Charles McLaurin wrote:
I just moved from Virginia where my glider was stored
inside a hangar to El Paso, Texas. For the time being,
I will have to store it in my enclosed trailer outside.
I own a fiberglass Concept70 with metal flaps. Any
of you desert flyers have any tips, warnings, suggestions
about storage.
Charlie mcLaurin
I know that the material used in most canopies is hygroscopic which is
one reason they tend to warp when a glider is moved from a dryer
climate to a more humid one. In fact, when I purchased a Ventus which
had spent most of its time in a dry climate and moved it to southern
Florida, it was not long (a few weeks) before I had to have assistance
closing the canopy before each flight. In addition, I have heard that
gelcoat is also hygroscopic and tends to absorb moisture which is one
reason gliders get heavier over time in humid climates.
I'm curious if anyone has advice on moving from a humid climate to a
dry one on the impact, if any, to a glider. I myself will be moving
next year to a dryer climate and I will be bringing my glider with me.
As to the post above, the one piece of advice I have consistently heard
is that fiberglass trailers do not block all the UV, therefore it is
prudent to coat the inside of the trailer with a UV blocking paint. Or
keep the glider in a hangar. A good solar vent is also cheap insurance
if you can reduce any potential condensation inside the trailer by
keeping the air moving.
Respectfully,