Should I put a cover over my fibreglass boat?

[fender22]

I have a very tall glass boat, and have no way of storing it under cover. I bought a full cover for it which works great but was just in there before and boy it's hot and sticky in there! I would hate to leave the boat in the sun as the gelcoat is so good but wondering if I'm doing the right thing covering it re rot. Not so much worried about the cosmetic timber bits topside but wondering if it would aid rot underneath? The cover is over the boat but air can get in as it's open at the back where it covers the motor but I wouldn't say there's a great flow of fresh air?
I guess moored glass boats are exposed to the elements 24/7?

[Vitamin Sea]

I have a very tall glass boat, and have no way of storing it under cover. I bought a full cover for it which works great but was just in there before and boy it's hot and sticky in there! I would hate to leave the boat in the sun as the gelcoat is so good but wondering if I'm doing the right thing covering it re rot. Not so much worried about the cosmetic timber bits topside but wondering if it would aid rot underneath? The cover is over the boat but air can get in as it's open at the back where it covers the motor but I wouldn't say there's a great flow of fresh air?
I guess moored glass boats are exposed to the elements 24/7?

Fender, I think any cover is a good cover.

I to just tarp the boat down, don't have a carport / garage that it can fit into, all I do is dry it out for a couple of days, then tarp it.

left completley uncovered all the time, the boat will look like crap in no time

Cheers

[sik008]

the fiberglass will change colour to a yellowish tinge when left in the elements! in only a short time. i would tarp it if i was you because if you dont the boat will start to look like crap!!!

[PeterInSA]

Fender,
I had my boat under tarp for about 6 years, what I noticed was that the wind action on the tarp sanded down the Fibreglass edges, similar to using very fine sand paper. I ended up putting soft cloth around the edges. if your boat is not in a winding location this may not be a problem.

[bustastu]

Any cover is better than none. Just leave it uncovered in the sun for a day or two after a trip so it dry's out then wack the cover on it. The occassional polish every six months or so and it will look as good as ever.

[SgBFish]

Fender.

Buy yourself the cheapest pack of disposable nappies you can. Once the boat has dried and you tarp it turn one inside out and throw it under the tarp or in areas that attract moisture.

They are amazingly absorbent and should keep the condensation down.

Scott

[Blackened]

G'day

Do NOT tarp it, will retain heat and mark the buggery out of the gel coat.

Best thing to do is get some breathable UV stable fabric custom made to fit. Canopy material should be fine. Treat it with a quality water repellent.

Dave

[Roughasguts]

How about rigging up some sails made from shade cloth. It would cost bugger all breath and not touch your boat. Plus probably look a hell of a lot better, than a crappy tarp flapping around.

[Vitamin Sea]

G'day

Do NOT tarp it, will retain heat and mark the buggery out of the gel coat.

Best thing to do is get some breathable UV stable fabric custom made to fit. Canopy material should be fine. Treat it with a quality water repellent.

Dave

G'Day Dave

I've tarped the boat down for the 6 or so yrs since I've had her, can't see a problem with it, re scuffing, IF it's done right.

Your idea is prob the optimum, however, will cost a buck or two.

Re shade cloth, also ok as far as uv protection goes, but, it lets the water in, in my mind, not a good thing on older glass boats.

Bill

[Greg P]

I am tossing up whether to get one of the caravan covers at BCF for $415. They are made of the right stuff and provided they last in a wind they are about a quarter of the price to get a custom job.

Anyone got one for their caravan ?

[Blackened]

G'day

Bill, you're probably right. I've done a few tarped recently, and they were on pretty tight.

You must have a good system for yours, keep it up.

Dave

[Roughasguts]

I am tossing up whether to get one of the caravan covers at BCF for $415. They are made of the right stuff and provided they last in a wind they are about a quarter of the price to get a custom job.

Anyone got one for their caravan ?

I had something similar, it was only water resiatant for a short while maybe 9 months or so. It was a big disapointment.

[ozscott]

I have used 2 tarps over about 3 years on mine (tall Vagabond). Unfortunately the tarps have been the cheaper silver with black inside and after a while the the inside starts to come off in tiny rectangles!!! I am going to try to get a better quality tarp for the old girl, but inevitably that will spell heavier and getting it over the boat then becomes a bit of a drama (getting it over the boat with the full canopy - the roof back to the motor well - is very difficult even with the light weight tarps; my roof is off at the mo' so its easier).

Anyone reccomend a good quality tarp seller for this type of thing...?

Cheers

[BM]

I agree with Blackened,

Tarps are a bad idea. A proper breathable fabric is the proper way to protect your boat and allow it to breath also. Particularly important for you Queenslanders with the humidity.

RAG's shade sails a good idea too.

Cheers

[mik01]

don't know what sort of room you have, but I assume you have plenty as you have a big boat.

therefore why not spend your money on a carport. not the ful deal, but one of those ones like a marquis (kind of like a tent). you get the cover without the pain of having to pull it on an off every time you need to access the boat, and you can work on it during rainy days.

I think these are relatively cheap - perhaps around the same price as you are considering spending on your caravan tarp?