CYOB Inbox Dec 8

CY Inbox

Dec 5, 2016

To shrink or not to shrink – that is the question. A couple of issues ago we asked the question and your answers continue to roll in.

As always we welcome your input on any boating topic, rant, rave or praise (yes!). We promise to read them all at CYonboard@kerrwil.com.

More feedback:

To NOT shrinkwrap
In 1999 I had a cover made -polyester of some kind, grey- to fit a frame of CPVC that I’d constructed to live under in the water, in Toronto, for that winter. That cover was my roof for 6 winters, and made living aboard an insulated steel sailboat very comfortable indeed.

No longer living aboard, I’ve had that cover recut for use, on a PVC conduit frame, for winter storage. Sixteen winters and counting, There’s pinholes starting to appear, but it’s never torn or been holed by chafe. 1200$ in 1999, and 300$ in modifications since, it surpasses shrink wrap in price.

I’ve been reassured that the shrink wrap gets recycled (?) I’m not sure about that, so I’ll let my environmental sensibilities rule, all the way to the bank.

I won’t hesitate to replace this cover with like when I have to.

Paul Peachey
Peachey Keen, Aragosa 32, Toronto.

 

Related Articles

  • POTW: Official Racing Attire

    September 24, 2026 Bryan Pelkey, Race Captain at Toronto Hydroplane and Sailing Club, shared these shots of the Team Espresso winners of the Best Ensemble award at the 3rd Annual THSC Women’s Race held this month. The no-nonsense women switched to proper racing gloves to finish second in the regatta. Got a great photograph for…

  • POTW: Paddle to Picton

    August 27, 2026 Our striking Photo of the Week comes from Anton (Tony) Pickard, Professor, Design and Visual Arts at Georgian College, Barrie ON. “This photo was taken at Lock 11-12 Ranney Falls in Campbellford on the Trent-Severn Waterway. July 7, 2026. “The paddler is Luci Dilkus who completed a 500 km solo kayak trip from Tiny…

  • POTW: Shocking!

    August 13, 2026 Shane Griffin caught this Photo of the Week lightning strike perfectly. “The photo was taken at Marina Del Rey in Ramara (Orillia)  facing 332° NW down the channel that leads to Mc Phee bay from my slip.  “I boat mainly on Lake Simcoe but travel the Trent annually in some direction north…

  • POTW: Kids Ride the Wave

    June 25, 2026 SailGP fan, Mike Smith caught the kids breaking the rule while parents took pictures at the Halifax Pier ‘s ornamental concrete wave. The sculpture is meant to celebrate the connection to the sea but it provides a superb climbing and sliding fun spot for kids from all over the world.  Perhaps they…


Boston Whaler 350 Realm

By Andy Adams

You might be dreaming of an adventure boat, or a luxury cruiser, or maybe a serious fishing platform. You might dream of an overnight exploration boat, or a boat that entertains a big group of friends or family. Whatever your ambitions, the features and appointments, and the stellar performance of the Boston Whaler 350 Realm, equipped with triple Mercury Verado V10-cylinder 425 horsepower engines, feels like it could do just about anything. It’s the Great Entertainer.

Read More


Destinations

The Whitsunday Islands

By Mathew Channer

On my first day as a commercially registered yacht captain, I sailed a Fontaine Pajot 38 catamaran from mainland Australia across the Whitsunday Passage to the western shores of the world-famous Whitsunday islands.

We cruised northeast on a 15-knot beam reach… perfect catamaran sailing conditions, watching the hazy shapes of the islands colourize and morph into crescent beaches, jungled ridgelines and rocky outcrops. 

Read More