Tarp covers

[Larryrsf]

My old Wellcraft V20 has snap studs everywhere. They are every few inches across the top of the windshield and down along the sides nearly to the transom. The distance across the boat varies continuously from windshield to transom and the snap locations seem to be rather random. So a correctly fit tight canvas cover for my particular boat will need to be custom-built. So I plan to make a template cover from cheap poly. I started with a blue poly tarp that is far too large. I cut a piece 88" by 150" from the top right corner. That gave me two good edges. I will fit the left side and bottom to the boat with several inches to spare on both width and length. I will fold a few inches under to make a good edge. And then I will install the snaps one at a time starting in the top right corner, then across the windshield and down the starboard side, then down the port side and then the bottom.

I discovered Tarp Tape to hold the folded edge. It holds that poly stuff perfectly, almost impossible to remove it. You can get it at Home Depot.

And then I started on the snaps. My boat has the large "Line 24" studs and needs the corresponding female snap. First I removed one from my boat and learned which female snap works in a West Marine store. But I didn't buy their snaps! I tried to find them elsewhere and got educated about snaps by an eBay supplier. Jim Watt of Northwest Tarp and Canvas is an expert on tarps, snaps, and how to build a custom tarp from various materials. He knows the ins and outs of barrel size and length for various materials. He knows about snap installation tools, etc. He will supply the necessary custom sewn canvas when I am ready to make a really good cover. This poly cover will be a good pattern for his shop. Since I can't sew canvas, I will send him the poly cover and he will return the finished canvas cover.

Larry