I have a 4-man canoe that I leave on the beach on the east coast, US. I don't have..and can't build any structure to cover the boat (it's city owned beach and they won't allow). I am trying to have a tight canvas made for the canoe to primarily protect it from the sun. The two canvas fitters are trying to talk me into placing snaps along the gunnel for a tight fitting cover. I agree it would be best fit...but I am shooting for straps which run under the canoe (it would be a bitch to do water changes and rub your chest along a snap). What type of covers do some of you guys use? Could you send pix? They're certainly not cheap. I want to get something that's going to last..hold up to the elements (wind, rain, etc.), be easy on/easy off, and not damage the canoe. Thanks.
Submitted by drewp on Tue, 07/07/2009 - 3:19am
If you put the canoe on a set of cradles, it's easy to run straps underneath... I'll try and get some pictures, but mine from Kiri Covers (http://kiricovers.myshopify.com/) works great. The cover fits amost down to the bottom of the canoe, so it protects the sides as well as inside. It has 5 straps that just buckle underneath the canoe. It's not super tight, but I keep a windsurfer mast laying across the wai's as a strongback. It keeps water from pooling. No need for snaps.
Like you said, they're not cheap, but they are well worth the cost. Mine's made of sunbrella so it's super durable, and it's also easy to take on and off.
Aloha,
Eric
#1 Tue, 07/07/2009 - 7:45am
Kiri has a site/business dedicated to canoe covers, etc. www.hawaiiancanoecanvas.com .
#2 Tue, 07/07/2009 - 8:41am
Oops, wrong site... Kiri is awesome! If you can dream it up, she can make it (and probably improve upon your dream in the process).
#3 Tue, 07/07/2009 - 9:28am
The cover fits over the bow like a sock and zips at the stern. The straps click around the bottom of the hull, and the sides velcro to clear the iakos. I made the cradles out of 2X10 or 12 (I forget which) with fire hose straps. The ama rests on an old tire. The whole thing works great!
Aloha,
Eric
#4 Tue, 07/07/2009 - 8:33pm
We got a custom made cover for a 3-man I built here as well as all the covers for our six mans. Give them a call and see if they can ship them maybe? They make great stuff. Not sure on the prices though.
http://www.socalsail.com/bg/co/corki-s-embroidery/
#5 Tue, 07/07/2009 - 8:39pm
Hey Eric, thanks for the pics. It looks like very little of your canoe is exposed. The idea of running a mast or some other type of long board, etc between the wai is a good idea to keep the cover from filling w/ water and bellying. I've already had a cover made long distance from my measurements. It has worked ok, but is not a tight, custom fit which can only be done by someone who can put their hands on the canoe and fit the fabric first hand.
#6 Wed, 07/08/2009 - 2:47am
Stitch This makes great covers for all canoes.
808 739-6739
#7 Wed, 07/08/2009 - 6:33am
Stitch, can you give a ball park figure to the cost of canvas cover for oc6 hull, ama and iakos (separate if possible)?
Also, what is the life expectancy?
Thanks!
#8 Wed, 07/08/2009 - 4:59pm
Aloha
0c6 cover is $795
Ama cover is $250
Iako covers (2 pcs) $200
Fabric warranty is 5 years,
My first ever oc6 cover I made here in Hawaii is still being used today, it is 10 years old.
#9 Wed, 07/08/2009 - 6:31pm