Over at WOSC, (West Oxfordshire Sailing Club) this summer, we spent an hour or so patterning up for a cover for the popular 370 version of the Rigiflex range. Requirements were to come up with a cover that could include a covering over the engine to help protect it as well as create a high point to aid in water runoff. We used our semi-translucent patterning material that was laid out over the boat and taped into place. From that point, the seams, shaping, details such as how deep the skirts would need to be and anything else could be marked on. From this, we could take the pattern back to the loft, tidy up the design and turn it into a finished and repeatable pattern. (great for future use) This now means that any 370 with console and engine can now be covered with this design.
At the manufacture stage, the design includes a run of outdoor grade shockcord that can be tucked below buttons screwed into the side of the hull. This allows for a cover that can be fitted on or off the water. The shockcord was passed between webbing loops sewn at regular intervals and beefed up with a run of polyester webbing around the base for additional strength. The final finished edge included a webbing run to keep everything neat and tidy and to help it look finished.
After patterning, designing and manufacture, it was back to WOSC for a test fit and also to check that the design works ok for the future! The customer decided to fit the buttons for fixing below the rubbing strake, so this was more of a drape over at this stage. The regular intervals of shockcord should create even tension all round once the buttons are fitted but for now, this has worked out as expected and will do the job of creating a cover that can be fitted while the boat is on the water, or ashore. The other priority was to create something that would be simple and fool-proof to fit so that anyone could do it.
Please get in touch through the contact form if you want a cover for a safety boat at your sailing or watersports club.