PVC Boat Cover for Wooden boats????

[Dughardman]

Hi All

Been a while since I was on but can report back that the good advice I received the last time I posted was much appreciated. I passed on the teak deck for my Harrison Butler Z4 and am very happy with the traditional deck I have now.

I am having a boat cover made and the supplyer is trying to sell me a PVC cover the other option is a "Sauleda" canvas cover?

- 525 g/m2
- Tearing resistance: 140 dan /5 cm on one side, 90 dan / 5 cm on the other side.
- UV stable
- Impregnated
- not so strong than PVC, easier to be damaged.

I have designed a number of air vents into the cover, would this be enough?

Your experience and advice much appreciated.

 

[Lyulph Hesling]

Better not to seal a boat up.

I use canvas tarpaulins over a ridge pole, leaving the ends of the "tent" open to the air. Surveyors mutter approvingly, and the boat stays dry.

Use two and they will be cheaper, and fit round the mast and rigging well enough.

 

[wilkinsonsails]

PVC boat covers

I try not to sell wooden boat owners PVC covers.Over the years I have found its not as nice to work under as canvas,it gets stiff when cold,and even with vents condensation forms.If they are on for a long time sealed up, mildew forms on the inside too making a nice mould aroma.
Sunbrella is a bit lighter to use and more manageable and of course its breathable.
It doesnt rot like ordinary proofed canvas but can blow about a bit more if not properly secured,any chafe area need to be doubled with something like PVC as its more prone to chafe on sharper bits of boat.Other fabrics like polyester cotton canvas are good for winter covers and as cheap as PVC,but they do shrink a bit and rot eventually unless you reproof them regularly.
Cindy

 

[Dughardman]

Thanks for your comments, I have gone with the Sauleda, which they seem to use here in Central Europe. I am thinking of adding an electric fan to extract damp humid air.