaps meet up again. Fair winds.

[@clivegreenall309]

Good Day Roger, Thank you for the new video, which I'm enjoying as usual. Hats off to you for the new boat tent. Your patience and persistence is a great example. Here's wishing you many more years of great sailing and boat camping. Regards from S Africa

[@alexbowie6316]

About 30 years ago Bob Church made a long fishing jacket made of Ventile. At the time it was on a price par with Barbour waxed cotton. The Ventile got heavy when wet, as did the Musto Highlander Goretex, jacket as they had polycotton outer shell. Double sided tape is what the pro uses for seams and then methods to get special folds on the seam. Not surprised at the time it took. Those jobs are like that as you learn along the way. That will be a far better boat to sleep in now and you won't roast in it at summer sun up.

[@blaaaaahhhh15]

Double sided VHB tape, Seamstick, 3M 9080, etc is the only way a hamfisted clod like me can begin to sew two pieces of cloth together!

[@harleyjune1233]

loved this - we are cut from nearly the same cloth - pun intended - but i do i have one question - i too am an architect and would have employed my software to create the 3d model - flatten into templates (solidworks) - viola - may i ask why not you as well..( i was in school back when we did it all with pencil no computers but learned to love my acad architecture software)? - i might have taken the opportunity to employ the old math boat builders used to create lofting a boat like your neighbor did when repairing your next yard neighbor - but I did love the video - especially @14:34 - hello 100% cotton - i too would have thought the bolt came preshrunk...but really what a great job in sewing - hopefully this one lasts the decade the previous did as well - thank you for the effort