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I’ve recently purchased my first boat, a GRP GP14 for my 2 boys to sail at Carsington Sailing Club. It appears to be in very good condition, although it didn’t come with any kind of cover.
I am after advice on a suitable varnish to apply, any necessary preparation and anything to be wary of, such as whether the varnish could adversely affect the hull if it came in contact with it.
The boat was a bargain and doesn’t owe anybody anything, but we will want to protect it from the weather to prolong it’s usefulness. I’ve seen a few covers that cost more than we paid for the boat, sails and both trailers, so cost is a factor. I’ve also noticed that a few of the companies that used to make covers are no longer around or the websites have moved, so any recent purchase information would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Robin
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Since the boat is GRP the choice of cover is less critical than for a wooden boat.
Given that cost is a factor, you could sensibly consider one of the cheap PVC ones that certainly used to be readily available on eBay. It will do the job, albeit only for a limited period, but it will get you started.
Expect it to last a couple of seasons. Then you can consider switching to a top quality one which will protect better and will also last for many years.
Oliver
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Thanks Oliver.
It’s surprising how few there are on eBay, with a PVC one being one of the few available, but having a price of £245 is more than the investment in the complete boat and trailers.
Will keep searching. Thanks.
Robin.
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I have just had a look, and I agree. All the ones on offer, for other dinghies as well as GP14s, appear to be reasonable quality rather than el cheapo budget items, but I have seen the latter in the past; indeed a few years ago we bought some for our club Wayfarers.
They certainly used to exist, but they are not what is currently listed, so do keep looking.
Oliver
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Robin
Hi, I have owned a number of wooden and grp GPs and have followed advice the you should buy the best quality cover you can afford. For a wooden or grp boat with wooden decks a breathable polycotten canvas cover is advised so that the wood can breathe if you use. A PVC cover the boat will sweat and the varnish will fail as any moisture in the wood will be drawn to the surface cracking the varnish. I did think that when I moved to a grp boat that a pvc cover would be ok but after speaking to Steve Parker at SP Boats even grp boats need to breathe and he recommends a poly cotton cover. I have bought my last two covers from Sun and Rain, not cheap but very good quality, will last for a good number of years and if you go for their deep sided cover the sides of the boat are also protected from the weather. I also would always use a boom up cover for normal storage and I only use a flat cover when towing the boat.
Remember your boat spends more time under its cover in the club Dinghy park than on the water being sailed so a good cover is an investment
Steve Corbet
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