May 27, 2021

Last issue we got up with Montreal sailor Marc Robic who has accumulated a lot of tips and tricks for prepping your boat, especially as we emerge from lockdown. Here’s a link to Part 1

On to Part 2

• Spider Free Boat – (the “happy wife = happy life” rule applies here!) Before raising the mast, I spray SpiderBan from one end of the mast to the other, including spreaders, stays and top end instruments. I also spray the whole boat including undersides of the dodger, bimini and full enclosure panels (avoiding the plastic windows). Little or no more spiders and webs on instruments. I get my SpiderBan at Canadian Tire in the Lawn & Garden Dept.



• Bug Free Boat – Inside the boat we put Bounce dryer sheets literally everywhere. Inside cupboards, drawers, tablets, under cushions, etc. We’ll even rub surfaces with these. Bugs and spiders will stay away! We put fresh ones every spring and they’ll stay in place until the next spring. Smells nice and fresh too.

• “Long Life to the Dodger and Bimini!” (at least longer life..) – Sun and weather are brutal on these, including threads and zippers. We protect ours every spring by painting on a fresh coat of fabric waterproofing using a paint brush (avoiding the plastic windows). This will not only stop rain from soaking and dripping through (and onto your dinner) but will also provide some UV protection. I get my waterproofing by the gallon at Canadian Tire in the Camping Dept, enough to last three seasons.

• Plastic and Plexiglass Windows – Once the dodger and the bimini are installed, I clean the plastic windows with simple soap & water and let dry. Once dry, I apply PLEXUS to both sides. This makes and keeps the windows clear and protects them. I also do the full enclosure panels, cabin windows and hatches. As it is an easy application process (spray on and wipe off with a microfiber towel) I repeat this application a few times during the season. For the front dodger window I also add a coat of Rain-X for plastic windows to make sure I can see through when navigating in the rain. The Rain-X for plastic windows can be found at Canadian Tire automotive department. For Plexus, I buy mine online in Canada at www.fortnine.ca or Amazon.ca

• Replacing Worn Sheaves – For years the sheave wear on my jib sheet cars have been an eyesore and it certainly has an impact on their performance. The estimates I was getting for their replacement were simply out of the question. Until the owner of The Boathouse in Montreal told me about a small batch manufacturer, Polvige Technologies Inc. that has had great success with making new sheaves and installing them (properly) on the cars. So I went to meet the owner, Vince Mancini and visited his shop. I left him all four of my cars and within a few weeks he rebuilt them for a fraction of the cost. And they not only look awesome and work superbly, but saved me a bundle of dinero. You can contact Vince directly at www.polvige.com

OK, ready to go. Enjoy your summer!

Marc Robic

Marc is a member of the Canadian Power & Sail Squadron. He and his wife sail their Catalina 270, Aquaholic 3, out of the Ile-Perrot Yacht Club in Montreal, where Marc spent 16 years as Harbour Master. They are regular Caribbean bareboat yacht charterers. With over 40-years experience, Marc is also an avid onboard do-it-yourselfer.
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