FAQ - ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS


How is composed a sailboat steering wheel leather cover kit?

 

Each Skinclò steering wheel cover kit consists of a minimum of two strips (for wheels with a diameter of up to 90 cm) in genuine full-grain calfskin pre-cut t size and pre-drilled. The strong line is made of polyester cord waxed by hand. The kit comes with two curved saddle needles, double-sided tape specific for leather goods to fix the leather on the bow of the wheel. You’ll find also simple and clear assembly instructions for anyone who tries in this work. The protective natural grease (specific for smooth tanned leathers), or waterproofing spray (only for suede leathers) for manteinance practice is included in the kit.

 

 

 

Are there assembly instructions?

 

The Skinclò sailboat steering wheel cover kit includes simple and clear assembly instructions for anyone who wants to sew their own cover by themselves. We recommend you to remove the wheel from the boat and work comfortably on a table, or with the aid of a common bike stand.

 

 

 

How long does it take to install a sailboat steering wheel leather cover?

 

The time it takes to sew the pre-drilled leather onto the entire wheel arch, is between  4 and 8 hours for wheels with an average diameter of 90 cm. This also depends on the type of stitching you want to make (single needle or two needles). Patience is all that you needed. The work is not difficult to do, thanks to the simple instructions provided in the kit. The times increase for larger sizes (wheel diameter) and for those who intend to cover the spokes (we suggest 10 cm for each spoke).

 

 

 

Is the cover made of real genuine leather?

 

Skinclò selects only top quality calf leather tanned with vegetable (Tuscan cowhide) or chrome (fine Tuscan and Venetian leathers) treated against the elements and subjected to repeated manual greasing. These smooth tanned leathers allow the covers to last many years and to be maintained periodically, without losing its initial charm and strength. The Skinclò leather  is a genuine full-grain calf leather of the highest Italian quality, either smooth tanned or suede. Skinclò DOES NOT USE LEATHER CRUST OR SYNTHETIC LEATHER.

 

 

 

What kind of leather and what colours do you have at your disposal?

 

Skinclò quality is always first grain calfskin. Skinclò selects only top quality calf leather tanned with vegetable (Tuscan cowhide) or chrome (fine Tuscan and Venetian leathers) treated against the elements and subjected to repeated manual greasing. These smooth tanned leathers allow the covers to last many years and to be maintained periodically, without losing its initial charm and strength. There are many colors available, in combination with any color of blanket, or other coatings on board. The color card available in our website www.skincloshop.it and www.skinclo.it shows 18 different shades, but on request we can find all types of leather and color.

 

 

 

 What’s the difference between suede and smooth tanned leather?

 

Usually on the market are sold plastic covers (sky and synthetic leathers), Lorica (synthetic fibers immersed in polyurethane simulating suede leather) or split leather (leather is of poor quality and durability). Skinclò selects only top quality calf leather tanned with vegetable (Tuscan cowhide) or chrome (fine Tuscan and Venetian leathers) treated against the elements and subjected to repeated manual greasing. These smooth tanned leathers allow the covers to last many years and to be maintained periodically, without losing its initial charm and strength. If you want leather from the suede side, you can request a kit in calfskin upside down (suede). The suede side cannot be greased but must be treated only with specific water-repellent protective sprays such as COLLONIL CARBON PRO, FAMACO or PRESTIGE.

 

 

 

Does a suede or smooth tanned coating last longer?

 

A smooth tanned coating maintains a fair amount of softness to the touch and can be protected with grease and/or water-repellent sprays to last longer. Skinclò selects only top quality calf leather tanned with vegetable or chrome (fine Tuscan and Veneto leathers) treated against the elements and subjected to repeated manual greasing. A suede leather upholstery (full grain inverted calfskin and not crust) usually has a longer life and greater resistance to shocks. The leather may tend to harden over time but can be protected with the latest generation of sprays (with nanotechnology) that offer greater protection against water, salt, dirt. Our advice is to maintain and protect the sailboat wheel with a well ventilated waterproof cap that avoids water stagnation and mold.

 

 

 

 What colour and quality would you recommend?

 

Smooth or suede? Just a matter of taste. The quality we recommend is the natural Italian full-grain leather that we use exclusively, without compromise. It comes from the best tanneries and is used by the most prestigious fashion brands: its durability and the possibility of being protected periodically with specific products make it a unique product. For the colour we recommend a white, or grey, or sand/beige, or mustard, or dark colours such as navy blue or night blue, or a deep black that go well with the hull, the sails, the teak deck.

 

 

 

Do you also have kits to cover the spokes of my sailboat steering wheel?

 

Skinclò makes custom kits to cover every part of the boat, on the measures provided by the Customer. To receive a tailor-made spokes coating kit, you simply need to take the spoke measurements, according to the indications provided (if conical, it measures the spoke diameter at the attack with the wheel tube and 10 cm away from the attack). If cylindrical, please measure the spoke diameter at any point.

 

 

 

Do you offer the mounting service?

 

Skinclò offers a quick installation service, carried out by specialised master craftsmen. The service is very fast and the leather is guaranteed for 5 years. Skinclò is always available for repairs and interventions in case of tears on the skin or accidental scratches. The sailboat steering wheels can be shipped from all over Europe to our address in Rome, via Guido d'Arezzo 28 with express courier. Up to 120 cm in diameter wheels the cost of a round trip shipping is usually between 25 and 40 euros depending on the carrier.

 

 

 

 My boat is far from Rome how can I get you my sailboat steering  wheel?

 

The sailboat steering wheels can be sent to the registered office of our company in Rome, Via Guido D'Arezzo 28, from Monday to Friday. We also recommend the website www.spediamo.it for an example and a quick estimate of the costs of collection and shipping. You will need only to pack the wheels and contact your courier who will deliver them to our address. You can request some tips or suggestions at 0039 334 88 16 593 or at the email info@skinclo.it

 

 

 

Do you also cover other parts of the boat?

 

Skinclò manufactures custom-made hand-stitched covers for each part of the boat. Our covers are made of full-grain calfskin on the outside, a core of soft and resistant anti-impact neoprene on the inside. Unlike other manufacturers, we do not use any sewing machines, nor do we use non calfskin leather, which is less valuable, less resistant and less reliable.

 

 

 

 I have found other sailboat steering wheel cover kits online. Are they of better quality?

 

That we know every other kit on the market does not specify exactly the quality of the product, generally proposing as "leather wheel cover kit". After having made online purchases from the most famous manufacturers, we have verified that the offer of the kits goes from the leather to the lorica, to the leather crust and external plastic film coupled, up to the suede crust. In many cases neither the leather nor the cord are of the highest quality. A wide range of colours is not usually offered. The quality of the finish is not important and the price often exceeds our offers. Skinclò offers you the possibility to choose your own leather wheel cover from a wide range of colours, even by sending reference samples to your home. Skinclò is the only Italian company specializing in wheel covers and offers the best value for money with the guarantee of quality work, aesthetically impeccable!

 

 

 

Skinclò. Specialised Master Craftsmen