SailZoo

SailZoo Blog

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing and Caring for a Sprayhood for Your Boat

What should you know when buying or maintaining a sprayhood? We spoke with Nicolai Schultz, owner of Schultz Sail- & Canvas, who, with years of professional experience, offers expert insights into the topic. At a time when myths and misconceptions circulate on social media boating groups, we asked him about the most important features to prioritize and how to maintain your sprayhood to ensure it lasts for years.

Sprayhood on a sailboat
advertisement

What Is a Sprayhood?

For beginners, a sprayhood is a small cover for a boat, mounted in front of the cockpit, made from durable fabric. Think of it as your boat’s umbrella or sunshade, making sailing more comfortable. It keeps wind and spray out, shields you from the sun’s rays, and ensures rain doesn’t flow into the cabin when the hatch is open. As a bonus, a sprayhood adds an elegant touch to your boat that can be tailored to match your style and taste. 

A sprayhood is crafted by specialized canvas makers with experience in tailoring covers for various boat types. A canvas maker can customize a sprayhood to match your boat's style and your personal preferences. They use specialized sewing machines and high-quality materials to ensure that seams, frames, and windows are durable and resistant to the harsh maritime environment. Check out our list of recommended Marine Canopy Makers. 

Where Can You Buy a Sprayhood?

Sprayhoods are crafted by specialized canvas makers experienced in working with various boat types. “We often act as intermediaries for major producers like NV Equipment, who supply standard solutions for many boat models,” Nicolai explains. For series-produced boats, this can be a cost-effective option. However, if you require customizations, you’ll need a skilled canvas maker to ensure proper fit and quality.

What to Consider When Buying a Sprayhood

According to Nicolai Schultz, keeping costs down requires strategic decisions. “Order sprayhoods from places that can deliver standard sets, where measuring and installation by the canvas maker isn’t necessary,” he advises.  
 

Key Elements of a Sprayhood:

1. Frame Material

A sturdy frame is the backbone of your sprayhood. Look for:
  • Marine-grade stainless steel:  Provides excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and durability. Stainless steel for marine use should be classified as A4, offering high resistance to corrosion, particularly against saltwater and chemicals, making it ideal for maritime environments. 
  •  Aluminum: A lighter option often used for smaller boats. However, the downside is that it is not as stiff or durable as stainless steel. 

2. Fabric - Acrylic or Polyester?

The material must withstand the elements. Key properties include:
  • UV protection: Prevents fading and degradation from the sun.
  • Waterproofing: Keeps rain and spray out of the cockpit.
  • Mildew resistance: Makes maintenance easier and prevents odors.
The most common fabrics for sprayhoods are:
  • Acrylic fabric: The most popular choice, especially in Denmark, because of its durability and consistent quality. Nicolai Schultz explains:
  • “Acrylic fabric is used 95% of the time for sprayhoods in Denmark. Unlike polyester, which comes in varying qualities, acrylic’s raw material quality is consistent regardless of brand. Poor-quality polyester can tear after just two years, particularly if sourced from less reliable manufacturers.”
Popular brands like Sunbrella produce acrylic fabric, which many customers mistakenly assume is a separate material. 
“Sunbrella has excellent branding, but it’s still acrylic fabric, just like several other reputable brands,” Schultz notes. 
 

3. Windows

Made from high-quality clear PVC, windows are essential for visibility and light. Consider:
  • Dividing windows into smaller panels.
  • Adding side windows for better panoramic views and reduced blind spots while sailing.
  • Using protective covers to extend window lifespan, particularly in sunny climates.
Should You Choose Thicker PVC Windows?
Nicolai says no:
“The thicker they are, the less transparent they become, especially when placed at an angle.” 

4. Customization

A sprayhood tailored to your specific needs makes a significant difference. Look for:
  • Zippers in the windows for improved ventilation. This allows for better airflow without having to lower the entire sprayhood.
  • Handles for added safety when moving around the cockpit.
  • Connection options for cockpit enclosures or bimini tops.
  • Pass-through holes for halyards and sheets: On sailboats, it can be practical to have holes in the sprayhood to route halyards and sheets to the cabin roof with ease.
  • Grab rail with extra reinforcement: Areas where you grip during sailing are subjected to significant wear. Adding leather or other materials to reinforce the fabric is a good idea. Alternatively, you can install a grab rail made of stainless steel.

 Maintaining Your Sprayhood

 Boat equipment isn’t cheap, and a sprayhood is no exception. Proper maintenance ensures it lasts as long as possible. Nicolai shares specific tips for cleaning and waterproofing: 

1. Cleaning

  • Rinse with freshwater after trips to remove salt and dirt. 
  • For general cleaning, soak it in a tub of warm water (max 40°C) with mild detergent like Biotex for 4-6 hours. Avoid harsh chemicals.
  • Gently agitate the fabric during soaking to loosen debris, then scrub lightly with a soft brush.
  • Rinse thoroughly and let it air dry, preferably while mounted on the boat.
  • For heavily soiled sprayhoods, use Rodalon or a strong brown soap solution.

