Reverse diagonal shroud disconnect for winter cover?

[Gillfowdy]

We installed a new winter cover on our hunter 376 today. It is the type with a full frame of a spine and ribs. The cover comes in two pieces joining each other at the mast. Problem Is the top zipper from the mast down towards the shrouds at the toe rail can’t be zipped together as the lower spreader to lower mast shrouds are in the way. Manufacturer was closed today probably due to the holidays so couldn’t confirm if this is a mistake or should I just disconnect these shrouds and zip it up?

 

[Tally Ho]

No zipper pull at the bottom that can be pulled up to the diagonal?

Who made the cover?

i had a few issues when I got my first cover 10 years ago or so…2 slots for stanchions where there were no stanchions, a few in the wrong places. I marked it up and sent it back, and they made the corrections. They could probably put a 2-way zipper there so you could zip both ends to the middle.

Greg

 

[Gillfowdy]

Thanks Greg
The cover is made by Top Shop in Kingston Ontario. Seems like everything else is very well made.
It would be much easier to just disconnect the shrouds for the winter but I don’t know if this will affect the rig as far as holding up the mast? Anyone know if these are only used to “tune “ the rig?

 

[shemandr]

For my H356, I had a cover made and as I remember I had to disconnect the lower diagonals to fit the cover. I did this for 3 or 4 years with no known adverse affects. Certainly the mast didn't fall down.

 

[Gillfowdy]

Thanks for your suggestion. That is probably what we’ll do unless someone can confirm the mast wont be ok.(which I think it will).

 

[joelm100]

Have you explored modifying the zipper so one pulls up from the bottom and the other from the top. Sewing a new zipper with double pulls shouldn't be difficult--but the installer should understand the problem--its kinda the opposite of the typical double pull.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

I'd contact Top Shop and arrange to have them modify it with a second zipper pull after the winter. Use a zip tie between the two pulls next season so they don't pull away from each other. I got the feeling that modifications were expected when I had a cover made for my stinkpot

 

[Gillfowdy]

We contacted the manufacturer and he's making two filler pieces with cutouts for the shrouds with zippers on each side.
I'll post a pic when I receive and install them. Thanks for the helpful knowledge.

 

[marcham]

Excellent, best to keep the lower diamond connected and accurately tensioned, it's essential for the strength of the mast.

 

[jssailem]

Very good resolution to the problem. It pays to ask the question.
It was likely not considered at the time of design and construction.
Positive response by the manufacturer.

 

[marcham]

If you don't mind me asking, how many boat units for the cover? I have essentially the same boat and am looking at options.