Dinghy Chaps Acting as Water Scoops

[Ortolan]

Hello everyone,
I have searched around for info on this problem and have not really found an mention of it... so maybe it's just us, but-
We made our own chaps this spring (after a mishap), pretty much following the typical instructions I've seen. We used cord along the outer bottom edge to snug up the chaps and secure to the small eye hooks at the stern. we have a 10' Achilles (hypolon) with 8hp outboard, chaps are primarily Sunbrella. The aft ends have Textilene instead of fabric to allow water to drain out.
During the test run we discovered that water would get scooped up near the stern as well as at and near the bow. This test run was in typical conditions for running our dinghy.
Has anyone experienced this water problem?
It makes the chaps unusable unless we can correct it- which we need to do as we've placed our CT registration #s and decal on a PVC "plate" on the chaps. Perhaps we need to attach the chaps via snaps or velcro as others have mentioned.
The bottom of the chaps sits below the rub rail, about 1 1/2 to 2", but only 1/2" below at the stern.
Would greatly appreciate any suggestions and to hear of other experiences with using chaps.

Lori
s/v Ortolan
summering in CT at the dock
www.sailblogs.com/member/ortolan

[JMR1138]

I know this post is ancient, but did you ever solve the issue?

[Ortolan]

Yes, a very ancient post!

We sort-of solved it, by adding an overlapping joint - a 2” x 3’ Hypalon strip cemented to the dinghy (one on each side) with sewn-on Velcro. Then a corresponding piece of Velcro on the bottom edge on the chap, so effectively sealing the bottom of the chaps near the stern. It was a LOT of extra work & we never would have done it if we hadn’t been so far into it.

Most newer/larger dinghies have bigger diameter tubes, so the rub rail/bottom of the chaps is hopefully higher & further away from the waterline to avoid this problem.