Association Forum - Sail Covers

Assn Members Area · Join

Home.

Association Forum

Ships Store

Cruising

Racing

Technical Tips

Photo Gallery - New

Boat Search - Updated

Manuals & Brochures

Swap Meet

Links

Officer Flag Line & Staff

Bylaws & Constitution

Members Area

Join the Association

Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.

Association Forum

Username:	Password:
Save Password
Forgot your Password?

All Forums

Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Sail Covers

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Author

Topic

Page: of 2

Chris Z
Captain

Member Avatar

452 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/11/2008 : 15:25:06

I found this site for sail covers:
http://leesailcovers.com/
I was wondering if anyone has done business with them. Their covers seem very reasonable and a good quality. They also seem to be less then half of Catalina Direct.

Chris Z.
Water Warrior
1982 Force 5

Former Owner Blown Away - C25

Edited by - on

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 04/11/2008 : 18:10:46

Wow! unless someone here says something terrible about this company, I'm buying a new mainsail cover from them! I know I couldn't make one for that price.

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 04/11/2008 : 18:23:55

That is a nice price and I'm tempted, but I'm not a zipper fan.

Edited by - on

Chris Z
Captain

Members Avatar

452 Posts

Response Posted - 04/12/2008 : 21:53:31

I talked to Becky at Lee Sail Covers today and she was very helpful and wants to help in anything that a person might need to do for their boat. Her products are definately not stock off the shelf. On her suggestion I am going to wait till I have my boat in the water and do the measurements to get a good fit. Looks like I will be buying a Main cover, Jib sock, and winch covers.

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 04/12/2008 : 23:52:59

I guess the question is what is Weathermax and how does it compare to Sunbrella?

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 04/13/2008 : 00:13:58

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by dlucier
 ...but I'm not a zipper fan.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">It looks like they use the twist-locks under the boom and a zipper in front of the mast--a good combination in my book. Heavy-duty marine zippers are bullet-proof, and there are a number of good marine fabrics besides Sunbrella out there. At the recommendation of a canvas shop associated with my boat builder, I went with something call "Top Gun" for my cockpit enclosures--it's supposed to have less stretch and equal durability to Sunbrella. I'm happy so far... Stretch is not an issue with a sail cover, but my point is there are no patents on polyester cloth.

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 04/13/2008 00:14:38

cat1951
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
636 Posts

Response Posted - 04/13/2008 : 07:35:18

Seems to me that if there is a big concern about the fabric, a $20.00 tiller cover would be a good test. Then if the quality is not there, you haven't invested too much.

Funny though how we all seem to wish that marine products were more affordable. And when one comes along that is, we are suspicious. I know I am like that... If the quality is there, I would like a boom tent as well.

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 04/13/2008 : 08:57:55

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Dave Bristle
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by dlucier
 ...but I'm not a zipper fan.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">It looks like they use the twist-locks under the boom and a zipper in front of the mast--a good combination in my book. Heavy-duty marine zippers are bullet-proof,...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Bullet proof, as in they never fail? As someone who has had broken zippers replaced, I can attest they are truly not bullet proof. If they were, I'd imagine a fairly decent portion of a canvas shop's repair work would disappear. You can have your zippers and velcro, I'll stick with my twist locks.

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
3442 Posts

Response Posted - 04/13/2008 : 09:57:30

I agree with Don. I have had problem with zippers as well. But the issues I had were on what appeared to be the original sail cover with the Catalina Logo on it. The zipper teeth started to break off. This after...what 18 yrs ?

I decided to buy the mainsail cover from Catalina Direct. They used the Sunbrella matl and the twist locks for all closures and they are reinforced. Having been thru use of the old cover and now using a new cover, here is my opinion regarding your potential new cover you are buying.

I like to see/read others comments using products before I take the plunge. If someone has a new cover in your marina and they are happy with it...then maybe go with that. In my case, I checked out a fellow Cat 25 owner who has his sailboat in a nearby marina...He bought the Catalina Dirct cover and...well...it looked fine for him...so I went for it. Nothing like getting a recommendation. But in absence of a recommendation or someone that has used the cover you are interested in...it may still be a very good product. Just nice to have some reassurance...otherwise...just go for it if so inclined.

