ILCA / Laser Top Cover - Hydrotech - Gorilla

Gorilla Laser / ILCA Boat Covers at Sailboats.co.uk

Protect your hull with the industry standard in breathable durability. Gorilla Sailing specialises in manufacturing premium boat covers specifically designed for the Laser and ILCA class. Famous for their robust polycotton construction, Gorilla covers are engineered to solve the common problems of moisture retention and osmosis associated with cheaper PVC covers. At Sailboats.co.uk, we stock the full range of Gorilla top covers, bottom covers, and foil bags to ensure your boat remains in championship condition, whether it is parked in the dinghy park or being towed down the motorway.

  • Why Choose Gorilla Covers?

    Gorilla covers are built on the philosophy that a cover should protect the boat, not damage it through heat or trapped moisture.

    • Breathable Polycotton Fabric: Gorilla uses a specialised polycotton blend that allows moisture to escape from the hull surface. This breathability is critical for preventing gelcoat blisters (osmosis), which can occur when wet boats are trapped under non-breathable plastic covers in the sun.
    • Heavy-Duty UV Resistance: The material is treated to withstand prolonged exposure to harsh sunlight without degrading or becoming brittle. Unlike lightweight nylon that can shred after a few seasons, Gorilla covers are thick, robust, and designed for long-term outdoor longevity.
    • Tailored for Towing: Designed specifically for the Laser/ILCA hull shape, these covers fit snugly to reduce flapping and wind drag. Reinforced with heavy-duty straps and quick-release buckles, they stay secure at highway speeds, protecting your deck from road grit and debris.
    • Reinforced Stress Points: Gorilla pays attention to the high-wear areas of the boat. Critical points, such as where the cover meets the chainplate, cleats, and gudgeons, are reinforced to prevent the hardware from wearing through the fabric, ensuring the cover remains watertight and intact.

  • Why Buy Gorilla from Sailboats.co.uk?

    We understand that a good cover is an investment in your boat’s resale value and racing finish. Here is why you should buy yours from us:

    • Immediate Dispatch Availability: A damaged cover is an emergency for your boat’s hull. We maintain high stock levels of Gorilla top and bottom covers to ensure we can ship your replacement immediately, minimising the time your boat is exposed to the elements.
    • Verified Class Compatibility: As dinghy specialists, we ensure that the Gorilla products we stock are perfectly sized for the standard Laser/ILCA hull. You can buy with confidence knowing you won't receive a generic "one-size-fits-all" sheet, but a tailored product.
    • Expert Care Advice: We don't just sell the product; we help you maintain it. Our team can provide advice on how to tension the straps correctly for towing versus storage, and how to care for the polycotton material to ensure it retains its waterproofing properties.
    • Competitive Bundle Pricing: We often offer competitive pricing when purchasing a top and bottom cover set together. By buying your complete protection package from Sailboats.co.uk, you ensure consistent quality across all your protective gear while getting the best value.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is a breathable cover better than a waterproof PVC cover?

A completely sealed PVC cover traps heat and moisture inside. If a wet boat is covered in the sun, this creates a "sauna effect" that can soften the gelcoat and cause osmosis (blistering). Gorilla's breathable polycotton allows this moisture to evaporate, keeping the hull dry and healthy.

Can I tow my Laser/ILCA with the Gorilla top cover on?

Yes, Gorilla top covers are designed for towing. They feature heavy-duty under-hull straps that keep the cover tight against the deck. Ensure all straps are pulled tight and the drawstring is secure to prevent flapping at high speeds.

Will this cover fit both a Laser and an ILCA?

Yes. The hull shape of the Laser and the ILCA (International Laser Class Association) dinghy are identical. Gorilla covers are patterned to fit this specific hull shape perfectly, regardless of which builder manufactured the boat.

How do I clean my Gorilla boat cover?

