By Custom Marine Fabrication | Canvas & Enclosures | 3/19/2025
Compare Sunbrella, Stamoid, and Strataglass for boat covers, spray curtains, and clear enclosures in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida.
When it comes to marine canvas and enclosures, the material you choose affects how the enclosure handles sun, spray, visibility, cleaning, and long-term maintenance. At Custom Marine Fabrication, we work with boat owners across Jacksonville and Northeast Florida every day, and one of the most common questions we hear is: "What material should I use?"
The three names that come up most often are Sunbrella, Stamoid, and Strataglass. Each has its strengths, and the right choice depends on your specific application.
Sunbrella is arguably the most recognized name in marine fabric. It's a solution-dyed acrylic fabric, meaning the color goes all the way through each fiber rather than being applied to the surface. This gives it exceptional fade resistance.
It is commonly used for bimini tops, T-top covers, cockpit covers, boat covers, and applications where you need a breathable, UV-resistant fabric.
On the plus side, Sunbrella offers outstanding UV and fade resistance, with colors that stay vibrant for years. It's breathable, which helps prevent mildew and moisture buildup underneath. There's a wide range of colors and patterns available, and it has excellent water repellency when properly treated. Many Sunbrella marine fabrics also carry long limited warranties; confirm the terms for the exact product and application you choose.
On the downside, Sunbrella is not fully waterproof. It's water-resistant but will allow some moisture through under heavy, sustained rain. It can develop mildew on the surface if not cleaned regularly, though the fabric itself won't rot. And obviously it's not transparent, so it can't be used for clear enclosure panels.
Our take: Sunbrella is our go-to for covers, biminis, and canvas panels. It's proven, durable, and offers the best combination of breathability and weather protection for Florida's intense sun and frequent rain.
Stamoid is a PVC-coated polyester fabric made by Serge Ferrari. Unlike Sunbrella's breathable weave, Stamoid fabric is designed to be waterproof, though finished enclosure performance still depends on seams, zippers, fit, and ventilation.
It is commonly used for full enclosures, spray curtains, connector panels, and applications where water resistance is the priority.
Stamoid is used where water resistance is the priority, making it a strong option for enclosure panels that see spray and wind-driven rain. It has excellent UV resistance and dimensional stability, resists stretching and shrinking to maintain a tight fit over time, and cleans up easily since dirt and salt wash off with soap and water. It comes in a good range of colors too.
The trade-offs: it's not breathable, so it can trap moisture and heat inside enclosures if ventilation isn't properly designed. It's heavier than Sunbrella, has a more limited color selection, and costs more per yard.
Our take: We use Stamoid for enclosure panels, spray curtains, and anywhere strong water resistance matters. It's especially popular on center consoles and sportfish boats here in Jacksonville where owners want full protection from spray when running offshore.
Strataglass is a pressed polished vinyl, essentially the clear "window" material used in marine enclosures. It's not a canvas fabric at all, but it works alongside Sunbrella and Stamoid to create complete enclosure systems.
It is commonly used for clear enclosure panels, windshield connectors, and applications where visibility matters.
Strataglass has superior optical clarity compared to standard clear vinyl. It has a scratch-resistant coating on both sides and UV inhibitors that help slow yellowing and hazing when the panels are cared for properly. It comes in multiple thicknesses: 30 gauge for flexible side curtains, 40 gauge for general enclosures, and 60 gauge for maximum clarity on front windows. It also remains flexible in cold weather better than standard vinyl.
The downsides are worth knowing. Strataglass is the most expensive clear vinyl option on the market. It still requires proper care, specifically rolling (not folding) when storing to prevent creases. It will eventually need replacement, though it often lasts longer than standard clear vinyl when it is rolled, cleaned, and stored properly. And it cannot be machine washed or cleaned with harsh chemicals.
Our take: Strataglass is a premium choice for clear enclosure panels, and we often recommend it when visibility and long-term clarity matter. The difference in clarity and durability compared with basic clear vinyl can be significant, especially for boat owners who clean and store panels correctly.
Most marine enclosures use a combination of all three materials. Sunbrella goes on the solid canvas panels and the structural frame covers. Stamoid covers panels that need the strongest water resistance, especially lower sections exposed to spray. Strataglass handles the clear viewing panels.
The key is matching the right material to each part of the enclosure. A skilled marine canvas fabricator will help you choose the ideal combination based on your boat, your usage, and your budget.
Regardless of which material you choose, a few habits go a long way. Rinse with fresh water after every saltwater outing. Clean regularly with manufacturer-recommended cleaners. Roll clear panels instead of folding Strataglass. Apply fabric guard to Sunbrella annually to maintain water repellency. And store enclosures properly when not in use to prevent unnecessary UV exposure.
If you need help choosing the right materials for your boat's canvas or enclosure, give us a shout. We'll walk you through the options and build the material combination around your boat, storage, and budget.