92 V20 Cuddy Update

[peiserma]

Originally Posted by duckdive101

Love the boat so far. Working on a PVC winter cover support. Bought one of the oval pool tarps, will hopefully see how it fits tomorrow.

I too just bought an oval pool cover. But I built my winter frame using EMT conduit and kover klamps. A bit pricey compared to pvc, but should last the next decade. Will try to get some pics this weekend.

[bradford]

Sounds good Duck. Keep us posted. I hate previous owners who use blatantly wrong hardware and methods when doing it right wouldn't even cost them extra. The lexan wind sheild on my Carolina Skiff was put on with expandable sheet rock anchors.

[Destroyer]

Originally Posted by peiserma

I too just bought an oval pool cover. But I built my winter frame using EMT conduit and kover klamps. A bit pricey compared to pvc, but should last the next decade. Will try to get some pics this weekend.

Glad you guys are using the oval pool cover trick. Way cheaper and much stronger than the flimsy tarps they sell at Harbor Freight or Home Depot or Lowes.

I've used basically the same set up for over 5 years now and it works great. Used a Hicky to bend the 1 1/4" heavy wall pipe to a nice curve for up at the bow and over the windshield. For strength I cut 6" pieces of the next size down and inserted them at the joints... much stronger than using couplers and no projections to puncture the pool cover.

I don't recommend PVC because it gets brittle in sub-freezing weather. Add a few hundred pounds of wet snow on top of the cover and it will snap 2" PVC right at the joints like they are matchsticks. (Ask me how I know) Since I switched to metal pipe I've had zero problems with my boat cover.

Just remember that no matter how you cover your boat, MAKE SURE you leave all hatches and and the cabin door open. Otherwise moisture will collect under your deck and start rotting out your deck and stringers. Keep your boat well ventilated and you'll avoid a lot of trouble going forward.

[reelapeelin]

An easy tarp support can be made of 2x4s in a "spine" from the top center of the windshield to the top of the motor...then a second 2x4 from just beside the first one on top of the windshield to the bow rail. A stiff leg under the bow rail will give it the support it needs. Padding in appropriate places: top of the motor, top of the windshield and where ever you feel it's needed. I've used this system for years and works well, w/easy tear down a big plus when time to splash...

If you don't like the idea of the top of the motor for support, an "A" frame from the transom should be easy enough to configure...

[Destroyer]

Originally Posted by reelapeelin

An easy tarp support can be made of 2x4s in a "spine" from the top center of the windshield to the top of the motor...then a second 2x4 from just beside the first one on top of the windshield to the bow rail. A stiff leg under the bow rail will give it the support it needs. Padding in appropriate places: top of the motor, top of the windshield and where ever you feel it's needed. I've used this system for years and works well, w/easy tear down a big plus when time to splash...

If you don't like the idea of the top of the motor for support, an "A" frame from the transom should be easy enough to configure...

Reels comment reminded me of another trick someone recommended here a while back. Get a few "Pool Noodle" floats from the local dollar store. (The kind with the hole down the center) Make a cut lengthwise down the entire length and snap them over the top of your windshield to both protect your windshield and protect your tarp from the sharp corners that will tear your tarp under stress. Your boat & your tarp will thank you for the padding.

[duckdive101]

Originally Posted by Destroyer

Reels comment reminded me of another trick someone recommended here a while back. Get a few "Pool Noodle" floats from the local dollar store. (The kind with the hole down the center) Make a cut lengthwise down the entire length and snap them over the top of your windshield to both protect your windshield and protect your tarp from the sharp corners that will tear your tarp under stress. Your boat & your tarp will thank you for the padding.

That's a good idea. I just put on 3/4" (I think) host insulation from Home Depot on the windshield. A swim noodle would probably work better.

[cfelton]

That noodle is a good idea! I've been using a foot long piece of 3/4 in. heater hose split on each side of the windshield for years. It works well too.

[reelapeelin]

Originally Posted by cfelton

That noodle is a good idea! I've been using a foot long piece of 3/4 in. heater hose split on each side of the windshield for years. It works well too.

I used some of the flexible downspout pipe for the same purpose w/good result...cut one slice lengthwise and fit it over the top edge, turning the corners at the side windows...