It is a plus if the twist locks and other areas have reinforcement (either plastic or leather sewn in) for areas that are normally abused. This is usually the twist locks because the stress is at those areas. It is also up near the mast area and aft at the strap at the boom end. It is a sign of a quality product if those areas are reinforced. My original main sailcover was not reinforced but the new one I bought is reinforced. Reinforcement may not be a necessity but it is also a thing to compare when reviewing the cost of an item versus it's features.

A little side note regarding going from old to new sails. The sailcover was bought when I had the old ssils. This winter I got my new Quantum sails and installed them. Boy...are new sails stiff !!!! I had one heck of a time just tying the new main onto the boom and then getting the main sail cover over it. Now after about 2 months with the new main and genoa, they are a bit easier to handle but still plenty stiff. I have no issue getting the main sailcover on any longer...but I wonder if I did not have the twist lock reinforcements how well the sail cover matl would have held up under the initial strain during those first 2 months with the new sails ? So...consider the sizing and plus for reinforcements.

Edited by - OLarryR on 04/13/2008 10:09:14

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 04/13/2008 : 10:40:26

Ya, after 20-30 years, zippers fail and twist locks pull out... CD's sail covers are indeed well made--that's what you have, Bruce... all twist-locked.

For an earlier boat, I bought a stock Taylor sail cover with a mast collar made of webbing that quickly disintegrated in the sun. So much for "Taylor Made"...

Edited by - on

piseas
Former Treasurer

Members Avatar

USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 04/13/2008 : 11:12:11

Chris or anyone else out there, I wonder if this new company would replace the zippers with twist locks. If they are all hand made, I don't see why not. Its worth asking.
Steve A

Edited by - on

SCnewbie
Navigator

Members Avatar

166 Posts

Response Posted - 04/13/2008 : 13:02:01

I bought mine off Ebay for $135. I have nothing to compare ot to for quality but it looks nice on the boat. It is sunbrella, has the zipper in front and twist locks on the bottom. Just search for sail cover and you will find the person I bought mine from.

Edited by - on

Chris Z
Captain

Members Avatar

452 Posts

Response Posted - 04/13/2008 : 16:11:41

Well, it will be another month, but i will report back on the new covers once I have them on the boat.

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 04/13/2008 : 22:45:18

Great! You can be the <s>guinea pig</s> beta tester.

Edited by - on

larry drake
Deckhand

Members Avatar

USA
16 Posts

Response Posted - 04/14/2008 : 06:44:36

I ordered a jib sock last week after talking with Becky. Hoping to have it by the end of the week. Will post so pictures as soon as it arrives, if I remember the total cost was around $195.
Larry

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

Members Avatar

USA
5895 Posts

Response Posted - 04/14/2008 : 07:23:10

If the zipper fails, it can be replaced. I replaced a zipper on my bimini cover last year, and it couldn't have been easier. Sail Rite sells replacements of all sizes.

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
3442 Posts

Response Posted - 04/14/2008 : 10:32:33

Hey Chris !

Last night I was doing a bit of searching on the Weathermax matl. From what I have learned is that this is basically a newer kid on the on the block product compared to Sunbrella that has been on the market for many, many years. I have found no negatives regarding Weathermax, in fact, there were some comments from other boaters, etc praising the matl - This is usually praise based on cost comparison as both products work well for intended function. Believe Weathermax is a slightly lighter matl compared to Sunbrella but it is probably cheaper than Sunbrella because Sunbrella has the "Name" .

The closest comparison I could come up with (and sorry because I did not copy the URL) was by a company that sold car covers. You probably can find it on your own searching Yahoo, etc. Anyway, they rated about 5 or 6 fabrics which I believe they sold car covers in all of the fabrics just different cost...so they reviewed the matl qualities for the consumer's decision making process. In the comparison Weathermax and Sunbrella were pretty close in the quality rankings. Great help I am...cannot recall the characteristics compared but they were head to head (equal) in about 4 categories. Then in addl categories: One Weathermax inched out Sunbrella and in two, Sunbrella inched out Weathermax. The cost difference in the car covers was about 10% less expensive for the cover made out of Weathermax. My assumption was that the cover mfr was providing same quality manufacturing of the covers and therefore, the cost difference was basically the cost of the matl alone.