2. Waterproofing

 Apply silicone-based waterproofing once a year after cleaning. Nicolai advises:
“Don’t waterproof without cleaning first, or you’ll just seal the dirt inside. Use silicone-based products and apply them with a brush for better penetration into the fabric.” 

3. Protect Windows

  •  Clean PVC windows with a specialized cleaner to prevent yellowing and scratches.
  • Use covers to protect against UV rays in sunny climates.
  • Lamp oil myths should be avoided:
  • “ The myth about using lamp oil should be debunked, but it’s probably going to be difficult. Let me make this clear: When a window has turned brown or milky white, the PVC coating on the window is damaged. You can’t repair it, not even with lamp oil. At that point, it’s time for a new window. It’s true that applying lamp oil can provide a bit of temporary clarity, but it’s not a lasting solution. There are no magic tricks. Proper maintenance from the beginning is essential. There are specific products designed for this purpose that keep the windows flexible and form a protective layer. At Schultz, we use products like Vuplex, which creates such a protective layer. This type of product should be applied 2-3 times during a season. Sun and saltwater are extremely harsh on these materials," Nicolai explains.  

How Long Does a Sprayhood Last?

The lifespan depends on maintenance and usage patterns:
"Around 12 years if you take good care of it. If you leave the sprayhood on the boat year-round, expect the lifespan to drop to 6-8 years. PVC windows typically last about 5-7 years."

What Should You Keep in Mind if You Plan to Leave the Sprayhood on the Boat During Winter?

"Use your old sprayhood as winter protection during the months you sail the least. For example, April and October are the worst for mold due to the warm climate and high humidity. So, during these months, make sure to have the old sprayhood installed if possible. Wash it a few times throughout the season and reproof it."

How Are the Production Costs of a Sprayhood Distributed?

"It takes longer to make a sprayhood than people think, and labor costs are the main expense. Producing a sprayhood involves a lot of manual work. Professional seamstresses stitch together 10-15 large pieces of fabric, zippers, windows, and various attachments. This isn’t something a 3D printer can produce for you in two hours."


Which Boat Models do you produce the most Sprayhoods and Canvas for?

  • Definitely the LM 27 and LM models in general. They’re very popular in Denmark.
  • X-Yachts
  • Saga 27

Do You Think Production Will Move Abroad in the Future Due to Cheaper Costs or New Technology?

"I don’t think so because people want more and more customization for their sprayhoods and canvas. That makes it difficult for factories and canvas makers far from the customer to handle."

What Is Your Best Advice for Boat Owners Looking to Buy a New Sprayhood?

"If you want to keep costs down, order your sprayhood from places where the canvas maker can deliver a standard set, so there’s no need for them to measure and install it as well.


Start by considering what you need. For example, if you want something taller than what you currently have, it will cost more. New frames will have to be made, requiring welding, new measurements, etc. Installing a sprayhood and canvas on a boat can easily take two people eight hours, so the price adds up.


Don’t be too critical. Think about whether your sprayhood is doing its job (keeping water and weather out)."

Final Thoughts

As mentioned, it is also possible to purchase standard sprayhoods at a lower cost from abroad if, for instance, you have a boat that is mass-produced in large numbers. However, keep in mind that you will need to drill new holes and handle the installation yourself. This can be quite challenging if you want to avoid creases in the fabric and windows.
If you want convenience and your budget allows it, let a professional canvas maker take care of the measurements and installation—and assume the responsibility! :) 

Contact a professional canopy maker to design the perfect sprayhood for your boat. 

Sign up for newsletter

Stay tuned for new sailing articles, sailing industry news and early access to new features.

Yes, I would like to receive emails from SailZoo. I can always unsubscribe via the link in the email. Read the privacy policy her.
Also see

Top 10 Electrical issues on a Boat

We explore 10 common electrical problems on boats, offering practical solutions, expert tips, and essential tools and materials to keep in your toolbox.

Beware! The Pier Can Be a Treacherous Place

When winter descends upon harbors, piers can become extremely slippery. Particularly in the darker months, it can be incredibly difficult to see if the pier has turned into an ice rink.

Buying a Boat - 10 Things You MUST Know

Dreaming of Buying and Owning a Boat? It’s a fantastic investment in freedom and adventure, but it’s also a time-consuming commitment that requires a fair amount of maintenance, know-how for fixing things, or deep pockets. :) We’ve created a guide to help you navigate the many choices and avoid costly mistakes. We’ll walk you through the critical areas to pay attention to and provide an overview of what can be done relatively inexpensively versus what could become a costly affair when buying a boat.
Find service providers