The fabric you pick for a bimini top, T-top, dodger or boat cover decides how it holds up to sun, rain and salt, and how long the color lasts. Boat top and cover fabric falls into three families: acrylic canvas, polyester canvas and coated (laminated) waterproof fabric. Here's how they compare in plain terms, so you can choose with confidence.
Shop all Bimini, Boat Top & Cover Fabric →
Quick comparison
| Fabric type | Water | Color life | Breathes? | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Acrylic canvas (Sunbrella, Tempotest) |
Water-resistant, not fully waterproof | Best of the three | Yes | Bimini tops, dodgers, covers, awnings when you want lasting color |
|
Polyester canvas (WeatherMax, Top Gun, Top Notch) |
More waterproof than acrylic | Less than acrylic | Yes | Boat covers, tops and enclosures where keeping water out matters more |
|
Coated / laminated fabric (Stamoid, MarineTyte, Herculite, Weblon) |
Waterproof | Varies by line | Less, can trap moisture | Tops and covers that must keep all water out |
Acrylic canvas
Solution-dyed acrylic, like Sunbrella and Tempotest, is the classic bimini and cover fabric. The color goes all the way through the fiber, so it holds its color in strong sun better than the other options. It breathes, which helps the boat underneath dry out.
The trade-off: acrylic is water-resistant, but not fully waterproof. It sheds rain well, but water can work through in a heavy, steady soak or where it pools. Keep tops tight so water runs off.
Polyester canvas
Polyester marine canvas, like WeatherMax and Top Gun and Top Notch, is more waterproof than acrylic and still breathes. That makes it a favorite for boat covers and tops that need to keep the rain out.
The trade-off: polyester has less color life than acrylic, so colors can fade sooner in hard sun. Check each line's page for weight and finish.
Coated and laminated waterproof fabric
Coated fabric, sometimes called topping vinyl, has a waterproof coating or laminate over a base fabric. It's the choice when the top or cover has to be waterproof.
- Stamoid Top is a premium coated topping fabric for bimini tops, enclosures and covers, in 59", 80" and 102" widths.
- Stamoid Lite is lighter and easier to sew, for covers, curtains and lighter projects.
- Stamoid Open is a heavy 102" coated vinyl for big T-tops and covers with fewer seams.
- MarineTyte Banyan and MarineTyte Lite are coated marine PVC fabrics for enclosures, tops, covers and sunshades.
- Herculite 90 and Weblon are long-time coated cover fabrics.
The trade-off: coated fabric breathes less and can trap moisture underneath. On a cover, plan for vents and good airflow so mildew doesn't set in.
Shop Waterproof Coated Fabric →
How to choose for your project
- Bimini top or T-top in strong sun: acrylic for lasting color, or coated fabric if it must be fully waterproof.
- Boat cover or storage cover: polyester for better water protection while still breathing. Choose coated fabric when it has to be waterproof, and add vents.
- Enclosure panels around clear windows: match the fabric on your top. See our guide to choosing clear vinyl for your enclosure for the windows.
- Matching an existing top: tell us the brand and color on the boat now and we'll help you match it.
Finish it right
Pick up outdoor thread, binding & edge trim, zippers, snaps & fasteners and boat top hardware. Protect finished canvas with 303 Fabric Guard. Working on seats or cushions too? See Which Fabric Do I Need?
Want to see a color in person? Swatches are available to account holders by request. Contact us to ask.
Still not sure? Ask a real canvas shop.
Tell us about your boat and what you're making. We'll help you pick the right material before you order.
