Has anyone read the January Sail magazine article on "The Perfect Dinghy?" They show and speak of a 'dinghy cover' that stays on inflatables' tubes while in use and protects from uv and also can have built-in bags & pockets. Looks like a nice idea. Has anyone ever 1) seen one 2) used one 3) or know where one would get one? Having just bought a Zodiac (I think it's a 285FR, I haven't taken it out of the box yet. End of season Defender sale, husband dropping off kid in RI, asked him to pick up a boat for me while he was out) I'd like it to last as long as possible. I'd like to hear opinions from those in the know if it's good protection for the boat (I'm always checking my daughters for sharp metal protrusions from their clothing as it is, bad for boats, but I think secretly my husband likes them being to dangerous to get close to.... ), or if it's just a fashion accessory. Thanks!
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Dink Protection
I think the dinghy tube covers are mainly for protection from the sun, although it would help keep dirt & wear down as well. My similar query to the forum revealed that most folks made their own cover & were predominantely in the southern lattitudes where the sun can really do some damage. I would be curious if there is a commercial version of a topside cover as well. Anyone?
I think the dinghy tube covers are mainly for protection from the sun, although it would help keep dirt & wear down as well. My similar query to the forum revealed that most folks made their own cover & were predominantely in the southern lattitudes where the sun can really do some damage. I would be curious if there is a commercial version of a topside cover as well. Anyone?
I've seen them being sold
check West Marine, Zodiac and Achillies on line, they'll msot likely show them.
check West Marine, Zodiac and Achillies on line, they'll msot likely show them.
Aquapro sells tube covers as standard accessories
for their lightweight aluminum RIBs. They are made in New zealand and are very popular here in the South Pacific because of modest cost (about US $ 2,000 for a 9ft, 70lb RIB; ex NZ), ultralight weight and solid construction. So many cruising vessels now have them that we do have to watch out at the dinghy dock in Port Vila in order not to take off in someone else's dinghy. Success! Flying Dutchman
for their lightweight aluminum RIBs. They are made in New zealand and are very popular here in the South Pacific because of modest cost (about US $ 2,000 for a 9ft, 70lb RIB; ex NZ), ultralight weight and solid construction. So many cruising vessels now have them that we do have to watch out at the dinghy dock in Port Vila in order not to take off in someone else's dinghy. Success! Flying Dutchman
Oy ... I better start working out ...
The only thing I saw on West, Zodiac and Achilles was ... a lot of bikinis ... (yeah, yeah, and boats). But seriously, only on Aquapro's site did I see that a cover is offered as an option for their boats, although you can't see them well in the few pix. I had checked Sailrite online earlier, to see if this was a common do-it-yourself project (not that I want to), and didn't see any info on it, but I just emailed Sail mag to see if they have any more info from the article. Thanks!
The only thing I saw on West, Zodiac and Achilles was ... a lot of bikinis ... (yeah, yeah, and boats). But seriously, only on Aquapro's site did I see that a cover is offered as an option for their boats, although you can't see them well in the few pix. I had checked Sailrite online earlier, to see if this was a common do-it-yourself project (not that I want to), and didn't see any info on it, but I just emailed Sail mag to see if they have any more info from the article. Thanks!
Dinghy Chaps
I've seen them and they were called "Dinghy Chaps". I think I saw something about them in "Latts & Atts". Check their website and do a web search.
I've seen them and they were called "Dinghy Chaps". I think I saw something about them in "Latts & Atts". Check their website and do a web search.
Bought a cover last year
I bought a cover for my BRIG Falcon (PVC) last year at the end of the season and really have to try things out. It made a world of difference for the dink, though. It is mostly for sun protection of the PVC. I think it was the first one sold by Brig since the guy asked me to send pics once it was installed. And his recommendation for installing a bow (to shed rain water) needed to be enhanced. Anyway, it fits nice and does the job - although, I need to figure out this year if I can leave the motor mounted and shed rain water/spray effectively. It's a pain to install the cover, as will be any boat, but I can see that it will be worth it to use it. I'm still not sure it it'll tow OK with the cover on.
I bought a cover for my BRIG Falcon (PVC) last year at the end of the season and really have to try things out. It made a world of difference for the dink, though. It is mostly for sun protection of the PVC. I think it was the first one sold by Brig since the guy asked me to send pics once it was installed. And his recommendation for installing a bow (to shed rain water) needed to be enhanced. Anyway, it fits nice and does the job - although, I need to figure out this year if I can leave the motor mounted and shed rain water/spray effectively. It's a pain to install the cover, as will be any boat, but I can see that it will be worth it to use it. I'm still not sure it it'll tow OK with the cover on.
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