Dinghy cover?

Mirror Painter

Mirror Painter

Well-Known Member
Joined
20 Jun 2011
Messages
5,523
Visit site
I need a new cover for my recently acquired RS Feva. Possibly my Mirror too, but the Feva requirement is urgent because the cover is not keeping the rain out and, if nothing else, the toe straps can't benefit from being underwater.

Like most things to do with sailing I've not bought a cover before and so seek advice. I will go for a mast up, boom off job - unless someone says that's a bad idea. Some covers have a point towards the stern to take a string to the mast, making a tent shape to cause rain to run off. That seems sensible. I'm keen to spend a little as possible, (wife hasn't realised what my new dry suit cost yet :-) ) but can see a cover is a thing not to scrimp on.

This one looks good - agreed?

http://www.sailboats.co.uk/banks-rs-feva-boat-covers

But what about the choice between cheaper PVC or more costly cotton / polyester?

Anything else?

Thank you.
 
Last edited:
Another vote for cheapo PVC. Mine from Kwik2me.com has been much better than the posh expensive poly-cotton one from Pinnel & Bax that went mouldy, black and slimey after 2 years.
 
Last edited:
cotton/canvas for a posh wooden dinghy, pvc etc for grp etc is what I've been told. It's about breathability...
 
FWIW my I cover my tender, when it is at home, with a piece of 1000g black polythene damp proof membrane. the same piece has been in use for over 30 years without showing any signs of UV degradation.

I have a cover made from something similar ( 1400g reservoir liner) for my Mirror dinghy. That is even older and although it has been damaged and repaired with tape it still shows no sign of UV degradation despite being in use all year round.
 
For your Mirror I would strongly advise a flat cover (provided you have a gaff rig). The mast up covers are guaranteed to leak and water will collect around the centre plate box and causes rot. Your mast should be positioned on the bow and transom on the centre line to cause a ridge for water run off. If you have a self bailer fitted then make sure this is left open for ventilation. Personally I would always choose the pvc cover as they are more waterproof and easier to keep clean than a canvas one.
 
Update, primarily for anyone who does a forum search for the same topic.

At nearly five o'clock last Tuesday I telephoned Banks Sails. They did not have a cover for a Feva in stock. I said that was a shame because my existing cover was leaking badly and I was worried about it causing problems. It was rapidly confirmed they could make a cover and ship it all within the next day, so that I would receive it on Thursday. And that's what they did, even including a free tshirt! Excellent service.

https://shop.banks.co.uk/searchresults.asp?cat=1969
 
Concerto said:
For your Mirror I would strongly advise a flat cover (provided you have a gaff rig). The mast up covers are guaranteed to leak and water will collect around the centre plate box and causes rot. Your mast should be positioned on the bow and transom on the centre line to cause a ridge for water run off. If you have a self bailer fitted then make sure this is left open for ventilation.
Click to expand...

What he said. The ridge is important, or else you'll have big hollows which collect rainwater and eventually dump it in the hull.

But I myself would (and did) go for canvas, because it breathes.

Mike
 
These days, 'weathermax' is the best stuff for covers IMHO.
Canvas is as good, but expensive and hard work to re-waterproof.

Sorting it out to avoid water pooling too much is pretty much essential.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top