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Thrilled with new mainsail cover

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smshield28
Deckhand

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USA
15 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/01/2012 : 07:55:35

I recently ordered a custom color mainsail cover for my '82 Cat 25'. After a lot of asking questions here and research I settled on a custom color (Navy Blue) Sunbrella cover with an 11' length.

It came yesterday and is truly excellent quality. It came with a zipper for the front and twist locks on the bottom.

It fits perfectly flawlessly well and is really well made in every way. It looks so much better than most of the pacific blue lightly built ones in my marina.

It had to be custom made (due to the color) and still arrived in a week after I placed the order.

The best part though? $155 shipped.

So if you're looking for a kickass cover, I can't recommend this guy enough. Sells on ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/11-PACIFIC-BLUE-SAIL-COVER-OTHER-COLORS-AVAILABLE?item=130649627935&cmd=ViewItem&_trksid=p5197.m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D1%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D8829388440809420517#ht_1610wt_907

Hope this helps. - S

'82 Catalina 25'

Edited by - on

CarbonSink62
Navigator

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USA
208 Posts

Response Posted - 06/01/2012 : 08:02:25

Looks great! Congratulations.

A new cover is on my list, but much further down. I'll get at least a season out of the 30 year old original.

Edited by - on

Sloop Smitten
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1181 Posts

Response Posted - 06/01/2012 : 09:51:54

I had one similar to that when I first purchased Utopia. The zipper eventually oxidized and became difficult to zip. You might apply some lubricant to it a couple of times a year to keep it acting smoothly and help ward off age.

Edited by - on

smshield28
Deckhand

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USA
15 Posts

Response Posted - 06/01/2012 : 11:53:36

I'll take a picture this weekend of it on my boat. I meant to last night.

Now I want to order one of those catalina logos for it.

I'll definately lube the zipper.

I wonder if I should scotch guard the fabric? Are you supposed to treat sunbrella?

Update: Answered my own question. Never, ever scotchguard Sunbrella.

http://www.myboatstore.com/scotchguard.asp

Edited by - smshield28 on 06/01/2012 11:55:59

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 06/01/2012 : 12:54:20

Wasn't aware that you shouldn't Skotchguard Sunbrella. Our sail cover has been out in the sun for years and years and still looks pretty good. The C-250 decals were the worst part and were pretty tatty, so I ordered two new ones last year and sewed them on right over the (smaller) old ones. I wonder if you can use 303 protectant on Sunbrella?

Here's how the new decal looks:

Is the zipper on your new one made of plastic or metal? In either case it might be a good idea to lubricate the teeth with wax to keep it running smoothly. My mom always used a crayon or an old candle to free up the zippers on our winter coats or whatever.

Edited by - delliottg on 06/01/2012 13:00:40

islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4024 Posts

Response Posted - 06/01/2012 : 13:38:36

Thats the guy on E-Bay that I recomended. Very well made and he is very fast. 11ft fits perfect.

Edited by - on

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 06/01/2012 : 21:43:57

His name is Geordie Magee and he makes quality stuff. He made a custom sail cover for us last year - full length zipper on the bottom + the front, $200 + shipping.

Great results.

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9081 Posts

Response Posted - 06/02/2012 : 08:29:02

I vaguely recall the maker of Sunbrella recommends 303.

[url="http://www.boatus.com/boattech/casey/waterproofing-canvas.asp"]Here's what Don Casey has to say...[/url]

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 06/02/2012 08:44:07

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 06/02/2012 : 18:35:08

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Stinkpotter
 I vaguely recall the maker of Sunbrella recommends 303.

[url="http://www.boatus.com/boattech/casey/waterproofing-canvas.asp"]Here's what Don Casey has to say...[/url]
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Sunbrella does indeed recommend 303 High-Tech Fabric Guard (not Protectant).

[url="http://www.sunbrella.com/cleaning/marine-tops-covers.php"]Sunbrella[/url]

Edited by - Nautiduck on 06/02/2012 18:40:44

glen
Captain

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359 Posts

Response Posted - 06/04/2012 : 08:51:16

Yes 303 is a good product, but I have to comment on the Sunbrella link.
I don’t argue with recommendations from the manufacture butt!!!!!

We will tell our customers to NEVER put a cover in a washing machine. We have made enough money repairing covers that were cleaned that way

Some laundry detergents can impart a residue that can wick water. It can be very difficult to completely rinse this out, and may result in the material leaking. We recommend using clean water or a fabric cleaner that states it is usable on Sunbrella / acrylic

Sunbrella is a great product and the standard versions (not Sunbrella Plus) will breath. Many water proofing systems will prevent that. We have seen a cover that was treated with Thompson water proofing (the same stuff that you probably coat on your deck). The cover was destroyed. Use only the products that carry the trade mark Sunbrella approval, or state they are recommended for marine acrylic

We also recommend you remove the cover from the boat, and after you have cleaned or treated it to put it back on the boat to dry
One final note. The material will in most cases out live the stitching. If your threads are breaking you should be able to get it re-sewn. Don’t let the shop talk you into buying a new one
<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Nautiduck
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Stinkpotter
 I vaguely recall the maker of Sunbrella recommends 303.

[url="http://www.boatus.com/boattech/casey/waterproofing-canvas.asp"]Here's what Don Casey has to say...[/url]
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Sunbrella does indeed recommend 303 High-Tech Fabric Guard (not Protectant).

[url="http://www.sunbrella.com/cleaning/marine-tops-covers.php"]Sunbrella[/url]
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

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