Winter Boat Cover - Cotton Duck or Acrylic Coated Woven Polyester?

[Maine Sail]

I have a Fairclough Cover made out of Cotton Duck. I have used it for 18 winters.

I have three customers with Fairclough covers all over 20 years old. One is 23 years old one is 22 and one just turned 20. While all of them have had some thread patching or zipper replacments for the doors the main cover is intact and still fully operational.

I have a number of other customers with Fairclough covers all over 15 years old. They key with the Fairclough is to take care of it and install it correctly. If it is religiously put away dry (BONE DRY) and kept away from moth & mice 20 years, even in harsh Maine winters is pretty doable. If you live in an area of heavy snow the snow struts are a MUST HAVE option!!

I would own a Fairclough in a heart beat but they refuse to build one for me that stops at the toe rail. Sorry but NOTHING touches my painted topsides....

Keep in mind the Fairclough is probably the best built and best fitting winter cover out there. If your frame etc. is not up to snuff no material is going to go the long haul regardless of the makers claims...

 

[Ward H]

Thanks Larry, you put my question in very simple terms.
Rich, The first year I ran the tarp down to the waterline. While I could get the tarp tight I did see the tarp pattern in the gelcoat when I pulled the tarp off in the spring. A very light buffing took it out. I imagine cotton would be softer.
I'd rather have it not go over the lifelines and stanchions due to the boat being far enough away that a measurable snowfall will make it more difficult to get to so I can unload it.

Doug, it looks like you have a top cover to the toe rail and another covering the top sides?

 

[Rich Stidger]

Doug4bass- nice looking cover. Is there a framework underneath with legs that go to the toerails or just a backbone support? The side covers that protect the topsides look like a separate piece- Is it one piece or two- one for each side? Where did you have it made?

 

[Tally Ho]

I tried the tarp over home made frame the 1st year I had my O'Day 322 on the hard. A real pain in the @ss to "build" it the first time, and it was butt ugly. The tarps were pretty much shot after a long windy, icey, snowy winter in Chicago.


Ordered a Top Gun cover from The Canvas Shop rep at the Chicago boat show and used it last winter. The cover comes in 3 pieces that zip together, does not require any frame, and is custom made for the boat.


Mainsail would not like it I imagine because the tie downs will rub on the hull. But it worked well for me last year. Haven't covered the boat yet this year, but I can do it myself if necessary in a couple of hours.

Greg

 

[Doug4bass]

My cover is from Ship Shape in Duluth. Can't say enough good about Jim and his crew. There is a 2x6 backbone from mast to stem fitting. 1 piece side curtain each port and starboard .
3 piece top.