Newbie with boat cover question [Mark Downer]

[Archive]

Mark Downer wrote:

Just got my first Dart 15, and can't wait to get it out onto the water - I've been wanting one for months and the girlfriend has finally given in! However my boat doesn't have any cover, so I'm looking at getting a full cover rather than a trampoline cover.

Now the Laser Centre charges ?235 which will not help my cause with my girlfriend. Other alternatives seem to be the cover advertised on this website (?180 + ?25p&p), and then from the Yachts & Yachting classifieds there are the Velas cover (?197 all inclusive), the Speed Sails cover (?180 all inclusive), and the Sail Register cover (15oz PVC with canvas backing - def. a full cover - at a disturbingly cheap ?134.30 all inclusive).

Has anyone bought any of these covers before and are they any good? (or does anyone know of any other decent ones?).

Thanks.

Mark Downer
1294 Pure Genius
(Highcliffe S.C., Christchurch)

[Archive]

Alan Price replied:

I bought a Sail Register cover in March 2000 and it's been out on the boat since. It's a full cover,fits very well and is wearing well. Compared to the others, I think they're good value.

Have fun, Alan.1442

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Chris Black replied:

Whatever you do, don't get one of the Laser Centre's covers that they supply with new Dart 15s.

It is entirely plasic, has already torn, and comes with extremely fiddly cord ties.

The cover I sold with the old boat was at least 5 years old, made of a plastic coated fabric, and came with convenient Velcro fastenings.

Regards Chris Black (Grafham S.C.)

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robh replied:

I bought a Sail Register cover for my D18 about 2 years ago, for about ?125(now about ?140), and it has lasted well apart from a tear from the spanner during a force 10+ gale at Xmas 99. Easy to repair, and wouldn't have happened on a 15 (as no spanner!) Very quick and easy to put on with snap buckles. Colour has faded, but it looks as though it will last at least as long as a Laser Centre cover.

[Archive]

Mark Downer replied:

Thanks for the replies - you set my mind at ease and I got the Sail Register cover today (?134.30! - don't know how they can justify the Laser Centre price).