Fairclough Cover

Plumbean · #1 (**permalink**) 12-16-2009

I took delivery of a new canvas cover from Fairclough Sailmakers the other day, and I have to say it is a thing of beauty. They aren't cheap, but I plan on keeping my boat for the long-haul and this looks like it is built to last. Compared to shrink wrapping, it won't take too long to pay for itself, and the guys at the company were great to deal with also (thanks Erik!).

If you are looking for a winter cover, I would happily recommend these guys. Definitely a case of you get what you pay for. And no, I have no interest in the company -- just a happy customer.

Mr. P.

Hesper · #2 (**permalink**) 12-17-2009

Make that two happy customers. I got mine eight years ago and it's one of the best investments I've made (not that that's saying a heck of a lot these days). I was sold when I asked a neighbor in the boat yard how old his Fairclough was because it looked almost new. He said he didn't know because it came with the boat when he bought it -- fourteen years earlier!

MC1 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-17-2009

I inherited a Fairclough cover when I purchased my boat. The cover is over 11 years old and still doing pretty well. UV has taken a toll on the threads (very strong, high quality thread was used) so I had the seams restitched this past summer.
After a few years, consider spraying the cover down well with a protectant to shed water and guard against UV. That should lengthen its lifespan even further.
It's really nice not having to worry about tarps when the wind picks up, I'm sure you'll really enjoy it.

Shortman · #4 (**permalink**) 12-18-2009

Mine came w/boat 5 years ago. Last winter the yard said it needed ~$600 in repairs but Faircloth made a replacement for ~$1800 (34' Pearson). Ventilates much better than $500/yr plastic.

capecodda · #5 (**permalink**) 12-19-2009

I have looked at these covers, and hear great things about them. They appear to be very well made.

Has anyone used one of these covers over Awlgrip topsides? I've heard this might be a bad idea as most of the covers extend over the topsides down to the waterline. But they sure do look like great covers.

MC1 · #6 (**permalink**) 12-19-2009

I'm not sure how risky the cover may be to the Awlgrip, but if you check out the Fairclough web site, they show covers now that just go down to the caprails. I believe these are less expensive and easier to set up each winter as well.