Using a Full Bottom Cover

Submitted by Bruce on Tue, 01/08/2008 - 05:38
Forums: 
Owning, Rigging, and Sailing the Flying Scot

I just received a new Sailor's Tailor full bottom cover, now I just need to figure out the best way to put it on and take it off without the benifit of a hoist. I'm a trailer sailor, so it will be on and off quite a bit. I've heard of the "step ladder method" but have never seen it done and have read about cutting holes around the rollers so the cover stays with the trailer (not really a perferred option for me). Does anyone have an innovative way of putting on and taking off a bottom cover that doesn't involve another expensive endeavor? If the "step ladder method" is the best method, what kind of ladder is the best to use (I've seen a few crinkled aluminum step ladders at regattas)? Once you get the cover on the length of the hull and over the transom, how do you get it fitted correctly over/around the bow? Thanks in advance.[8D]

Bruce
FS2777

sawyerspadre

Thu, 01/10/2008 - 14:48

Is Han's cover orange? It would be no surprise to those who know Hans, that the cover is orange, and that he has developed a highly efficient method of donning the cover.[8D]

Good info, I always wondered how to do this without the benefit of a group of burley Scot sailors to lift the boat.

What type of ladder do you use? The boat weighs 850, right, so it seems that 400 lbs, or more is on the ladder. Also, how high, and is this with the TeeNee or Long galvanized trailers or the Trailex deluxe ride? They seem to hold the boat at different heights.

Sounds like a good time to keep the kids out from under the boat.

Phil Scheetz
FS 4086

Bruce

Fri, 01/11/2008 - 10:12

Bob,
Thanks for the run down, that was how I envisioned it but had never seen it done before. Do you "open" the ladder or just use it as a "jack"?

Travis,
I have a vintage 1976 Sterling Trailer, one of the original Scot suppliers I think, and it carries the boat pretty high. It's a good solid trailer in great shape. You use a 2-step with your Trailex, would you say a 4-step with the Sterling?[?]

Bruce
FS2777