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**Nonsuch30C208** · 03-06-2012, 08:07

I am planing a cruise from Lake Ontario to the Bahamas via the ICW. I hope to anchor out most nights. At home I always put the sail cover on after a days' sailing, to protect the sail from UV, dirt etc. Do most cruisers leave the sail cover off when moving every day?

**Don L** · 03-06-2012, 08:17

When I go somewhere and stop late in the day with a plan to leave early in the next morning; I don't put my cover back on.

**CaptForce** · 03-06-2012, 08:27

My choice is like Don's above. If it's daytime and I'm not using the sails; then, they are covered.

**CharlesFCook** · 03-06-2012, 08:27

If it blows up in the middle of the night it is nice to have everything under control. You don't want the main blowing around in a squall.

**Vasco** · 03-06-2012, 08:31

When I used to take my CS36M south I covered the main after every use. Of course on the ICW this was not that often although we used to try and motorsail whenever the wind was favourable. Now on the 393 I just furl the damn thing. One of the great advantages of in-mast furling. Love to sit in the cockpit with a drink in my hand while my buddies with "traditional" mains are flaking and covering.

**Don L** · 03-06-2012, 08:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesFCook

If it blows up in the middle of the night it is nice to have everything under control. You don't want the main blowing around in a squall.

The Dutchman lines keep my sail on the boom and I do put some ties on it. But yes if I feel it is going to be nasty that night I put the cover on.

Greg S · 03-06-2012, 08:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don Lucas

When I go somewhere and stop late in the day with a plan to leave early in the next morning; I don't put my cover back on.

Same here.

**mdvick** · 03-06-2012, 09:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptForce

My choice is like Don's above. If it's daytime and I'm not using the sails; then, they are covered.

+1 to both.

I have lazy jacks that help stack the main when lowered. I just tie down at night. Personal opinion only - not a personal attack, I would NEVER use a roller furling main. I ran a 50' Gulfstar with the Hood system. We were based in Marathon and the wind was about 20kts and when we were returning the track failed with about 75% of the sail still out. It was a mess trying to get back to the dock.... This was the inside the mast system.

**minaret** · 03-06-2012, 09:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdvick

+1 to both.

I have lazy jacks that help stack the main when lowered. I just tie down at night. Personal opinion only - not a personal attack, I would NEVER use a roller furling main. I ran a 50' Gulfstar with the Hood system. We were based in Marathon and the wind was about 20kts and when we were returning the track failed with about 75% of the sail still out. It was a mess trying to get back to the dock.... This was the inside the mast system.

Apparently you didn't read the manual before going out, pretty common amongst those who complain of problems with in-mast. The Hood in-mast has both a manual backup which is activated with a single toggle at the mast and a quick-release at the base of the stay which allows you to pull the sail down if the gears jam thus disabling even the manual backup, which I can't imagine actually happening but there it is. At least mine does, maybe yours was some sort of cheap Hood knock off. I too really enjoy kicking back with a drink with all of my many sails furled and watching others wrestle canvas. I also enjoy single handing my 62' ,65000# ketch without even breaking a sweat. So does my diminutive wife.

**Cheechako** · 03-06-2012, 09:41

I dont for an overnight stop. But you will want to have it, because you may be weeks in one spot when you settle into cruising mode.....

**zeehag** · 03-06-2012, 09:42

whennot in use my sails ar bound after flaking so they dont escape--i rarely if ever use my main--jib n mizzen are great--keeps from knocking down in unexpected pacific winds--when i get to anchorages, i flake n tie well so nothing escapes...in sun, cover so sun doesnt kill what is left of my sails.

Hydra · 03-06-2012, 13:53

I almost always use the sail cover, for there are so many seagulls flying around and I don't want to collect guano on the mainsail.

Alain

**zeehag** · 03-06-2012, 14:11

burdeez landing on my boat--even seagulls --are bubba fodder--he is gooood-got his first seagull in maztlan--goood kitty. silent hunter--somany gatos re noisey hunters-bubba is silent and deadly.

bobconnie · 03-06-2012, 16:14

Unless there wet they get coverd, if wet they get lashed down well!! Ive lost a main sail do to a willa waw coming up at about 3 in the morning And flogging it beyound repair in about 5 minutes before I got it under control So now in my old age i cover or lash them very well !! Mostly because I can't afford to replace them with out going back to work !!LOL

defjef · 03-06-2012, 16:32

Do not cover sails when stopping over night. Sail ties or gaskets to keep it well secured to the boom with the dutchman system. Cover is for UV protection... not needed at night anyway... so only put on when the sail would be exposed for days to the sun (and not sailing)... a waste of time... better spent on studying the weather.