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mollyjess
United Kingdom
22 Posts |
 Posted - 19 Oct 2012 : 16:52:39
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Hello everyone. Can you please help. We are approaching our first winter with our Norman 20 "Lydia" - on the Mon and Brec. Last week, when we visited the boat, we had to mop up about half inch of water from the cockpit floor - running condensation evident on the underside of the canopy roof. Now it was quite cold and damp (this is Wales, so the problem is here to stay!!).
The canopy,which is probably a Coverit, is getting on a bit (beginning to show a little weave on the exposed roof in parts) but I don't think it's leaking...just yet!.
Over the winter we wont get down to the boat so often, say about once a month.
Now, should I buy a 10ft. ish square inexpensive tarpaulin from say Tarpaflex (about £10) and cover the Coverit?
Will the double layer reduce the condensation? Will it help to put back the day when we will need a new hood...£800..aaaahh!!? Or will the tarpaulin chafe the Canopy where it fits over the frame -worsening the canopy's prospects?
I would really appreciate any advice - in the meantime I will hold off ordering. Thanks everyone. |
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Deano
United Kingdom
1843 Posts |
Posted - 19 Oct 2012 : 17:42:00
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All of the above!!!
If you cover the canopy for the best part of the winter, it will preserve the fabric, but as you suggest there is the possibility of it rubbing on the corners. Protecting it with a layer of softer fabric can help. An old sleeping bag for example. But be sure it is securely held in place independently of the tarp as it will tend to try to move around under the tarp.
It will not however help much on the condensation front. This is caused by the difference in temperature. You will not cure this by covering, but increasing the ventilation will help. Infact it is probably the only cure. Dehumidifying or absorption crystals is just masking the problem.
Dean - Boating on the Great Ouse.
Freeman 30 "Silver Gem"
See the photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/54758027@N00/ |
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Knighty
United Kingdom
654 Posts |
Posted - 19 Oct 2012 : 20:00:35
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My 20 is back on the drive now, after a good wash and some stuff to keep the canopy supple i cover about 75% of the boat in a big tarp.
My tarp is about 20ft by 15ft which covers the canopy and cabin windows. Still get condensation but mine after the winter was in the cockpit, a nice black mould which soon washed off.
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Owen
10 Posts |
Posted - 19 Oct 2012 : 20:25:18
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I'm in a similar situation, my 18.5 canopy.stitching is coming away in places and leaking through seam so pondering whether to try stitching back up myself or tarp it.
Think I'll tarp it and take a closer look next year 
One worry was the metal rail round the bow. If I tarp over that and we get a lot of snow am worried it could get damaged. Should I worry about that? I'd rather tarp the lot as wont have access till next year....sorry if I'm hijacking your thread! |
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consumedbynature
United Kingdom
108 Posts |
Posted - 19 Oct 2012 : 21:14:26
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Hi Mollyjess.
I used to own Lydia, she was a great little boat. I used to just take all soft furnishings out and put plenty of moisture absorption crystals on board for winter. This did the trick
Regards
Billy
Shetland Black Prince -Fizzy - Worcestershire Avon
(Formerly owned a Norman 20) |
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mollyjess
United Kingdom
22 Posts |
Posted - 20 Oct 2012 : 16:05:23
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Thanks,everyone, for the advice. I think I will tarp it. Deano, thanks for 'sleeping bag' idea - the main problem is securing it. Has anyone out there had a problem with the canopy wearing against the tarp? or have you got away with it?
Billy, good to hear from a previous Lydia owner. Yes she is a great little boat - also love the super Honda 15 and smart Graff trailer!
Sorry Ed. strayed off the Topic!....Sorry...I got a bit excited! Blame Norman! |
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df
United Kingdom
5994 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2012 : 15:00:29
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We have just put our old canopy back on leo for the winter, the new one can sit safely in the loft for the duration.
NBAS--The communal colostomy bag of the boating community.
Visit leomagill.co.uk |
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Deano
United Kingdom
1843 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2012 : 16:24:06
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I've never heard of anyone who has had a canopy damaged by a tarp.... it could just be an urban myth????
I put a sleeping bag over my hardtop to stop the tarp shredding itself. The trick is to tie down the sleeping bag independently of the tarp.
Dean - Boating on the Great Ouse.
Freeman 30 "Silver Gem"
See the photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/54758027@N00/ |
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df
United Kingdom
5994 Posts |
Posted - 21 Oct 2012 : 22:32:06
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My old canopy has wear marks from ropes holding a tarp down, if a tarp flaps in the wind it WILL do more damage than no tarp.
PS Deano my river's open and yours isn't!  So ner!
NBAS--The communal colostomy bag of the boating community.
Visit leomagill.co.uk |
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Deano
United Kingdom
1843 Posts |
Posted - 22 Oct 2012 : 17:10:46
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I can be on my boat in 5 mins and it has the cheapest bar in the world just yards away, so Ner! back. Oh, did I mention that my mooring fees are less than your licence fee!!! lol
Planning on joining you in 2014. Have worked out how to do it on the cheap. Truck there and back, from March to September and it won't cost much more than staying at home!! Except for the mooring costs......
Dean - Boating on the Great Ouse.
Freeman 30 "Silver Gem"
See the photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/54758027@N00/ |
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df
United Kingdom
5994 Posts |
Posted - 22 Oct 2012 : 20:23:22
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Truck??? You've done wells so why not just do the next leg to yarmouth?
NBAS--The communal colostomy bag of the boating community.
Visit leomagill.co.uk |
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Deano
United Kingdom
1843 Posts |
Posted - 22 Oct 2012 : 20:47:28
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It's cheeper by truck and we can go on the right day. My plan involves being off EA waters before needing a licence. (and I have to have one!!!! Club rules!!) No cost to lift at either end - I told you the plan is cunning!!!
Dean - Boating on the Great Ouse.
Freeman 30 "Silver Gem"
See the photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/54758027@N00/ |
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Topic |
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To cover the Coverit - or not!?
