Sailboat covers?

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Oct 18, 2006
2
- - Gainesville, FL
I just purchased a 1977 Mac 22. It will live in my driveway for now (unless I'm trailing it or sailing it, of course!) I'm wondering if I should cover it, and if so, just cover the cockpit, entire vessel, or what? An economic solution would be preferable, but I'd like to hear any/all thoughts on the subject of covers for storage and transport. Thanks!
 
W

Warren

Blue Tarp

For general storage a "blue tarp" works fine. Use the mast as a ridge pole. its important that a stored boat has air moving through it.
 
Oct 25, 2005
265
Macgregor 22' Long Beach
sailboat cover

I have a 1971 Venture 22' and keep it covered when not in use. I buy my cover at Home Depot or Walmart. The size is 15' by 25' and aluminum color (don't buy the blue, it does not last). The cost is less than $35 and they last for nearly a year in my high desert location in California. Novelman
 
R

Rich

don't go to The Canvas Store...

...whatever you do. You can find a thread a mile long on this site title buyer beware
 
C

caguy

Don't forget the tires.

Bought a boat last year with tires that has less than 30 miles on them. Still had the little rubber tits on them. Had to replace them because the side walls cracked. Found out it was due to 3yrs sun exposure.
 

Red

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Oct 16, 2006
20
- - USA
Sun. Heat. Humudity. Gators. Bugs. UGH.

Florida is a rough environment for anything that doesn't live indoors. The UV kills cars and boats and anything else left outside. If you own the home, I'd suggest a carport or other permanent way to get the boat out of the direct sun. How much more protection it can use depends on you. Armorall can help preserve the tires (it replaces the compounds the sun drives out) and wax protects the fiberglass--and that's not optional, it is mandatory for the long-term if you don't want chalky fiberglass. A lot of RV owners put covers on their wheels to protect the rubber, you can probably find (cloth) wheel covers at a local RV supply store. But the UV...will bleach out uncovered gauges, upholstery, dry out plastics (Armorall again). Tarps, covers, carport...do the best you can.
 

Guy D

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Sep 25, 2006
46
- - Plainwell, MI
Boat covering

Found this interesting link recently. I'm going to try it out this year. Remember that the sun, via UV light, breaks down ANYTHING made out of petroleum. For most of us, that covers everything but our trailer frame! On the subject of tarps, it seems that every fair size town has a discount tool store and they all specialize in gloves and tarps. I think I paid $10 for a 25'x 20' tarp. Green, the blue is too bright in the snow!
 
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