Top covers [Kevin W]

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Kevin W wrote:

Went to play out yesterday and suddenly the 'plastic' in a number of areas is flaking off the 'canvas' of my cover. As I assume there is no way of stopping this I asked my wife for a new cover and she AGREED! However looking at 'the suppliers' the price difference ?165 to ?240 is rather wide, any inside info please would be appreciated.

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Frank replied:

Try Steve Sawford, you can find his contact details on this web site under suppliers.

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Bob replied:

Sail Register covers are the cheapest but they fall apart after 3-4 years - the material is poor and they delaminate. Brian Phipps at Windsport (who sell the Sprint 15 and is the official supplier of spares for the Sprint 15) has just got a supply of a superior boat cover. It costs ?222 plus P&P.
This is what the new boats will be supplied with.
Regards
Bob

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George Stephen replied:

I got one from Goldfinch at Whitstable about 3 and a half years ago. I think it cost me about ?20 more than one from Sail Register. I can't guarantee they are still in business.
It's made of much stouter material than Sail Register covers and has adjustable clipping buckles which make it quick to put on/take off.
It's covered my cat for all that time (it lives all year round in the Queen Mary dinghy park, except when I am sailing...). It seems to be standing up to this continual use in all weathers. Those travelling to Queen Mary for the 12/2 Winter Traveller are welcome to inspect it. Steve Sawford saw it just after I'd got it (at the first Whitstable Nationals), and was impressed by the quality - if Steve comes to Queen Mary , his opinion on how it's weathering will be of interest.

George

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brian phipps replied:

Hi Kevin, I would suggest like most things you get what you pay for, there is only one way to make a low cost cover and that is to use low cost material and stiching. Windsport have just been through the whole proces as we will be supplying boats with covers and we do not want any returns . A fair price for a good product is a realistic goal, that is why the Windsport cover costs ?222 but we are confident it is good and will last. If you want a picture email me and I will send one on.
Thanks
Brian

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Bob replied:

Just a thought
I bet if people are coming to the Dinghy Show 4/5 March there is an option to save the postage if it is preordered with Brian ahead of time.
Please check with Brian first but every little bit helps
Regards
Bob

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Bob replied:

Just a thought
I bet if people are coming to the Dinghy Show 4/5 March there is an option to save the postage if it is preordered with Brian ahead of time.
Please check with Brian first but every little bit helps
Regards
Bob

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steve willis replied:

Goldfinch might still be doing covers but at Seasalter we had a note round from Goldfinch about a year ago saying they were handing most of their business over to The Dinghy Store in Whitstable (01227-274168 and ask for Roger or Jeremy Fry or e-mail sales@thedinghystore.co.uk).

We have been very pleased with the Goldfinch covers on our 18 and 15 and I think the same guy is still making them. Nice black material straps with adjustable clip fasteners instead of rope that chafs the hulls.

Anyone who does arrange to buy one through the Dinghy Store can possibly save postage if they are coming to the training weekend in May (or know someone who is) as they are only about 2 miles from our club.

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steve willis replied:

Sorry, re-reading my last e-mail it could be mis-understood. The covers are dark blue with black material straps.

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steve willis replied:

Update - the Dinghy Store do full covers for ?175, tramp covers for ?100 and postage extra (?12 for tramp cover, full ?)

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Kevin replied:

Well now I am really sorry I asked! Seriously, thanks to everybody for their help, just need to pass on an odd address and price to my wife!