MOORING COVER DESIGN QUESTIONS

[wellcraft-classic210]

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I am interested in making a mooring cover that will serve for towing as well for our 83 26 ft Searay cruiser .

2 questions

Any suggestions for fabrics other than Sumbrella to consider ? I am thinking somethings that's tougher but less breathable with vents might worth considering.

I will need to seal around 8 poles for the camper canvas with some sort of sock -- Would like to try and make those as water tight is possible -- Any suggestions ?

Thanks !

 

[tpenfield]

You may be better not to use a cover for towing . . . they often end up like parachutes while underway on the road.

 

[Scott Danforth]

keep the cover off when towing

 

[Woodonglass]

I've use Cordura 1000D fabric for covers with pretty good results. It's UV rated, WaterProof and can be had for about $8 bucks a yard. A picture of your boat would sure help us to give you good advice on design details.

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

No Title

Here is a pic


The great advice is appreciated on not using the cover for towing -- But if I get caught in the rain on a longer tow ( Again ) it would be nice to have something to protect the electronics etc..

Also looking to lower the labor on each use by only using the camper canvas when needed.


Perhaps I should consider making 2 covers : 1 being from a heavier grade silver tarp for towing -- realizing it may get trashed


As you can see I will need to go around the camper canvas posts if I keep the camper canvas on which is desirable


Anyone familiar with TopGun Fabric ?

 

[garbageguy]

do you have a cockpit cover? can you just use that instead of a full mooring cover?

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

Cockpit cover -- as in dashboard cover --Perhaps

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

Still not sure if i can get a seal around the poles that's satisfactory-- Anyone had experiences with that ?

 

[garbageguy]

This is my cockpit cover, doesn't "seal" around cover poles, but doesn't really need to. When it rains, a little gets onto the cockpit floor, but that's what scuppers and bilge pump are for. Actually, I don't ever notice any more water in the bilge after a rain if the cockpit cover is on

 

[Scott Danforth]

I have never seen a cover that will stay on when towing. most baloon up, start to let go, and beat the boat to death with the snaps

your electronics are sealed against rain

 

[chevymaher]

I towed mine home when I got it doing 70. Nothing dramatic like that happened.

 

[bruceb58]

If you make a cover like garbage guy has, make it so it goes all the way down the window to keep sun out. It also tows way better because less chance of air getting under it.

Sunbrella is the best. There is a reason it's the most expensive.

 

[bruceb58]

For the cover that goes on my pontoon, I made seals like these:

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

It seems i should explain the situation in more detail


The problem statement is :
I have wood under foam on the new interior and side panels ( If this gets water logged it will not drain -- mold and decay can follow). My dash wiring is not waterproof and water does tend to collect under the dash panel in a heavy rain and then works its way into the aft cabin in a heavy rain. I tend to do longer hauls on vacation and waiting for a clear day is not a practical option.

So I am Looking for a solution so I wont need to put my Sumbrella Camper canvas at risk which is what I am currently doing in the heavy rain to avoid the above risks.


Design ideas :

Yes Bruce B -- Thanks for the pics & constructive input -- I agree over the windshield with Twits lock fasteners in the corners -- And something like your pontoon boat has around the poles to minimize water entry.

-- Maybe even some sort of grommet on the pole to shed water -- sort of like a drip edge and or a rubber weather strip at the canvas to pole seal

Using a waterproof material that offers good chafe protection should help for durability. I will add vents as needed and adjustable poles to set tension.


With Luck under $500 will cover the materials -- about 15 yards of fabric and snaps , 40 ft each Binding webbing etc.


I will also use this cover when not being towed to save time and once again extend the life of the camper canvas. This will also help justify the cost.


And yes I understand towing may shorten the life of the cover and cause the need for occasional repairs -- But that's only 1 factor here -- And if I built it strong using properly selected materials that should help lower any associated risks. I can also patch it as needed.

Convertible cars have been doing this for decades -- and many are driven over 40 MPH. The material is very well secured.

I did see someone try to raise their top at 50 mph many years ago -- Not good -- The car slowed down as the frame bent back -- Common sense was apparently in short supply that day.


Questions:

--- Has any used Top GUN which is a chafe resistant vinyl coated fabric or similar ?

--- Has anyone seen or used other good methods to seal around poles ?

 

[bruceb58]

TopGun is a good fabric but it doesn't breathe but you already know that since you would add vents. It's harder to use and I have seen Top Gun covers done by professionals having too may puckers to be acceptable to me. Hopefully, you have a walking foot machine.

There are other methods besides what I have used to seal around poles. Go to a marina and walk around and you will see many variations. I am going to redo my snap in cover on my Wellcraft and am going to a simpler method for my pole openings. I actually don't care if a little water gets through though.

When you tow, don't leave the bimini up even though its stowed in its cover. I lost a bimini doing that once and will never tow with it up again.

 

[bruceb58]

Go to this site and ask questions as well. Many professionals here:
http://www.upholster.com/upholstery-forum/index.php?board=1.0

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

Good advice -- Never thought about loosing the whole Bimini -- Thanks

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

Bruce
Good input Thanks !!!!

It seems that if i move to more waterproof & cafe proof materials the fit will suffer --- HMMM

Never thought about loosing the entire Bimini -- That must have stung -- ( That's what my friend call a YARD SALE! )

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

It seems I may be best off leaving the camper canvas & poles off -- Even though I will not have an convenient way to bring them along unless I remount them.
I will keep looking into a cover design that can withstand some towing if I get caught in bad weather.

Reinforced Sumbrella ( tried & true // or something that's more wear resistant but tougher to work with.

I will try the link you provided Bruce-B

So many materials & methods to try & so little time

Thanks everyone for the input !