Boat cover for r27

S

stwendl

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 11, 2015
Messages
596
Fluid Motion Model
C-28
Hull Identification Number
FMLT2719J516
Vessel Name
Cataleya
Has anyone with a r27/25 found a solution for a cover for the tugs when stored on a trailer. Anyone knows of a place that makes such covers?
 
I use a 30 X $0 heavy duty white tarp. It costs about $100 and I get two and a half years out of it with no problem. I use 30 inch bungee cord tie down to the trailer and shorter ones near the bow. I wrap the folded mast top with rags or large pieces of foam (noodle material) to prevent it from ripping through and also some protection over the nav lights. I still get light penetration for the solar panel and the batteries stay topped off. Once you work out a system for folding and unfolding it is not a difficult task. You need to wait for a calm to no wind day. Getting in and out after you cover is is easy going up the swim platform by releasing a couple of the bungees. This works for me and is a rather inexpensive way to go. I never had a problem with snow or wind. I even survived Hurricane Sandy using a little more positive tying.
 
We are heading to Jeans Canvas in Belford New Jersey hopefully this week to see about a boat cover and a complete camper back. I know its too far away for you but I'll try to report back with any information.
 
I used tarps last year. This year I bought a 28' RV cover. I got the idea from my neighbor that has a big RV. It cost $200. I figure, I would leave the frame up for the cockpit and build a frame from PVC tubing to keep the material away from sharp corners. I will let you guys know how it works in a couple of weeks. I will winterize and clean her up first, then put her to bed. Otherwise, I blew $200!
 
We bought a custom cover for our R27 from King Marine Canvas. They have the pattern for a perfect fit. We have a solar panel and they used clear plastic over that area. Give Dave a call at ph. 206-283-9346. This wasn't a cheap solution but it works very well. Ours is still in great shape after using it in the Florida sun for three years.

Tim and Donna
Gratitude
 
stwendl":1r8wqk9o said:
Has anyone with a r27/25 found a solution for a cover for the tugs when stored on a trailer. Anyone knows of a place that makes such covers?
Click to expand...

When I was at the Kent factory a month and a bit ago I saw Andrew and another helper encapsulating an R-25SC. It was white and not terrible thick and had many many strings hanging all around the edges. It looked like an easy solution for covering the complete boat. As Mike has said, some protection is needed to protect the cover from sharp edges such as the lowered mast, but I didn't pay enough attention to see how the factory dealt with that aspect.

Anyhows, I asked Andrew if they had one for the R-21EC and was told "no".... bummer. However, I suspect they do have them for R-27s. So give Andrew a call to see if they have a spare white cover as I've described above.... Andrew may just be quite pleased to get rid of some to relieve them from having to store them... I suspect they may not be free and of course the S&H to consider. No matter, if you ask nicely you may be surprised. 🙂
 
We use the same King canvas cover that Tim on Graditude is using.
 
I am proud (?) to say that ours was the first King Marine canvas cover with the portal for the solar panel on a 27. So the patterns should be the same as ours. Before we put the boat in the water in San Francisco it lived on its trailer in a vineyard. It is a very well-made cover and does a good job of keeping all the farm dirt off the topsides. And the solar panel works well keeping the batteries up. It takes some work to tie it down, but what's a few extra minutes messing around with your boat (worth it)? We have no complaints about the workmanship or design. It is not cheap, but it is done well by a reputable company well known to the Ranger cult.

There are two struggles that we have had. The first is that the cover we got does not cover all of the hull. So all the hassles of fading of the dark hull gelcoat if left out in the weather remain. The second is that it is heavy; which is part of making it durable. You get a routine down where one reasonably agile person can get it on and off, but there is some muscling it into place and wrestling it over the mast and bowsprit.

Still, a good idea if "on the hard" for a long time. We tried it while it was in its slip, but the hassle factor > the benefit.

Jeff
 
We have a dark red boat so I asked Dave at King Marine if he could make the sides of the cover come all the way down past the boot strip, they did that and more. The only mistake we made was not asking for the cover to come all the way down to the swim platform. I guess some people like having the boats name visible even when the cover is on. Good luck with your decision.

Tim
Gratitude
 
Reporting back from our trip to the canvas shop. $3200.00 plus tax for a custom winter cover made out of a lighter but still tough fabric with window for the solar panel. Can't do it. I'm headed to tarpsville.
Getting camper back made out of Navy Sunbrella using existing frame modified somewhat $4900.00 pictures later. Also a slant top cover for the cockpit using the same snaps. $1100.00
Our stock R-27 canvas is for sale but no frame included. Hey you might need a back up.
 
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