Cloak for a boat: protection, choice and manufacture yourself

The operation of a swimming facility is not only the pleasure of cruising, but also the constant responsibility for the safety of equipment. Boat cloakOften referred to as a transport or parking awning, it is the first and most important barrier between your property and an aggressive environment: solar ultraviolet, heavy rain, dust and even bird droppings can turn a brand new boat into a time-worn piece with faded sides and damaged accessories in one season.

Owners often underestimate the importance of quality shelter, relying on garage storage or canopies, which do not always ensure tightness. coat-cloak It can extend the life of the material, whether PVC In this article, we will discuss in detail the selection criteria, the specifications of materials and even the topic of self-tailoring, so that you can protect your boat as effectively as possible.

Why do you need a cloak and what functions it performs

The main goal of any awning is to create an insulated space that protects the interior of the boat. For inflatable models made of PVC, it is critical to avoid direct contact of rubber with ultraviolet light, which triggers the process of destruction of polymer bonds. Material degradation leads to loss of elasticity, the appearance of microcracks and, as a result, to loss of tightness of cylinders.

In addition, the cloak acts as a thermostat, and in the summer, the temperature does not rise to critical values inside a closed but ventilated cover, which is especially important for boats equipped with a large number of waters. ram-motors Metal boats also require protection, the paint burns out, and corrosion quickly develops in places where chips are not properly preserved.

⚠️ Warning: Leaving a boat without a tent in the open sun, you reduce its lifespan by 2-3 times. Ultraviolet destroys plasticizers in PVC, making the material tough and brittle.

And the mechanical protection is important. Oxford or tarpalinThe silk, which is made of cloaks, perfectly protects the sides from accidental scratches with branches, stones or animal claws when stored outside, this is especially true if the boat is stored assembled on a trailer or under the open sky in a summer cottage.

Materials of manufacture: Oxford, Tarpalin or tarpaulin

Choosing fabric to tailor or buy finished products is the foundation of durability. The modern market offers several basic options, each with its own physical properties and price range. oxton with a polyurethane or PVC coating.

This material is a knob strand interlacing that provides high tensile strength and abrasion resistance. Oxford density varies from 210 to 600 den, and for boatcoats it is recommended to choose values at least lower than the following. 450 denThinner fabrics may not withstand wind loads or mechanical stress when put on.

• 🧵 Oxford PU/PVCLightweight, waterproof, resistant to rotting, but can be slippery and less breathable.
• 🛡️ Tarpaulin (Tarpaulin)Reinforced polyethylene, very durable and cheap, but less aesthetic and heavier than Oxford.
• 🌲 Impregnated tarp: classic version, perfectly "breathes", but heavier than synthetics and requires regular treatment with water-repellent compounds.

When choosing a material, you should pay attention to the presence of UV stabilizers Cheap, unprotected analogues fade after season one and start to crumble. cartridge Or a specialized boat case always has a marking on the Protection rating from the sun.

Design features of quality awnings

Just throwing a piece of cloth on the boat is not enough - the wind will rip it off instantly, and inside it will form condensation. boat-coat It's a sophisticated piece of engineering designed with aerodynamics and operational features in mind, and the key element is a mounting system that should ensure that the body is tightly fitted without distortion.

Inflatable boats are often used by the system Elastic Hem Cord (elastic cord around the perimeter) that allows you to quickly pull the case on the cylinders. For rigid housings or boats on the trailer, use fastex buckles or straps that run under the keel. vent with nets that prevent moisture from entering, but ensure air circulation.

⚠️ Attention: The lack of ventilation under the cloak will lead to condensation (the “greenhouse effect”). moisture will not evaporate, causing mold on the seats and corrosion of metal parts.

Also worth paying attention to the reinforced elements in places of increased friction. nylon or sheet In the area of contact with slabs, railings or sharp corners of the cockpit, the lightning on such products must be large, plastic (not metal, so as not to rust) and have protective valves against water leakage.

Why are the lightning rust?

Even galvanized metal lightning bolts, when exposed to salt water and moisture, begin to oxidize. YKK plastic lightning is more resistant to corrosion, but requires careful handling, as it is easier to break when the fabric is distorted.

How to properly remove the size for sewing or buying

If you plan to order an individual tailoring or choose a ready-made model from the catalog, you will need an accurate one. drawing A measurement error of even a few centimeters can cause the cloak to either dangle, collecting water into its pockets, or rub it to holes from excessive tension.

