Sail cover waterproof

[dewshi]

Are sail covers meant to be waterproofed? Or is it better if the material can breathe?

Wondering if I should treat a new one with Fabsil.

 

[jamie N]

I put Nikwax on my canvas cockpit tent and sprayhood on the outside only.
It hadn't occurred to me about breathing as such, but the inside is untreated so I guess that it remains breathable?

 

[Tranona]

Most sail covers are made of proofed acrylic material so no need for any additional treatment. Typically this lasts 5 years + and then you have a choice of DIY retreatment or having it professionally washed and re-treated. simple instructions on care here sailrite.com/How-to-Clean-Sunbrella-Fabric Sunbrella is one of the major brands but the others are much the same.

 

[Clancy Moped]

The best one we had over the years came from Quay sails.

 

[Rappey]

Are sail covers meant to be waterproofed? Or is it better if the material can breathe?

Better if the material can breath. Kayo spruce (large material supplier) point you towards breathable for boom covers but waterproof for sprayhoods.
Many other manufacturers similar whereas amazon and alibaba support waterproof covers.
All other canvas work is usually waterproof.
A friend had a sprayhod made from breathable and it dripped all over you when it rained..
This subject has been discussed a fair few times here and there are certainly a fair few that support the waterproof version.

 

[Boathook]

The best one we had over the years came from Quay sails.

Over the years all my sails, covers, etc came from Quay Sails at Poole. The original owner retired a few years back so I found out, but I left my main and cover for repair. Not very impressed with quality of repairs.
My new main came from Sanders Sails at Lymington. Whether I was just unlucky at Quay Sails I don't know, but it has tainted my view of them for now.

 

[Boathook]

Are sail covers meant to be waterproofed? Or is it better if the material can breathe?

Wondering if I should treat a new one with Fabsil.

I treat my covers with fabsil after 'washing'. Washing means a scrubbing brush, tiny amount of washing liquid and a lot of water plus hard work.

 

[dewshi]

Most sail covers are made of proofed acrylic material so no need for any additional treatment. Typically this lasts 5 years + and then you have a choice of DIY retreatment or having it professionally washed and re-treated. simple instructions on care here sailrite.com/How-to-Clean-Sunbrella-Fabric Sunbrella is one of the major brands but the others are much the same.

Thanks for this

 

[dewshi]

Better if the material can breath. Kayo spruce (large material supplier) point you towards breathable for boom covers but waterproof for sprayhoods.
Many other manufacturers similar whereas amazon and alibaba support waterproof covers.
All other canvas work is usually waterproof.
A friend had a sprayhod made from breathable and it dripped all over you when it rained..
This subject has been discussed a fair few times here and there are certainly a fair few that support the waterproof version.

Thanks !

 

[wilkinsonsails]

Only treat your sail cover with fabsil when the original waterproofing is rinsed away .(2 to 3 yrs ) .
The fabric colour will change once it starts to absorb water .
That’s a good time to re proof ,which stops it going green with algae or mold and holding the damp on your sail which will encourage mildew .