Will sun damage a GRB Carbon Classic canoe?

[Bjorn]

There's no way I'm going to leave any composite boat on top of my vehicle to bake in the sun for any length of time, especially the month of July. I would go to the fabric store and sew a simple tube out of fabric to slide over it if I didn't have or couldn't afford a custom cover. Looking at the cost of a new carbon canoe, I don't see why you'd take that chance.

Thanks for the reply.
I completely agree with you that it is stupid to risk anything with such an expensive canoe.
I have now gotten a cover for it and hope it is UV resistant.

 

[PaddlingPika]

There are various products meant to provide UV protection for fabrics. Unless the cover manufacturer recommends against it, might be worth spraying the cover with a UV protectant.

 

[gumpus]

Any fabric cover will provide UV protection for the boat. If you want to give your boat some extra protection you don't have to use 303 or Boatguard, you can use any automotive wax; some folks like the quick spray wax. I think the precautions you are taking are mostly for peace of mind; I have never heard of a composite boat being affected by just a month of exposure and I've never heard of a UV problem with a boat that has been treated regularly with UV protection. I apply wax or 303 maybe 3 times a year for boats I use often (mine are stored inside); if I was in your situation and didn't want to use a cover I might treat the boat once/week since the treatments wear off as you use the boat. Cheers and happy paddling.