Best cover material?

Can any recommend the best tarp cover material to use? My boat is stored on a private beach year-round. I see several different materials available.

I used a regular poly tarp you get at Lowes/Home Depot/Harbor Freight for a while but it fell apart quickly and I just haven't replaced it.

Vinyl seems to be higher rated on some sites. Then there is vinyl coated poly, vinyl coated canvas, etc., etc.

Any recommendations on which is best?

Thanks in advance!

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

I had a proper canvas tarp made up to cover an exposed patio area which lasted many many years, despite being exposed to the elements 24/7. It cost more of course initially, but was actually very cost effective. Also, canvas 'breathes' which I'd see as another plus. I'd go plain (uncoated) canvas in your situation, as anything with plastic will quickly deteriorate due the UV.

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Cheers, Max ● TI: the "Yella Terra" ● Website: www.MadYakker.com ● YouTube: madyakkermax

Sunbrella is often used as covers for sails left on booms, if you are going to go with a custome cover.

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Why did I sell my 16?

Hey thanks guys.

So captain-max, just regular canvas?

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

The cheap plastic tarps really cook the things that are directly under them. That's the worst part.

Sunbrella or canvas do work better but I still wonder about laying that stuff directly on the hull without some air flow in-between.

If you have a place to park things in the yard, these things aren't far off the cost of a boat cover:



Rooke Sails makes the "banana peel" covers for the 14 through 18. Kinda cool.

Thanks JJ, this looks promising. The site has no pictures, are they similar in design to the Universal Covers in the Hobie catalog? A description like "banana peel" makes me think they are more form-fitting like the Universal Covers.

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

Intrigued me too. I sent an email to Rooke asking for pictures or more decription, no reply yet (was yesterday) but will post their response.

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Sheet In...Max Out
www.fleet297.org
sailflatlands at gmail dot com

Neighbor with an older 16 that has the banana peels on it. Made specific for the boat hulls.

Max is right about the "proper canvas tarp".

Thanks JJ.

I also talked to Rook and they are supposed to be sending me pictures of the banana peel covers, too. When I get them I"ll post them.

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

Chris Rooke just called me and spent the time to give me a very detailed description of their product. He says they do have photos of their covers "in archives" and was looking for time to drag them out and post them on their website.

They've been making this cover for decades using Sunbrella fabric, heat cut the fabric, quality zippers and recommended the upgrade to Gore-Tex thread. Banana peel "mimmicks the skin of the hull, and has virtually no wrinkles anywhere"

_________________
Sheet In...Max Out
www.fleet297.org
sailflatlands at gmail dot com

Adding to that, when I talked to a woman at Rooke yesterday I didn't pepper her with questions indicating the upcoming pics would likely satisfy most of my curiosity, but she said they zipper up and down the length of the hulls and are pretty snug, and, get this, they are trailerable .

But without knowing where the zippers are my hope is that it will be easy enough to install while my boat is sitting in the sand on the beach. I have seen guys store their cats on the beach up on bumpers, for reasons that weren't entirely clear. Downside could be more wind under the tramp to flip it in a storm????

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

Canvas is specified as a certain 'weight'... eg 10oz, 12oz (per square metre I think). I got a reasonably heavy duty canvas, but don't remember the actual weight... think I asked for the sort of weight they use on semi-trailers, so perhaps 12oz? Remember, it will certainly cost more... but work out much cheaper (and less hassle) in the long term!

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Cheers, Max ● TI: the "Yella Terra" ● Website: www.MadYakker.com ● YouTube: madyakkermax

IIRC, the zippers (for the most part) are at the hull/deck line on the outboard side. You'll need the boat to be elevated somehow, as if on a trailer, to install the covers. Lift to slip past your support points.

I'd want my boat to be clear of sand, or grass or dirt, if stored for extended periods. Would keep water from contacting or (temporarily) pooling next to the gelcoat, which is not good. Regardless of whether my boat was on "bumpers" or not, a doggie tie down, or similar and at least a line from the dolphin striker to this or another secure object would be a must. My greatest fear would not necessarily be damage to my boat (which I may be able to fix) but damage to someone else's boat!

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Sheet In...Max Out
www.fleet297.org
sailflatlands at gmail dot com

What is the specific concern about it being in contact with sand? Water damage to the gelcoat I don't have to worry about as it is well up on the beach and doesn't sit in water, and it is also cabled to a wench post so it can't drift off.

I've heard sand blowing against hulls and rudders essentially performs a slow, low grade sand blasting, is that the concern?

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

No

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Sheet In...Max Out
www.fleet297.org
sailflatlands at gmail dot com