Bow guard?

We just got done with our annual sailing camp, and its now time to repair the bows of several boats. We got to thinking that someone must make some kind of guard for the bow of a Sunfish that can protect it a bit. Any suggestions of where we could get some, or how to make them?

imported_Andy said:

We just got done with our annual sailing camp, and its now time to repair the bows of several boats. We got to thinking that someone must make some kind of guard for the bow of a Sunfish that can protect it a bit. Any suggestions of where we could get some, or how to make them?

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APS sells a new Triton bow bumper for Lasers for $35, maybe call and ask if there is something for the Sunfish. Or how about a section of pool noodle held on by Pro-Gaff tape?

Folks also zip tie pool noode sections to outhauls ends of spars to help keep boat from turtling.

Adios
Kent

Depending on the damage you want to avoid, just take some "gray" (bendier) PVC, and slice it down one side. Make cuts to "get the curve" right. It comes in all kinds of sizes, and could provide a basis for a pool noodle—also sliced.

Alternatively, J. C. Whitney sells some heavy-duty RV "edge molding". Yes, J. C. Whitney's still around!

These boats are used for lessons and all, right? I would be curious as to whether the damage was mostly from hitting docks and such, or from collisions on the water? If docks or something, maybe also pad those. Discarded fire hose works. If they are hitting each other, foam noodles on the bows might not get the intended results.

Whatever you use, mabe set aside some time the first and last days for the sailors to get some first hand experience with repairs. Or maybe not.

the grey foam used to insulate pipes, it is already cut on one side and would easily go over the aluminum edge, then add some tape

Ramming Speed!

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