On Thu, 01 Jan 2004 03:05:59 GMT, "Rick" wrote

I kept two plastic boats on my kayak rack for 4 days. Both hulls deformed,
but not badly.

Yeah, the hull deformed on my boat lots of times, but it would pop back out
all by itself shortly after taking it down.

They also showed signs of discoloration, as well.

Mine probably faded too, but it is gray so I didn't notice. The deck lines
did rot off, though. Not often, but I've had to replace them.

Your milage
may vary, but I won't make that mistake again. This was in California, in
conditions not unlike those you describe, so the difference in weather is a
marginal issue.

I decided years ago that I am horrible at taking care of stuff, so I rarely
count on anything lasting very long. I try not to get stuff I have to take
care of, because I know I won't. I drag the boat up and down boat ramps
and threw it (well, dropped it a lot) from the top of my vehicle probably
more times than I got it down by design. It's a bit furry along the keel
now (from dragging it) and it probably doesn't go as fast anymore either,
but I was able to tool along at around 3 mph yesterday taking pictures and
stuff and not even trying to make it go fast. That's good enough for me
(although I will admit to being easily satisfied and entertained). I
figured the way I generally take care of things I would probably have to
buy a new boat every few years. But I may well get tired of the thing and
seduced by features on the new models before I have to replace it. That is
something that rarely happens to me.

As for the cockpit covers, it turns out the animals in the neighborhood
found them useful as a scratching post. Torn to shreds within a day.

I've lived on a couple of sailboats, and never had much problem with
critters, except birds and spiders, and I doubt they would do much to a
kayak. I never had any trouble with critters and my cockpit cover though.
I remember one time in Stephen C. Foster State Park (Okeefenokee Swamp) the
raccoons would wander up and take the Pepsi I was drinking from the bumper
of my truck while I was setting up the tent only a few yards away. Even
though I finally had to put a combination lock (and not tell the raccoons
the combination) on my cooler they never did mess with the cockpit cover on
my boat.

I'm glad you had better success than I did.

Better behaved critters, anyway.

Galen Hekhuis NpD, JFR, GWA
Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups