Hello All

Having just picked up my (new to me) Canterbury Tales 3582, I wanted to get a new polycotton top cover. I tried Purple Marine as they supply excellent quality covers for around £150, but was told that they no longer supply for Merlins due to the slight variations in shape that have caused problems in the past. So can anyone recommend a supplier of good quality polycotton covers with quality fastenings for a Winder CT. I live in the North West, so if it was a southern supplier they would need to know the shape of a CT !

Thanks all 

ed

I have a modified C/T and bought an excellent polycotton cover from Sail register. All you do is take the required measurements and a couple of weeks later the cover arrives. Sai Register number is in Yachts and Yachting owner is Mike Rimmer an ex Enterprise legend and winner of Endeavor Trphy (I have no connection with the company0

Give Rod Akehurst of Goldfinch Sails at Whitstable a ring 01227 272295.  He knows the shape and they are a brilliant fit.

Pinnell & Bax, 01604 592808.  Tom Stewart works there and has a Winder tales in their shed... and they make great covers.  Speak to Tom if possible as he sails Merlins.

I got a custom made cover for my old Merlin from Waveloft - it would have been £150 for a polycotton delivered to Aberdeen (I went for the plastic one as it won't be out in all weathers).  I measured up and it fits well.

I like my new P&B cover.

They have a cover sale on I think.

I bought a P&B cover last year and am very pleased with the quality. They are offering 15% discount at the moment. Tom has a Winder Tales.

I need a new cover too and if P&B have a sale on then nows the time! Do you think Tom knows the dimensions of a Let It Ride? My current cover is off a Tales, I think, and as my LIR is wider at the back it does not fit at the transom, shrouds, mast step or bow as it is all pulled back by the need for more at the transom! 

Does anyone know the website address?

Speed sails have done me very well recently.  Very helpful

Any decent cover maker should be able to provide a made to measure cover provided that you let them have the measurements as there is no such thing as a standard Merlin.  Have used P & B in past and they have done this.  Ask for the measurement form.

P&B = www.pinbax.com

Speed sails (www.speedsails.co.uk) do excellent covers as well. If you have a wooden deck and keep the boat outside then Polycotton breathable is a must. If you opt for the cheaper option, i.e. a PVC cover on a wood deck, it will sweat like buggery and the beautiful varnish will look like shite come the spring.

Dick Batt has arranged to supply my covers

Batt Sails made us a very swish cover in PVC, it doesn't allow any water to get in and easy to use with zips and minimal straps. It has adjustments underneath the back corners to tighten it all up - a perfect fit thanks!

I am also very pleased with my CT cover from Dick Batt its lasted a long old time.

Does he do polycotton too?

Speedsails currently have their winter sale, a polycotton cover to fit a Winder CT is currently £175 inc VAT and carriage. These are made in-house

I have been quoted £200 to £250 by other companies.


Hope this helps.

ed