One man's opinion on bottom covers:
It has been my experience that bottom covers for hauling your boat are only as
good as they are clean. When they get dirty, the only accelerate the abrasion of
the finish. I have heard of people using shrink wrap, some concoction of soap
and oatmeal ( bizarre ), and bottom covers. My personal favorite was a trailer I
had for my 505 that used full-size truck tires on a wide wheel base and had a
deck that was wider and longer than the boat. What little oil I got on the hull
could be easily removed with a strong detergent at the end of the trip. Car
topping the boat will also be good. Because of the flapping and abuse from the
wind, I used to remove the deck cover for transit and only use it for storage.
This prolongs the life of the cover and keeps the cover from getting dirty and
sanding the deck as it flogs in the wind.
Top and bottom covers are very good for storage but you must check the boat
frequently to ensure that it is staying dry and free from mold and mildew.
Robert S. Harper
USA 050 "Fugu"
-----Original Message-----
From: BDally6107@xxxxxxx [mailto:BDally6107@xxxxxxx]
Sent: Wednesday, November 24, 2004 10:15 AM
To: swiftsolo@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: ordering spinnaker socks and boat covers
Just a note to let everyone know that I'm starting another batch of spinnaker
socks. This will be the last batch till after the mid-winters in Florida. If
you're going to need one, please let me know within a week. You don't need to
pay for it till you want it delivered, however, you do need to get your order
in.
Boat covers are another issue. My plan is to have covers built that are
primarily suited for storing your boat outside in the weather. These covers
will work for trailering, however, they will require some innovation on the part
of the users. Bottom cover are another issue. Everyone wants to keep road
grime off of their boat. I lack experience in bottom covers and the people we
are working with claim they are of questionable value. Please give me your
input if you want these bottom covers (we need to buy 10 at a time--realizing
that this is price sensitive).
I hope to post some pictures of what has become the standard 49er trailer. It
is home built and has some tool/storage boxes on the side and a bottom for
protection from road grim. The launching dolly and boat are simple pulled up on
top of this thing on some ramps.
Please respond privately to the ordering issues and to the server regarding boat
cover ideas.
Work hard, March will come sooner than you think.
Jane and I leave for Florida on the 11th for a week (hard duty but someone has
to do it). We will come back with regatta location recommendations.
Best regards,
Bram
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