From: "Marinell" <marinell3_at_home.com> > The question is: "Should I wrap the whole boat up with something to protect > it from sun, wind, and other?" It may be on top of the van for a month. I wouldn't bother. I would coat the deck (not the hull) with a UV filtering wax once every once in a while (once before such a trip). You can get such wax/polishes at marine supply shops. The only major effect of UV on gel coat is that it discolors a bit (e.g. my yellow kayak darkened). The gel coat _is_ the protectant for the resin underneath. The fittings (webbing, plastic bits, hatch covers if not gel-coated etc.) should be wiped periodically with 303 Protectant. This will help preserve them against UV. A small bottle goes a fair way - available at most kayak and marine shops. Park in the shade and relax. I'd only cover a kayak if it was stored outside for long periods. Mind, this is an opinion from someone up north - Florida gets stronger sunshine. As far as wind and other goes - don't worry. One exception: make sure you get a cockpit cover against rain. Even though the odds are against a lot of water accumulation, it's easier to get the kayak down if it's empty than with several kilograms of water inside. Mike *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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