We like to cover our boats when they are outside, it protects them from dust, tree sap, bird poop, pine tree needles and many other things. It also keeps critters from nesting in the boats, chewing on the sails or storing nuts in various places like a new Sunfish sail, not that that ever happened to us.... So when it is time to go sailing we can go sailing, not spend time getting the boat clean enough to use or wonder how much an new sail is going to cost.
On our Sunfish we experimented with a few different types of covers from SLO Sail and Canvas;, a Hull cover, a Spars On Deck cover and a Mast Up cover. We also experimented with a few of the different fabrics and the one we like is Sunbrella, it is not totally waterproof but it allows the boat and gear to breathe. The waterproof cover developed mildew, fast. We bought some with straps, some without. At the end of our test period, what we like the most is the Spars On deck Cover with straps, we can leave the spars on top of the boat during the sailing season. The Mast Up cover might work for some, but we like to roll our boats under a shed and the mast was too tall, you also have to untie the halyard, either on the gaff or take down the mast, which defeats the purpose. Both the Spars On Deck and Mast Up cover have pockets on the stern for the spars to fit in.
Hull cover.
Spars On Deck cover, in this picture just the mast is stored underneath, it fits nice and snug when sail and spars are on deck. It is cut a little fuller towards the bow.
Mast Up cover. Can also be used with the mast down, but there may be small leaks around the mast collar. This cover would be great if you have a week at the beach and want to leave your Sunfish down on the shore for a few days.
We incorporated several of the ideas that we liked and made a cover for our Penboscot 14. We use the sprit underneath the cover as a ridgepole and it has held up great under heavy rain and our gusty bayfront winds.
Penobscot 14 cover
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