pvb
Well-Known Member
The plastic bits might fade a bit in colour, but they won't suddenly disintegrate into dust - at least, not in most people's lifetimes.
Are canvas winch covers a bit naff
- Thread starter LONG_KEELER
- Start date
The plastic bits might fade a bit in colour, but they won't suddenly disintegrate into dust - at least, not in most people's lifetimes.
ashtead
Well-Known Member
I was thinking of sticking fabric over my M&S tubs to smarten them up .
TernVI
Well-Known Member
Our covers are like a simple drawstring bag.
A few minutes to make on a sewing machine.
We used to be in Portsmouth Harbour so the rain could be quite dirty.
I think the Gosport shitehawks used to perch on the edges of the winches and crap in the socket..
Winches are not cheap. Even a service kit costs a lot more than a metre of fabric.
Seems like a small bit of effort to look after something you depend on.
A tonneau type cover to protect the stuff on the deck, exposed rope, clutches etc might be worth thinking about.
A few minutes to make on a sewing machine.
We used to be in Portsmouth Harbour so the rain could be quite dirty.
I think the Gosport shitehawks used to perch on the edges of the winches and crap in the socket..
Winches are not cheap. Even a service kit costs a lot more than a metre of fabric.
Seems like a small bit of effort to look after something you depend on.
A tonneau type cover to protect the stuff on the deck, exposed rope, clutches etc might be worth thinking about.
pvb
Well-Known Member
Or just keep the boat in a shed full-time...
cherod
N/A
I would rather see the dirt , frost / ice , snow , bird shit on my cheapo buckets rather than on the winches when i visit over the winter , ropes / lines are already bagged ??
ghostlymoron
Well-Known Member
What are M and S tubs?
zoidberg
Well-Known Member
Surely someone has a photo...?
Billyo
Well-Known Member
If you have covers on them when you accidentally crack your knee on the self trailer you won't end up needing five stitches. It's been suggested I should remove the covers so I can split the other knee open to balance things up.
ashtead
Well-Known Member
They are containers which marks and Spencer food halls sell chocolate nibbles in so useful for contents on channel crossings and then for catching oil when changing oil filters but would also serve to keep your harken dry if needs must. Can also serve to bail bilges if changing that pesky paddlewheel log.
Stemar
Well-Known Member
And don't forget the MOB kit.
That one's serious. I've just had to throw away a horseshoe buoy because UV's destroyed the cover. The next one will have a cover, as will the throwing line bag, which used to be dayglo red and is now RYS trouser pink.
TernVI
Well-Known Member
We have two sets of lifebuoys.
The posh ones, with lights that work and all that, live in the forepeak. The old ones are on deck 24/7.
We put the push ones on before going offshore or sailing at night.
One of the old ones got used in a marina once. Everybody else took longer to unravel theirs.
doug748
Well-Known Member
See post 30.
A minor pain to put on but boy, magnificent things cockpit covers:
When you arrive at the boat, after heavy rain, things are dry and fairly clean.
You can leave locker lids open to promote huge ventilation through the boat.
Wood cockpit seating can be as good as new after decades.
Your instruments will look box fresh for as long as you keep them, covers not required.
Prying eyes are kept at bay, a minor but useful disincentive to thieves, esp on a mooring.
There is less water around to drive it's way into the cabin.
Brightwork stays bright, I have varnished my washboards twice in 25 years.
..........plus if you get the sprayhood down and under your cover and you can forget about ever buying a new one.
.
ip485
Well-Known Member
I just think when you are back in the dock not to have them on, is like going out in just your pants - I mean would you?
You are either properly dressed, or not.
Same as hatch covers when you leave the boat. I suppose some of you dont cover your hatches?
You are either properly dressed, or not.
Same as hatch covers when you leave the boat. I suppose some of you dont cover your hatches?
pvb
Well-Known Member
I don't; why would I want to cover the hatches? They are robust and watertight. If covers were essential they'd surely be supplied as standard equipment.
thinwater
Well-Known Member
I have snap-on covers for the salon windows hard top windows in part for UV (which barely exists in the UK compared to most places), but primarily because removing them is faster than cleaning off the bird shit each time.
Storage covers for everything and shades in general become a lot more common as you move south and the sun moves overhead.
Storage covers for everything and shades in general become a lot more common as you move south and the sun moves overhead.
TernVI
Well-Known Member
Most of my boats have been dinghies.
We don't leave them out in the rain or sun when we're not using them.
I've also raced open dayboats a bit, the cover is needed to keep the rain out, but as you say, it also protects the varnish etc.
The ropes on boats which get covered stay like new for years, yacht ropes are manky sun-hardened things by comparison.
Praxinoscope
Well-Known Member
Winches are expensive, and anything that helps to maintain their efficient operation is fine by me.
I use canvas covers on my sheet winches and service them regularly, the 20 year old chrome Lewmars still look like new apart from a small amount of rope abrasion on the chrome and they run as smoothly as they did when new.
I use canvas covers on my sheet winches and service them regularly, the 20 year old chrome Lewmars still look like new apart from a small amount of rope abrasion on the chrome and they run as smoothly as they did when new.
tudorsailor
Well-Known Member
Well worth servicing if they have not been done for 10 years. You may find a broken or bent pawl spring or even a broken collet. The grease might quite caked by now. It is an easy job and quite satisfying to have done. Of course make sure you do not drop any bits overboard...............
A bucket with some white spirit and a tray to put bits on is all you need. Nitrile gloves are nice for your hands. Take pictures at each stage of dismantling
TS
RupertW
Well-Known Member
Thanks and appreciate the advice. I used to dismantle and service winches every year so I am sure it will come back to me. But like many habits I’ve gradually given up doing things which I can’t see a benefit in. The earlier comment about an injury from a winch suddenly spinning freely the wrong way has got me thinking as previously I’ve just had jammed ones.
ip485
Well-Known Member
Looks smart - like the winch covers ;-)
but does have some practical advantages.
- stops any scratching and hazing which all hatches are susceptible, especially when the acrylic is brand new!
