UV protection?

Hi,

I'm in Sydney Australia, and the sun is pretty intense here. My H-14 is uncovered and in our driveway. I've only had her for a few weeks now. She's old but the hulls are rock solid.

If I don't shield her from the sun what can I expect? Will the hulls become brittle or just lose their colour?

Are there any fellow Aussies who can recommend a product I can buy locally? A wax or something perhaps? Should I get a UV resistant tarp as well? I guess the tramp won't want to be frying in the sun either... I know you can get proper Cat covers but they are $400 and I've already been spending a fair bit getting her up to scratch. I don't want to upset 'her who must be obeyed'!

Thanks

xnomad,

303 Protectant has excellent UV inhibiting qualities and is NOT greasy like ArmorAll. I just use a 12 x 16 tarp from Lowes that cost about 30 bucks and covers the entire boat. Generally, 1 tarp will last 6 to 8 months, so I expect to spend 60 bucks a year on tarps. I definately want to keep mine covered. The sun can be brutal here in Texas as well.

_________________
'88 Nationals Blue
Hobie Alter Signature Model
Sail #11

Hobie Mirage Classic

A $30.00 tarp 12'X20' works for my Hobie 21 you could probably use a smaller one make sure you use enough ties to keep rain from holding I usually cut a few small holes for emergency drains in the tarp
Look for a product called Poly glo on the net looks pretty good to me
Hobie Cat 21 SE
Gary

Thanks guys, I got myself a great big 5x3 metre heavy duty UV resistant tarp at the hardware store. I'll also get myself some of that 303 protectant as well for when I'm out all day with it under the sun.