I’m grieving

[Pattree]

After more than eighteen years the PU surface of my crazy quasi tipi is degrading to the point where seam seal tape won’t adhere. It’s become a shower unit rather than a shelter.

The tipi was a con. When I bought it, it wasn’t waterproof at all, the centre pole made it unusable and i could snap the guylines with my bare hands.

I got my money back and the importer told me to get rid of it rather than return it.

But I didn’t, and over the years I have enjoyed modifying, tinkering and generally playing with it. By now I should be on Fabsil’s Christmas card list.

We have survived every kind of weather together and only once did it leave me - when I thought I could get away without using the guy lines. Oh how we laughed.

I’m still thinking about what I shall do next. I have other tents but they are not a part of me as is the tipi. I need time.

So RIP crazy quasi tipi. Let’s see if your spirit can live on.

 

[Mesquite]

I know your tipi and admired it it's quirkiness. As a last resort, have you tried using thinned silicone sealant on the seams?

 

[Pattree]

Indeed Steve, that has been on my mind. Various experts that I’ve spoken to doubt that it can help on all the seams.

There Is hope for the double seams where the polycotton outer surface is sewn to itself. Any seam that has an interface with the PU surface is probably doomed.

I have always enjoyed the knowledge that the tipi can withstand, gale, hail, torrential rain, heavy frost and snow. I have happy memories of falling asleep in all of those.
Strangely, It wasn’t good in hot sunshine. I could burn skin inside the tent if I wasn’t careful. Luckily I’m usually a winter camper.

But yes - thanks for the encouragement. There might be hope.

Otherwise I might try to make a new skin. I have already replaced everything else

 

[Toddy]

I once peeled the PU coating off ten metres of Nancy Crow cotton fabric.....I wanted it for a quilt, but it had been waterproofed for jacket making.
Took me days, and a blunt-ish old style table knife, but I did it.
You might find that a lot of patience and the judicious use of a blunt-ish table knife would give you plain fabric that could be greenland waxed ?

 

[HillBill]

Have you looked into seam sealers (not tape... adhesive/liquid?) 3M do one for PU coated stuff. From what i recall, not too pricey.

Edit... A very quick google shows plenty on the market...No reason you can't sort it. I have a fave tent and tarp too. Be gutted if i lost 'em.