cover time

[betty boop]

Yes its that time again for a new overal cover.

Does any out there have experiance of heavy duty vinyl covers? Ive only seen canvas (nylon) types on our plastic boats and the Vinyl (tarp type) on trailer sailers.

There is some difference in suppliers between EU 'quality' fabrics and Ebay Asian imported fabrics so Im wondering if vinyl would start to become less suble with UV exposure and frost and thus mark or rub the gelcoat?

FYI this id for an overal non trailable cover, thrown over the bimini frame to rubbing strake so will be heavy. another issue may be?

[Ianfs]

Is your boat kept in a boat park or at home?

[Matt13]

I have the heavy duty tonneau cover I hardly ever use it simply because my camper cover gets more ventilation through the boat.

If you are looking for a company to make one for you let me know and I'll dig out the details of the company that did some alterations to mine.

[betty boop]

Is your boat kept in a boat park or at home?

on the front garden near dirty crop fields etc. busy B road with way to MANY tractors.

Im fed up with £50 Ebay covers that look great out of thebox, promise the earth but rot clean through after 12 months.

Thanks Matt, I suspect anyone down south will be looking for £450 + for a made to measure with a silk lining.

I was contemplating making my own but found this guy on ebay and costs are in budget (if the material is any good) apparently the chinese PVC can crack & split in frost.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Waterproof-Su ... 4ae3ea7ed4

[Ianfs]

The reason I asked Ian was that I've tried several types of covers including a full expensive canvas cover made to measure. The problem as we all know is mould on the inside and sun, wind and snow on the outside and again, as we all know, what we are after is something which reduces dampness on the inside but which will also protect against the elements.

Consequently I made a framework for the old Sea Ray, just some wood uprights and a long ridge of wood bolted to them covered with pipe lagging and bought a Tarpaulin to sling over it, weighted down with water containers on bungee cords, it was like a tent. It was the first year in which very little mould grew because the ground below it was dry and the airflow was immense. The downside was that the boat was in a farm courtyard and the wind would dislodge it sometimes so it had to be regularly checked.

However, times change and prices alter, consequently looking at the eBay add for ECK Tarpaulins I would say that the material they are using is tougher than Truck Tarps and according to their add they can virtually make whatever you want. I would ask them if they can make breather pockets in the covers. I also noted that the £106 is for a 24' x 8' cover, so you may get one a tad cheaper.

[betty boop]

thanks Ian

Ive also found a material supplier, waterproof canvas, looks good its been in the freezer for a few days and survived too. Ive got the labour force who can use a sewing machine but they need some convincing to JFDI.

Jury is still out on this one, as the ear ache may not be worth the £200 saving vs a £50 ebay cover for 18 months esp as the former Mrs B has decided I need to sell Betty to pay her living expenses.

may be I can use the new found tarp material to make a body bag for the next round the IOW trip

[Carl]

This is what we've got over our Vonny. ...

http://www.thepandacover.co.uk/105-delu ... oCMO7w_wcB ..

it's holding well so far, .. will chuck up some pics

[Carl]

Will get some more pics in the daylight so you can see how it fits ...

[Carl]

As promised ... daylight pics ....







hope this helps ....

[Ianfs]

Carl, store your stern drive in the down position. Although I've never seen any firm proof, the logic of it makes sense. Generally it is thought that a) the bellows are stretched to their max all the time if its up and b) they can develop a set. Worth thinking about anyway.