You should clean your cover by hosing it down with fresh water and lightly brushing off dirt with a soft broom. Do not use strong detergents, bleach, or pressure washers, as these can strip the waterproofing treatment and damage the fabric fibres.

Does the top cover have room for the spars?

Standard Gorilla top covers are "flat" covers designed to go over the hull when the mast is down. They are cut generously enough to allow you to store your mast sections and boom on the deck underneath the cover during storage or transport.

More Info

Cover Selection & Materials

1. Why should I choose a Gorilla cover for my Laser®/ILCA?

Gorilla covers are designed specifically for the rigorous demands of dinghy sailing. They strike a perfect balance between heavy-duty protection and breathability. Unlike cheaper, thin nylon covers that degrade quickly in the sun, Gorilla covers use high-grade, UV-stabilized fabrics that resist tearing and fading, ensuring your boat stays race-ready for years.

2. What is the difference between 'Breathable' and 'PVC' covers?

This is the most common question we get.

  • Breathable (Polycotton/Canvas): The best choice for outdoor storage. It allows moisture trapped inside the hull or cockpit to escape, preventing osmosis (blistering) of the gelcoat.
  • PVC (Plastic Coated): 100% waterproof and very tough, but it traps moisture inside. These are best used for trailing (towing) or indoor storage, but if used outdoors, you must ensure the boat is dry before covering.

3. Will this cover fit my ILCA 4, 6, or 7 (Laser 4.7, Radial, Standard)?

Yes. The hull of the boat is identical regardless of which rig size you sail. All Gorilla top and bottom covers are designed to fit the standard ILCA/Laser hull shape perfectly, fitting snugly around the gunwales regardless of your mast section.

Usage & Transport

4. Can I tow my boat with the Gorilla top cover on?

Yes, Gorilla top covers are designed with towing in mind. They feature strong, adjustable straps that go under the hull to secure the cover tightly. Tip: When towing, always pull the cover as tight as possible to prevent it from flapping in the wind, as loose flapping at 60mph is what destroys covers (and gelcoat) quickly.

5. Do I really need a 'Bottom Cover' (Under Cover)?

If you tow your boat, a bottom cover is essential. It protects the hull from stone chips, road grime, and oil kicked up by your car wheels. Gorilla bottom covers are heavily padded to provide a cushion between the hull and the trailer supports, preventing stress cracks during transport.

6. How do I prevent water pooling on my top cover?

Water pooling can stretch the fabric and cause leaks.

  • Mast up: The boom holds the cover up, creating a "tent" shape that naturally sheds water.
  • Mast down: You should prop the cover up. Place your top mast section inside the boat (on the deck) or use a cover support pole to create a ridge. Gorilla covers are cut to allow for this elevation.

7. Does the Gorilla foil bag fit the new carbon tillers?

Yes. Gorilla foil bags are generously sized. They have separate padded compartments for the daggerboard and rudder blade to stop them scratching each other, and the main pocket is long enough to accommodate standard aluminum tillers as well as modern low-profile carbon tillers and extensions.

Care & Lifespan

8. How do I wash my Gorilla cover?

Over time, bird droppings and green algae can accumulate. Wash the cover with warm water and a soft brush. You can use a mild soap, but avoid harsh chemical detergents or bleach, as these can strip the waterproofing and UV coating. Let it dry completely before folding it away.

9. My cover is leaking slightly after a few years. Is it ruined?

Not necessarily. All breathable fabrics will eventually lose some water repellency as the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating wears off. You can rejuvenate a Gorilla cover by cleaning it and applying a tent or canvas reproofing spray (like Fabsil). This restores the "beading" effect without affecting the breathability.

10. How do I secure the cover if I don't have under-hull straps?

Standard Gorilla covers come with quick-release buckles and straps. If you have an older model or prefer a drawstring, there is usually a hem cord. However, for high winds or dinghy parks exposed to the elements, we strongly recommend using the straps. If a strap breaks, we stock spare webbing and buckles to repair it immediately.