[Paddlewise] Folbot Spraydeck Fix

Some time ago I queried the list for suggestions on how to solve a
problem endemic to Folbot's Greenland II:  when the spraydeck gets wet,
it sags horribly.  This ultimately leads to a lapful of cold water, and
prevents the use of the spraydeck for chartwork, etc.

The solution was simple and quick.  I separated the seam which connects
the spraydeck proper (cordura nylon) to its edging of fuzzy velcro.  (To
attach the spraydeck to the deck, this fuzzy velcro mates with
complementary hook velcro which is glued to the outside of the coaming
strips -- what Folbot calls the washboards.)  Then I trimmed an inch off
each edge of the cordura, tapering the trimming as I reached the end of
the spraydeck -- fore and aft.  I then resewed the seam.

This reduces the width of the spraydeck enough so that when wet, the
fuzzy velcro just fully engages the hook version -- making it very
strong, and very tight!  When *dry,* about one-half inch of engagement
can be achieved on each side -- plenty strong to withstand incidental
spray and paddlesplash.  Not strong enough to take a dumping wave, but
if you are in conditions like that, you will have already tightened the
spraydeck -- which (owing to a now-wet spraydeck), will give full
engagement!

The only drAwback to this fix is that if the velcro is left in the fully
engaged position when the spraydeck dries out, shrinkage when the deck
dries can cause the hook velcro to "migrate" as the adhesive gives. 
(Others claim this occurs -- I have not seen it yet.)

Other fixes -- fitting hardshell sprayskirts or making a spraydeck of
neoprene were discarded as too elaborate and too costly.  Others have
tried sail battens, but they do not elongate as the spraydeck gets wet,
and sagging occurs, anyway.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR

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