Kevin B (RPS Coach) Posted December 5, 2004 Share Posted December 5, 2004 Hello Everyone,I am new to the board and new to paddling, having only started kayaking in August with PIK in Newburyport. It didn't take long before I became hooked on the sport (actually, I only had to out once before that happened). I hope I get a chance to meet everyone eventually through club events, etc. From what I've seen in the posts, there seems to be a great deal of knowledge and enthusiasm here that I hope to be a part of. In fact, I'll finish up with a question with the certain belief that I'll get some good advice. Even though I just started, I bought a used touring kayak in October and I'm storing it outside using a harness; however, I now want to make sure that it gets covered so as to protect it from the elements. I've tried to use a tarp, but no matter how many methods I try, it seems impossible to keep it in place. After doing some research, I found some kayak storage covers that are specifically designed for this purpose, with resistance to UV rays, mildew, etc. Does anyone have experience with these items and if so, can you recommend one particular brand?Many thanks for any information,Kevin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Nystrom Posted December 6, 2004 Share Posted December 6, 2004 I haven't used any of the commercial covers, but from what I've heard, they're a good, if expensive solution. If you want to go a different route, the thing to keep in mind is that the cover needs to be breathable, more than it needs to be waterproof, especially if you store the boat inverted so water can't accumulate in the cockpit. Water obviously won't hurt a kayak, but moisture trapped in it or against it can result in mold and mildew, and UV can damage the surface. It's also a good idea to cover the cockpit opening to keep critters from nesting in it. All that takes is a piece of fabric and a loop of cord or bungee cord to hold it in place.If you know anyone in the construction business, Tyvek house wrap makes good covers, as it's waterproof, breathable and cheap, as long as you don't have to buy an entire roll. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin B (RPS Coach) Posted December 6, 2004 Author Share Posted December 6, 2004 Brian,Thanks for the quick response. I already have a cockpit cover and the kayak is stored on its side within the harness. Using the homewrap for a cover sounds like a great idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PatE Posted December 8, 2004 Share Posted December 8, 2004 Welcome Kevin! I, too got hooked after the first paddle! I recently bought a Danuu cover for my Aquanaut and it seems to be a good fit/quality. I googled them on the web and they seem to be the same price everywhere, so not discounts, or at least I couldn't find any. Here is one link that sells them. http://www.clavey.com/ky_acc_danuu_covers.html Another NSPN'r I know bought a custom cover somewhere in Maine. If she sees this, maybe she'll respond. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christopherG Posted December 8, 2004 Share Posted December 8, 2004 pat, are you thinking of "the kayak cover company"? yes: gloria krellman is in maine. see: http://www.kayakcovers.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan Posted December 8, 2004 Share Posted December 8, 2004 I ended up building a little storage unit for my kayaks. It's 17.5 ft long, 3 ft wide and 2.25-2.75 ft high. It looks like a long coffin with a slanted roof so the water drains off. Am even considering putting roof shingles and vents on it, but haven't to got there yet. It only cost me about $130 for the materials, plus a long afternoon to build, which is about the same as these covers that only hold one boat. Of course these covers are much easier to move, but this seemed to be the best way for me since i had a perfect spot for it on the side of the house that i park my car. Given the dimensions, it fits 2 sea kayaks perfectly. The top has 2 pieces of plywood that are hinged at the back so it opens almost all the way across to drop the boats in (there's a 1.5 foot piece on the end that isn't hinged, but the boats slide right under it). If anyone is interested, i can probably get some pictures and/or plans together, which fully maximized the width of the plywood. I only ended up with about 1/2 a sheet of an oddly shaped piece of plywood, and a few ends of 2x4's.AlanCD Andromeda - red on whiteDagger Id 6.9 - blue/black Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PatE Posted December 9, 2004 Share Posted December 9, 2004 >pat, are you thinking of "the kayak cover company"? yes: >gloria krellman is in maine. see: >http://www.kayakcovers.com/ Hi Christopher! That could be the one! Karen bought hers from a woman in Maine. How ya doin'? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scamlin Posted December 10, 2004 Share Posted December 10, 2004 Here's the Maine company that makes custom kayak covers: http://www.kayakcovers.com/ Gloria Krellman is a fine lady making customer covers. Never used one, but she runs an honest business. Gloria is also one of the original sponsors of the reborn Gulf of Maine Sea Kayaking Symposium held in Castine, ME in July. Best, Scott Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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