We expected rain from Hurricane Barry, outer bands as it came ashore 200 miles Wst of us, so we made the rounds of the Boat Works and Marine to check on the Fleet. No winds over 30 were expected so we didn't need to get boats off of the lifts but we did want to put Willow's cover back on.
Skipper heading out to check on our Day Sailer II CYANE. We keep a line on each side tied to the strap lift pilings so winds don't rock her in her sling cradle. We use the bow line on the port side to cleats and a spare Sunfish sheet on the starboard. Her straps are set to give her a stern down tilt, we make sure the self bailer drain is open and not clogged. She also has a small dodger covering the cuddy opening and the bilge inspection ports to keep a deluge out of there.
Vacuumed out a little rainwater, WILLOW needs a rinse to get out some dirt and sand and then maybe a recoat of Cetol. That's what she got 5 years ago and it has held up well. We'll research that a bit but we want something that lets the wood breathe a bit, not wanting to totally encapsulate the wood with paint on the outside and have her sealed up inside as well.
When the cover goes on WILLOW we move the gas cans from under the seat to the side, this lets more air flow through the bilge and we don't create a dark, damp area with minimal airflow. The battery case gets moved up off the bilge as well. We pay special attention to the floor when we wet vac, the frames are doubled up down there and there are a lot of nooks and crannies for sand, leaves, etc... to gum up the works. We don't want muddy beaches to form and hold moisture against the wood, rot will follow.
Our special tie down knot, a slip knot with the tail of the line run through the loop. It might blow loose a little but it won't blow out. It is also easy to tie and untie. Leo at Uncharted Marine Canvas, Gulf Breeze, Florida, did a great job on our cover, added tie down tabs.
Oops looks like I forgot to run the tail through the loop. The cover is regular Sunbrella, it is water repellent, so it is important to get the ridgepole set, snug the drawstring and keep the tie downs tight. The Sunbrella we chose breathes, there are variants that are waterproof, but we have had mildew form under those. Every few years we should reapply 303® Fabric Guard, "it is used to restore water repellency and protect against oil-based liquids and other stains for indoor and outdoor fabric, carpet and upholstery. This water-repellent spray does not affect the color, feel or breathability of fabric, nor does it attract dirt. 303 Fabric Guard stops leaks, resists soiling and impedes mildew formation." (Sailrite)
The cover fits great, we have even trailered short distances with it on, but there is a caution that regular Sunbrella can wear thin on the road. Leo added a rub strip of fabric over the windscreen and the motor, but for long hauls a different fabric should be considered. Basically there is no One-Type-Does-All fabric, the heavier duty fabrics don't breathe as well, or may mar finishes with road flapping.
Having a tilt motor makes tightening the cover easier, I secure the bow and then loop the tie down over the trim tab or prop while the motor is tilted up, then set the ridgepole, get out of the boat and tilt the motor down to get a nice, tight tent ridge.
Sunfish Shack, covers are taut. For a bigger blow we lash the front of the dolly to the 6x6 post and tie a line around the stern to the posts aft. That's one of the reasons that the boats and dolly sit at an angle, that is their tie down spot. It also gives them a little more coverage from blowing rain and pine needles. We sell those great dollies, available for most style small boats up to 500 pounds. Contact us through a note below or through our facebook page Small Boat Restoration if you want one!
SCOUT, CLARK and SACAGAWEA are tied to the tree so they don't tumble. For big blows they go sleep in the Carriage House.
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