[Paddlewise] Gore-Tex Cockpit Covers???

Craig Bowers wrote:

> >A bonus is the left over material for a Gore-tex cockpit cover.
> > I can keep
> >the night-time critters out of my boat at my campsite while letting the
> >moisture out at the same time.

Assuming you are not going to be out in the rain, something a lot cheaper and
much more breathable than Gore-Tex for a cockpit cover is 5' of bungie cord and
a hunk of fiberglass screening big enough to cover the cockpit opening.  I
can't claim this is my idea but just something I noticed someone else using.
Works well to keep the creepy crawlers out of the cockpit and allows the
interior to dry out.  Total weight and cost is minimal and easy to stash in
your boat on trips.

I use to come home and immediately take off the cockpit cover to let the
interior dry out.  One time I didn't and you'd be amazed at what can grow in
that wet warm dark environment over a week!  I always had to check closely when
it was time to load up the boats again before I put the full cockpit covers on
to make sure nothing had taken up residence in the boat.  Now I don't worry
about it, just pop the screening, put on the neoprene cover and go.  The reason
I use the neoprene covers is to help with the gas mileage while driving with
the boats on top of the truck.  I think I gain about one mpg with the covers as
opposed to without.  The reason I say "think" is my testing was not all that
rigorous, plus they keep the rain out.

John Blackburn

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