For inflatable boats, measurements are made in a fully inflated state, the total length from the bow to the stern (including the transom), the maximum width of the cylinders and the height of the board should be measured. bottom or hard floorboard, it also affects the dimensions.

For metal and fiberglass boats, the design is more complex, and you have to take into account the height of the deck above the water, the presence of a cockpit, the location of the seats and the height of the transom, and often for these models, the cloak is sewn in patterns that take into account the contours of the hull, so that the water drains without lingering on the surface of the fabric.

Parameter	PVC boat	Metal boat	Plastic boat
Measurement length	On the inflated cylinders.	Body + overhangs	By body size
Width	Maximum cylinder capacity	By widest point (width)	In cheekbones
Height.	Bottom to top of the balloon	From keel to planshira	From keel to cockpit
Feature	Air volume accounting	Sharp angle accounting	Difficult contours

Remember to add sutures and shrinkage if you sew yourself. For synthetic materials, shrinkage is minimal, but for natural materials. sheet It can reach 5-7% after the first wash or wetting.

Step by step instructions: how to sew a cloak yourself

Self-made awning is a great way to save money and get a product that is perfect for your boat configuration. The process requires a sewing machine with a foot for thick fabrics, strong threads (for example, a car with a tailored leg). 44LL or polyester filament analogues) and the material selected.

First, you need to create a pattern. The easiest way to do this is by spreading large sheets of paper on the floor (you can glue wallpaper) and putting the basic dimensions of the boat on them. For a simple PVC boat, the pattern is often a rectangle with rounded corners to which side strips (board) are sewn.

• ✂️ Open it.: cut the fabric by pattern, leaving 2-3 cm on the gates and seams.
• 🧵 Cross-linking: use a double seam or a "silver seam" for maximum strength. The stitch should be large so as not to perforate the fabric too much.
• 🔒 Furniture: sew an elastic cord into the cage around the perimeter or install luvers to fasten the slings.
• 💧 Hermetization: all seams on the inside it is desirable to glue a special tape or smear with a liquid sealant for seams.

⚠️ Attention: When working with a sewing machine and thick fabrics (Oxford 600+), the needle may break. Jeans or Heavy Duty (size 100-110) and reduce the sewing speed.

After assembly, make sure to try on the finished cloak, pull on the boat and check if there are any places where the cloth sags (water will accumulate) or too tight. If necessary, make adjustments, sewing or expanding certain areas.

Tent care and extension of service life

Even the best quality. boat-coat It requires regular maintenance, and the mud, leaves and bird droppings left on the fabric can start to rot or erode the protective layer of the material, and regular cleaning is the guarantee that the awning will last for many years.

Wash the awning with a soft brush or sponge using warm water and a soft soapy solution. It is strictly forbidden to use solvents, chlorine-containing agents or hard brushes.As they destroy the polyurethane coating and wash out the water-repellent impregnation.

After washing and before packaging for long-term storage, the fabric should be completely dry. folding a wet case will lead to mold that is almost impossible to remove from the fabric structure without damage. It is better to store the rolled cloak in a breathing bag, rather than in a sealed plastic.

Once a season, it is recommended to treat the fabric with special sprays-reparative water repellent properties (DWR), which will return the material to the ability to roll water, and it will again look like new.

How do you get mold off the awning?

If the mold has already appeared, mix water and vinegar in a 1:1 ratio. Wipe the affected areas, let them dry in the sun, then thoroughly rinse with water and soap. After drying, be sure to apply a water-repellent spray.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I leave a motorized boat under the cloak?

Yes, you can and should, but the engine should be covered with a separate cover or cap, or the cloak should have a special pocket / projection for the transom part.

How often should I take off my cloak for airing?

If the design provides ventilation holes, it is not necessary to remove it, however, it is recommended to check the condition of the boat under the awning every 2-3 weeks, especially after heavy rains or storms.

Will a tarpaulin cloak be suitable for winter storage?

Canvas is good because it breathes, but in winter it can freeze and become hard, and when wet and then freeze, there is a risk of damage to the fabric structure. For winter, it is better to use specialized frost-resistant synthetic materials (Oxford with winter impregnation).

What is the difference between a parking awning and a transport awning?

The transport awning (road) is sewn very tightly in the shape of a boat so as not to sail on the go. The parking (coat) is usually looser, often has a frame or struts to create volume and better ventilation, and is not designed for driving at high speeds.