My conclusion: The large differences in costs of main sail covers constructed of different fabric is partially due to the fabric cost but I suspect there are other factors that result in the large cost difference. One is the reinforcements used in the construction (which may not be deemed necessary). The other factor may be if the main sail cover is bought more direct thru the manufacturer which may be the case going thru Lee Sail Covers !

Edited by - OLarryR on 04/14/2008 10:35:24

frankr
Captain

Members Avatar

256 Posts

Response Posted - 04/14/2008 : 11:14:55

Get them to send you a sample of the material to see how it compares with Sunbrella.

Edited by - on

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 04/14/2008 : 16:29:51

Just ordered a cover and 4 yards of fabric. I'm going to make a new companionway cover as well. Should have ordered new winch covers but was unsure of height needed. I'll measure when I launch TOMORROW

The fabric is also for new lifeline covers and a new tiller cover. Pacific Blue has got to go!

Edited by - John Russell on 04/14/2008 16:31:45

Kip C
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
243 Posts

Response Posted - 04/14/2008 : 16:51:23

Here is anothe resource for canvas. The price looks good. I personaly have not used them, but a dock neighbor had. It looked like quality stuff.

http://www.sailorstailor.com/products.asp?cat=33

Also here is a place for zippers of any kind. Most marine zippers are #10 nylon.

http://www.zipperstop.com/?gclid=CPKgo87C25ICFRkyFQodpFFn-w

Edited by - Kip C on 04/14/2008 18:12:07

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 04/17/2008 : 19:01:10

Ordered on Monday. Arrived today. It has a zipper at the mast that is covered with a flap with a wide Velcro closure that protects its entire length. I think this zipper will last longer than the fabric. The closures under the boom are not twist locks but rather they are the same kind of closure found on an inflatable PFD. Don't know what they're called. Don't really know how I feel about them until I put it on the boat. All in all, I think it was worth the price.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 04/17/2008 : 21:20:53

Speaking of other fabrics, the builder of my boat used a canvas shop that favors Top Gun, which they used for my side and back curtains (with windows). It is a little lighter than Sunbrella, and a very crisp, fine weave. They said it stretches less and is more UV resistant... Seems very nice. I'd recommend it for anything but a genoa sun-strip, since those should be able to stretch a little with the sail, to prevent "cupping".

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

Members Avatar

USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 04/17/2008 : 23:51:52

Sailorstailer is near my home, and I have done business with them. They are first rate and have very fair pricing. I had a road (towing) cover made for my roller furling sail before I decided on seasonal docking. The work was excellent, fast, and the estimate was $50 less than I expected. And to top it off, the final price was $20 dollars below the estimate! The only downside is that they are sailmakers and popular with the local racers - they are very busy and give priority to the racing crowd, which is to be expected.

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

Members Avatar

USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 04/17/2008 : 23:54:48

oops - "give priority during the racing season"

Edited by - on

DewPoint
Deckhand

Members Avatar

USA
1 Posts

Response Posted - 09/23/2009 : 10:44:18

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by John Russell
 Ordered on Monday. Arrived today. It has a zipper at the mast that is covered with a flap with a wide Velcro closure that protects its entire length. I think this zipper will last longer than the fabric. The closures under the boom are not twist locks but rather they are the same kind of closure found on an inflatable PFD. Don't know what they're called. Don't really know how I feel about them until I put it on the boat. All in all, I think it was worth the price.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">John, I just got my mainsail cover and was also concerned about those buckles underneath, they leave an open space underneath

Edited by - on

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

3476 Posts

Response Posted - 09/23/2009 : 10:58:24

http://www.sailorstailor.com/proddetail.asp?prod=CT2203SAC

Sailorstailor looked good to me. I ordered a cover a few years back and it does not extend out the boom far enough. It covers the sail but I have to tie a additional line to the cover. I'd had rather had a cover that went farther back.

The original cover was the same so the Catalina specs may be short.

Edited by - on

Page: of 2

Topic

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Jump To:

Association Forum

Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.