Canvas in hot weather

[JimmyDubai]

Hi there,

Today's temperature outside is 110 deg F. Is there any difference (as far as protection inside) between the two pictures below



and this one



I was told that the canvas in the first picture is for winter conditions. What is really the difference? I can imagine that the interior of the boat on the second picture will also be as hot!!

What do you think?. The side windows on my boat (first picture) are open so fresh air flows through the transom.

 

[Wet Dogggg]

I think the first picture will be hotter. Just due to the windows magnifying the sun. The second picture if you can do it is much better UV protection for your seats, dash, etc. when the boat is not in use.

 

[trflgrl]

"Winter use" to me means for creature comfort while cruising in cold or wet weather--most relevant in areas that have two or more seasons with marked temp or precip differences.

So in that vein: in your region where the temp swings aren't cold vs. hot but more like comfortable vs. blistering, I'd choose coverage based on your boating habits and how much work you want to do each time you use the boat. If you want to keep the cockpit covered in "high season" but are on/off the boat frequently, use a camper top (photo 1) and remove or roll up the sides when you hang out or launch. Depending on whether you have an AC unit and how you manage the vents, you can close the camper top, leave the cabin door open, and cool the cockpit a bit when desired, too. In "off season" when you're on/off the boat less frequently, switch to the mooring style cover.

However, I agree with Wet Dogggg--if your primary concern is UV protection, a solid canvas cover that wraps the entire cockpit, including windshield, is much better. Then just suck it up on removing and stowing the entire cover when hanging out or launching. As for heat protection....when you're talking air temps of 110 and higher, you're in dangerous territory no matter what. If one cover means the interior is "only" 125 and another means it's 145, I don't know that such a difference would translate into a substantial variation in life expectancy of the soft and hard surfaces....perhaps some other members have quantifiable info.

 

[Arizona Mike]

I live in AZ and the temp is often 100+ Use the full cover not the camper enclosure. The full cover will protect everything in the cockpit from UV damage.
That is what I do.

 

[JimmyDubai]

Thanks; it looks like I will have to order a new cover for the boat and pretty much do nothing with the camper type canvas (worst winter here can be a pleasant 72 deg f.).

 

[KC_Sundancer]

Color is a big player in temperature too, lighter is better if you want it cooler.
We switched from a copper color to a sand color on ours and temperature inside dropped dramatically.
It also makes it feel more open.

 

[JimmyDubai]

:thumbsup: