To waterproof or not

[moonshine]

I have a canvas zip top stack pack for storing a mizzen sail.

My query is whether the canvas should be waterproofed or left as is so that the sail can air through the canvas ?

Any recommendations ?

Moonshine

 

[Athene V30]

I have always worked on the assumption that a sail cover is to contain the sail when not in use, give protection from blowing about in the wind, UV, seagulls etc. So as the sail may well be damp and salty when it is covered a bit of air and rain water might actually do some good! So on that basis I wouldn't waterproof it but then again I am not an expert!

 

[Lodesman77]

Opinions vary...

I waterproof mine - the reason being that when it is porous it soaks up water and eventually grows green mould.

I don't think being waterproofed makes that much difference to the inside, after all there isn't going to be much air circulating in something stuffed full with non-porous sail cloth - but it can still breath a bit anyway, as it's proofed against water not air.

For the same reason I waterproof the dodgers, and it also makes it easier to get the bird mess off...