Cockpit cover

[paulsailing]

We have a 1983 Lm27 which is in need of a new cockpit cover. Has anyone come up with a different/better design than the original? I am always looking for good ideas. I am currently working on the forestay mod which someone suggested... thanks!

[oceandancer]

Hi Paul,
I understand that the original design is still available from Denmark, details are elsewhere on this site but I have had good replacement covers made in the UK. Unfortunately none of them seem to last all that long and 10 -12 years is about the average life. For my latest cover I ordered special tough stitching at extra cost as in the past I have noticed that this is a problem. A new cover is going to cost in the region of £1000 which is a lot but it does transform the boat and is in my opinion the crowning glory of the marque as the cockpit is part of the accomodation. I have had 2 covers made by Mastercovers at Port Solent, not too far from you, who do a good job including fitting (other cover makers are available!) Don't try to cut costs by getting it made on the cheap and fitting it yourself. I tried that with dire results!

Regards

Mick

[paulsailing]

Thanks, here is no way I would attempt to DIY a cover! I was just wondering if the internal height could be increased without it being a pain...

[Sula]

Canopies and covers (and sails) for LMs are available (some 'off the shelf') from Schultz sailmakers in Denmark, who were the original suppliers to LM. They come in a range of colours and materials, and you can get them made to order with non-standard colours or optional extras. They are not cheap (Danish VAT is 25%), but good quality and perhaps no dearer than getting something custom made elsewhere.

www.schultz-kalecher.dk/forside/produkter/kalecher-m-mere/kaleche/
[e-mail] 
(Website is in Danish, so you may need to view through Google Translate, but they can speak/email in English).

Note that you can get either (or both) a canopy for the cockpit (full height, windows, etc), or a simple tonneau type cover (that slopes down from wheelhouse to the cockpit coamings, using the same studs - it is shaped to allow it to cover the canopy on its frame folded to the back of the cockpit).

I bought both types, and also a new cover for the wooden skylight. Very pleased with the service and the quality of the product. I'd use Schultz again.

p.s.  Speaking of quality, each canopy has a unique serial number and the name of the person who made it, and it turned out the cockpit canopy I replaced had lasted since 1991!

I have just checked and the cost last year was roughly £900 for the cockpit canopy, £260 for the tonneau cockpit cover, £70 for the skylight cover, and £60 for shipping the whole lot to the UK.   

[nauticalnick]

I can support what is said by Sula. I had a full canopy made by Schultz-Kalecher for my LM30, with 3 windows and 3 opening panels to fit the existing frame. I was concerned about it lining up with existing fastening but they said it would and it did ! It arrived on the day when they said it would when l originally placed the order at a cost of £910 delivered etc. The final price will depend on the exchange rate at that time.

I got two quotes from south coast companies for the same job and they where in the £1400 to £1600 region !!

Regards,

Nick

[alland]

Just got a new one for my LM27 from Denmark with delivery and insurance it was £1030. Perfect fit and delivered within the week. I believe that if you want colours other than Pacific Blue then there is a several month waiting list (September).