Winter covers for 23's

[doug]

You might want to look at the covers sold here http://thecanvasstore.com/wintercovers.html as the sell a cover that fits the standing rigging. I'm also on the Bay, and I purchased an over the toe rail cover from the canvas store as I keep my 26rk on a lift over the winter. As designed it works similar to a boom tent in back, and uses a forward halyard to support the the cover on the bow. When I purchased mine at the Annapolis boat show there were 3 or 4 companies selling similar covers. I'm on my third year, so I really don't know how they will stand up to time (as I recall the warranty is first rate, but I have not needed to test the service). They use Top Gun as the fabric which seems to last. I remove sails and all canvas, install the cover (about a 2 hour job after the first time) and place dehumidifying crystals in the cabin and the boat is good for the winter.

[Mas]

Hello Doug, thanks for reaching out on this topic. Will check them out. Can your cover be used mast up or down?

Also noticed you has mentioned the Bay as your location. Where on this wonderful Bay are you located? Not sure I know what a 26rk is?

No Mas

[HeaveToo]

I would be willing to bet that he is talking about the Seaward 26R/K.  The R/K stands for retractable keel.  It is an awesome trailer sailor but very expensive. 

I am telling you that if you look into it you can do the canvas work yourself.  The cover would be a good place to start.  It isn't that hard and you save a ton of money doing it yourself.  I have done a lot of canvas stuff on my old boat and it wasn't too bad.

If I could just fabricate some stainless steel frames for a dodger and bimini I would be set.  I could probably build a bimini and dodger for around $1000 to $1500 with everything I wanted.

[Mas]

Hey Heave i hear ya on the save money on diy projects. My challenge is more related to how i wish to spend our time. Having just helped start a business just three years ago the time I have is best spent growing the business so that sailing, music, skiing, festivals, etc. become more regular! I can say with confidence that if a cover happens it will be only after other boat related projects occur first. Certainly not before next winter. No Mas is gunna weather this one sans cover and all cloth.

We have a small farm and brewery and have had to do many if not all things here as diy projects. My time is best spent with those projects and gunna buy a cover if one is needed! However do love to do things and learn new skills, so if i do launch into a cover design and build gunna be coming your way!  OBTW, you might be able to find a pipe bending jig somewhere used that could handle 1" SS. Looks as if the fittings for bikinis and dodgers are buyable. I've done some bending for electrical conduit and SS can't be all that different.

[Mas]

"Looks as if the fittings for bikinis and dodgers are buyable."

Hmmm...must be the post Christmas bleary eyes! My guess is that stitching up a bikini won't take all that much material or work, the Bimini on the other hand....!

Must admit it does seem like a doable project. The cost of materials for TopGun or Sunbrella seems to be kinda high.

[HeaveToo]

You are right but the stuff will last you longer.  When, and WHEN, I re-do my canvas it will be Sunbrella and not this Surelast crap that is on it now.  I don't like that stuff one bit.

I am set up to do canvas work, for the most part.  I have a very old heavy duty machine that will sew several layers of stuff.  The hardest thing is keeping a good sharp needle and remembering what brand of needle I buy that works for my machine with V-69 threat.  I can also sew V-92 but I prefer the V-69 because it is easier to work in.

[doug]

No Mas,

We are on the Chesapeake Bay (almost). Technically, we are in Deltaville, off Hunton Creek which access the Rappanhock about about two miles west of the Bay.

Yea, the cover we purchased keeps all the standing rigging in place (it uses the mast and the boom to support the cover) you remove sails, any other canvas before installing the cover. They are custom made to specific boat designs so you would need to check and see if they have a pattern for the cp23.

The 26RK is a Seaward, with a retracting keel (which is why I can keep it on a lift), and they are not cheap, although I'm guessing a new ComPac would price out comparable to the Seaward cus no boat is cheap.  We still have a cp16 CB, although it hasn't been wet since we bought the Seaward (likely will place it up for sale this spring).

[Mas]

Doug, you are just down the road! She won't be Tomato Sloop would she? Anyway you should make plans to come to the CBMWG on January 30th. A group of us Compacteers and certainly Seaward's (cousins, plus you still have a CP16!) Check out the particulars in the outings section.

Would love to see your cover, and boat!

Whats the hull number on your 16? Always wonder what happened to ours.

[Mas]

obtw......CBMWG =Chesapeake Bay Mid Winters Gathering.