Covering Your Boat
Your boat is liable to sit on shore for more time than it is actually used - unless you are very lucky! And it’s care and storage should be of great importance.
So our boats need to be protected from the elements:
A snug fitting, well secured boat cover will obviously protect your boat from the UV light, rain, etc.
It will also keep other matter out, such as leaves, sand, bird droppings etc., and pollutants in the atmosphere.
It must be well secure and snug since any flapping will cause damage to the boat, a good design and adjusting straps etc. helps this.
Keeping Your Boat Dry
Since no boat cover is totally waterproof, ( there will be seepage through the openings and seams) your dinghy needs to be left so that it can drain.
Most will drain if their bow is left up and transom down. Boats that do not have a direct passage to the stern, should be left so that the water drains through the self bailer.
The Benefits of a Breathable Boat Cover
More and more people are beginning to realise that to protect their boats properly they need a breathable boat cover.
A breathable boat cover will reduces the damp environment inside the boat, which over a period of time could lead to the wood or GRP absorbing water and adding weight onto the boat. On wooden boats a damp interior can also shorten the life of the varnish.
Reducing Pooling Water on your Boat Cover
To reduce pooling (water collecting in the middle of your cover) on your boat cover:
- Ensure that the cover is fitted correctly and the straps are pulled tight.
- Over Boom Covers should help resolve this problem if the boom is sitting on the transom.
- On our Flat Covers there is a main halyard attachment point which when pulled tight will help with drainage.
- If the mast is down, or you have a Trailing Cover, a piece of wood running the length of the boat or across the boat will help to reduce the problem. (This will also help with pooling on Flat Covers).
Why is it important to reduce pooling?
It is important to limit pooling on your cover (where water collects in the centre of the cover) as much as possible. Pooling can cause the following problems:
- It puts stress onto the cover and it's straps.
- It can increase UV damage because of a magnifying effect through the water.
- If you have a pool, it is more likely to collect even more, so making the problem worse.
Caring For Your Boat Cover
As with all other products you buy for your boat, the more care you take of them, the better service they will give and the longer they will last.
Regular checking of patches, stitching, and the cloth and early repair will obviously be sensible.
Also keeping the cover clean, particularly if the cover is a breathable material, will help it’s durability.
When Leaving Your Boat
Do not allow the boat to be in contact with the ground or damp surfaces, rest the transom on a tyre or cradle.
If your site is exposed to the wind, you may well be advised to tie your boat down to stakes ( ) - for your boat’s protection and other boats next to yours in the dinghy park.
Keep your boat safe from prying eyes, remove items of value or make sure they are well hidden, a boat cover clearly helps with this job!
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