SAILING NEWS
Laying up 10
All wrapped up
UNLESS you store your boat inside,
you probably use, or have considered
using, a cover to protect her against
the problems of outdoor storage eg.
ultra-violet gelcoat aging, weather
damage, airborne grime, bird drop-
pings... Tarpaulins or custom-made
covers of plastic or canvas have tradi-
tionally been used, but recently
shrink-wrap boat covers have been
gaining in popularity amongst UK
boat owners.
Boatcoat shrink-wrap should not
be confused with ‘pallet wrap’ or
‘stretch film’ that is stretched around
an object and gives minimal protec-
tion. Boatcoat, a marine-grade
shrink-wrap is draped over and heat
shrunk onto the boat; unlike a tarpau-
lin, it becomes tight and therefore
cannot flap and self destruct. This is
the secret of its durability.
Whilst a tarpaulin or custom cover
is simply thrown over the boat and
tied down, fitting a Boatcoat cover
can be a lengthier process. First, a
'perimeter' band of tough polyester
strapping or rope is run around the
waterline of the boat. The shrink-
wrap is then placed over the boat,
tucked around the perimeter band and
TIGHT FIT: Boatcoat is draped over and heat-shrunk onto the boat. It becomes tight and therefore cannot flap and self destruct
heat-welded back onto itself; once
the main advantage of using a tarpau-
anchored in this way, it is ‘shrunk
lin compared with shrink-wrap.
off’using a hot air tool. This ‘shrink-
Whilst this can be true, the additional
to-fit’ characteristic means Boatcoat
expenditure on repairs and maintenance;
covers are particularly good at protect-
the time needed to clean tarpaulins or
ing awkwardly-shaped products such
fitted covers; and the need for storage
as boats; and as sheets of shrink-wrap when not in use should not be under-
can be easily joined together there are estimated. Fitting a Boatcoat cover is
no limitations as to the size or shape of a fairly simple process; however it is
boat which can be protected. In addi- not normally considered a 'DIY' job
tion, unlike a tarpaulin, a Boatcoat for boat owners. Installation services
cover can be fitted with access doors, are provided throughout the UK by a
air vents, and can even be fitted tight- number of specialist Boatcoat service
ly around masts and rigging. agents who operate mobile shrink-
At the start of the sailing season, wrapping operations or by boat
the cover is simply removed and dealers, marinas and boatyards. To
recycled – shrink-wrap cannot be re- find your local Boatcoat service
used but is valued by recyclers. The agent, e-mail the following:
ability to re-use a tarpaulin or cus- aubrey.kingsbury@boatcoat.co.uk or
tom-fitted cover is often considered call 01752 227333.
Set for winter
instructions should be followed in all
pennantFROM PAGE 9
cases. Batteries should be kept fully
the yachties can be an immense
charged which probably means
chore, but one that the galley slaves
removal and a trip home. More
can assist with. The galley obviously
Vaseline is required for all external
needs a good scrub down, and all
connectors. For all repairs whether to
foodstuff, utensils and cleaning prod-
wooden or fibreglass craft the golden
ucts need to be removed, leaving
rule in my opening applies, if you are
nothing for the wee beasties to get
not up to the task get an expert in.
at. It is also a good idea to remove
Any bare wood, either as a result
batteries form torches and other bat-
of close encounters or on new
tery operated gizmos. All lockers
repairs, should be painted or var-
should be emptied and left open to
nished NOW! Blakes paints have an
ventilate. All washable surfaces
extensive range of paints and other
should be washed down with fresh
boat care products as well as lots of
water. It is a good idea to stand mat-
handy tips on their website,
tresses and seat cushions vertically
www.blakespaint.com.
on end. All plumbing and bilges
needs to be drained down and thor-
AND FINALLY...THEFT:
oughly cleaned, and the boat trim Remove or hide anything that looks
needs to be checked to ensure it is at as if it is easy to remove, and is like-
the correct angle of trim before the ly to earn a heroin hit at “You nick
crane driver leaves the boatyard so it, I’ll flog it” or such institutions.
that all the water runs aft and out. Regrettably the thieves and burglars
Engines and electrics are yet more are not averse to the odd away day
specialised areas, and manufacturer’s to the seaside.
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