Using a Full Bottom Cover

Submitted by Bruce on Tue, 01/08/2008 - 10:38
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
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Comments

why not talk with sailors taylor? I got a cover from them and t

Submitted by frank barbehenn on Wed, 01/09/2008 - 10:29.
why not talk with sailors taylor? I got a cover from them and they spent time with me on the phone answering concers I had. Service was excellent.

Aluminum or wood.

Submitted by bobnew on Wed, 01/09/2008 - 17:00.
Aluminum or wood... wood is cheaper. 1.Lower the tongue of your trailer. Chock the wheels. 2.Fit the cover to the transom. 3.Set up the ladder (perhaps with a boat cushion on top if there is room)at the center under the stern of the boat. 4.Raise the tongue of the trailer to be able to engage the wheel jack. 5 With all tie downs released except the winch line at the bow, crank the jack down to raise the boat clear of the rollers. You only need an inch or two. 6. Work the cover forward under the boat to the bow, pulling up the sides to keep it centered. 7. Lower the jack and lower the tongue to be able to remove the ladder. 8. Fit the cover to the bow and resecure the tiedowns. Bob New FS 5143 Merritt Island Florida Fleet Captain Fleet 179

Bruce, I hate to say it, but the way Bob has explained it see

Submitted by tweisleder on Wed, 01/09/2008 - 22:20.
Bruce, I hate to say it, but the way Bob has explained it seems to be the best way I have found. Its a pain. Although with some practice I have seen Hans do it himself in a matter of minutes. Travis Weisleder 5341

Is Han's cover orange? It would be no surprise to those who kno

Submitted by sawyerspadre on Thu, 01/10/2008 - 19:48.
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

Phil Scheetz

FS 4086

Fleet 163, Nockamixon Sail Club

I use a fiberglass 2 step ladder and have a trailex trailer.

Submitted by tweisleder on Fri, 01/11/2008 - 09:11.
I use a fiberglass 2 step ladder and have a trailex trailer. I did this by myself a couple of weeks ago....wow..what a work out.

Bob, Thanks for the run down, that was how I envisioned it bu

Submitted by Bruce on Fri, 01/11/2008 - 15:12.
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
Bruce FS 5600

sorry but not really sure.

Submitted by tweisleder on Fri, 01/11/2008 - 20:08.
sorry but not really sure....you need to be able to lift the boat up a few inches in the back and then push her side to side...this is my guess, but I would say I crank it a good 5 - 8 inches up. Travis

I have used the ladder method for years.

Submitted by FS4355 on Wed, 01/30/2008 - 09:41.
I have used the ladder method for years. I use the Werner 2' ladder it is aluminum and I got it when I bought my boat. The ladder is rated for 250lbs. but, it never takes the full weight of the boat. Dan Goldberg did an article in the Scot's and Water four or five years ago. I followed Dan's article to the letter (Bob exlained well in his earlier post). It's not that big a deal after you pratice a few times. My regular crew and I can put the bottom cover on in ten minutes or so. The ladder works with the Aluminum Trailer or the Galvanized, I have the Tee Nee brand trailer. Put your cover on and come to the Midwinters in St. Pete. See ya there.