Outdoor Storage and covers

While a new member of this forum, I have been reading it for many years. I bought my first Hobie Mirage drive kayak in 1997- the Classic. I have since owned a Sport, an AI, and 2 REVO 13's. I am now waiting the arrival of a 2015 PA 12. I live in SW FL and store my current REVO 13 upside down resting on the gunnels on a floating dock behind my house. I am afraid the PA 12 will be too heavy to flip over. Is it ok to store sitting on the bottom as it is a different hull configuration and presumably heavier plastic. Also, I would like to keep it covered. I have purchased 2 Danu covers (now sold as Hobie covers) in the past, but they just do not hold up in the intense FL sun, especially in the summer. I am thinking about a custom cover out of black Sunbrella. I have used this on the console and motor of my Scout, and it works very well. Is there any reason not to put a black Sunbrella cover on a plastic kayak?

I would think a black cover would create more heat on the PA. I had the wife make a custom fit Beige Sunbrella cover for mine and have not had any issues storing outside in sun.

The heat would really be an issue with a black or dark cover unless more of a tent structure.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

That is what I was afraid of but wanted a more definitive opinion. The black stands up to the FL sun best. I will look into getting a lighter color. What about sitting on the bottom on a plastic connect-a-dock floating dock? Is that ok or should it be on a cradle?

I think the PA models sit on flat surfaces better than some others. Maybe slip some soft foam under contact points for longer terms?

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

The manual says it has to be flipped over or sit on cradles.
Page 20: http://static.hobiecat.com/digital_assets/pro-angler-manual_rev120827.pdf