Storm covers for open sailing canoes

[skuthorp]

Extending on a previous stream,
http://media5.hypernet.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=006994
and while sailing my Mack in the rain the other day I wondered about a cockpit cover. And then about a removable canvas deck on a dismountable frame to turn an open canoe into something one could sail in heavier air as well without having to worry so much about dipping your lee gunwale.
I'm sure it's been done before, Todd probably knows already, but has anyone on the forum tried it?

[Bruce Taylor]

What you're describing is a "spray cover" (sometimes called a "spray skirt"). Whitewater enthusiasts often use them for big water. I'm sure you could find an aftermarket cover (in nylon or neoprene, typically) that would fit your Macgregor. You could make your own, of course.

http://www.myccr.com/images/Images_Shopping/SpraySkirt1_LG.jpg

http://www.myccr.com/images/Images_Shopping/SpraySkirt2_LG.jpg

[ 05-12-2003, 08:05 AM: Message edited by: Bruce Taylor ]

[skuthorp]

Thanks Bruce, I'm familiar with spray covers but I'm thinking 15ft or so for open sailing canoes that are unsafe in rough weather. The Mack is about two thirds decked with a 6ft+ cockpit, and even that would need some interior bows.

[ 05-12-2003, 08:01 AM: Message edited by: skuthorp ]

[Bruce Taylor]

I must be missing something...what's to stop you from putting an ordinary open canoe spray cover on your Macgregor?

[skuthorp]

Sorry, I answered before the pics arrived!

[Bruce Taylor]

Ah. We cross-posted while I was looking for clear pics.

Seems like one of these would keep the slop out of your cockpit, and perhaps let you get away with briefly dipping your lee gunwale.

[Jim M]

Just wear a wet suit.

[Sailman58]

A friend of mine has fabricated a pair of rigid covers to reduce his cockpit size in bad weather. One extends from the 'V' at the front of the cockpit back a foot or so. The other extends forward from the back of the cockpit. The are made of fiberglass or kevlar and have lips to grip the combing and an upturned end to deflect water over the side.

[skuthorp]

Hah! Sailman, that sounds just the ticket for me, thanks for the idea.

[AndyFarquhar]

My sailing canoe (18.5") has about a 6" cockpit. I've used 1" x 1/4" steam-bent oak strips attached to the underside of a fabric cover for a spray deck. Think of a squashed conestoga wagon cover.

Regards

Andy

[AndyFarquhar]

Sorry, pre-caffein post. It's 18.5' with a 6' cockpit.

Regards

Andy

[skuthorp]

That sounds OK to Andy, It could be rolled up and stored forward when not needed. I needed one on Sunday. Went out in a 5 knot breeze, came home in a 25 knotter, Boat was fine but I got rather wet!