boat covers

phester · #1 05-13-2006, 10:24 PM

ok, I scratched the large "portable garage" idea and will probably just get a quality full cover.I've recall a previous post on the subject about some covers , but I can't find it. Anybody got some good input on a good cover?.... bear in mind that it will be my winter cover as well

willy · #2 05-13-2006, 10:36 PM

Phes the only thing I can tell you is that you are better off buying a good large tarp every three years or so and building a pvc frame to put in the boat to keep it tented up. Thats what I am going to do this winter. I jury rigged that this past winter and it worked great but I need a pvc pipe frame to do it right. The covers last about as long as the tarps and cost three or four times as much.

reelapeelin · #3 05-14-2006, 09:32 AM

Willy, rather than all expense and trouble w/ a PVC frame, try this... a single 2 x 4 long enough to run from windshield to motor...on windshield end, screw an "L" bracket to the 1 1/2'' side of the 2 x4 so that the end of the "L" is parallel w/ the end of 2 x 4....that's your "hook'' to hang over the windshield...on the motor-end, cut a long angle so it rests on the motor (piece of carpet under this end)...w/ one piece (easy on/ easy off) you've formed a "backbone" that'll support your tarp thru ANY weather...made one YEARS ago and works GREAT...I pad across the top of the windshield B4 tarping, too ;) ;D...hope you like, cause it's SO easy... 8)...

phester · #4 05-14-2006, 10:08 AM

willy, I am just trying to stay away from the whole "building" thing,if I were to go that route I'd just get one of the portable garages that I "almost" bought[14x24x10],rather than build something of similar size.RAP, that is sorta what I do for the winter storage. I run a "ridge" about 2ft. behind the motor and 2ft. beyond the bow..., supports,crossbracing and padding etc. and tarp her up nice and tight. It's a project....but it works well. Just want a durable,easy on/off bow to stern cover,and I will, still, do my usual set-up for the winter time.

willy · #5 05-14-2006, 12:48 PM

Yea thats what I do know Oz but I don't like putting the heavy snow load we get in storms 4-5 times a year here on the windshield frame. So I'm making a pvc framed piece that will do the same thing but spread the load on the floor instead.
And I have two neighbors that have gone the way of the portable garage thing here, paid a lot of money for themand they lasted a couple of years before needing new material on them. One of them collapsed in a snow storm and bent the metal frame, was supposed to be for the winter and snow but of course off warranty when it caved.
No a simple frame and a tarp will do. I get the heavy brown pvc tarps from local mega mart plenty big enough for 50 bucks. The one I got now has lasted three seasons and it looks like I will get another year at least out of it ;)

phester · #6 05-14-2006, 03:08 PM

I post the "ridge" just forward of the outboard, just in front of the cuddy door and then again just behind the bow light. The ridge itself is a good 30"-36" above the windshield. It does not shed snow as well as I would like, otherwise the ridge would have to be about 4'-5' above glass for more pitch. And yes willy, everything is posted down to the floor except the bow area.

reelapeelin · #7 05-14-2006, 04:37 PM

I guess we don't get the snow loads here that ya'll get, so never been a prob...wish I could just build a GARAGE and be DONE w/ it...just out cleanin' the clear vinyl (Eisenglass) on the top in preparation for top-level pow-wow w/ labii in June...had some mildew on the clear stuff :P ...boats just need their own storage buildings, conc floor and all.... ;) 8) ...

phester · #8 05-14-2006, 04:52 PM

that would be the way to go RAP, a concrete floored garage for the boat ONLY.....20x30x12, thats the ticket ;)

macojoe · #9 05-14-2006, 09:59 PM

This winter was light as far as snow goes, But last year we had 2 to 3 feet at any given time on the tarps!!
Had to shovel the boat all winter just to keep the weight off.

I like to just be able to build a nice free standing Car port. I had one at my old house and it was the balls!!

No snow, leafs, whirly birds, bird $hit, ect ect Just back up and go!!
Thise were the days!! >:(

chumbucket · #10 05-15-2006, 03:27 AM

I saw a good tip in SWS magazine (I believe) that suggested using those foam "noodles" the kids use in swimming pools to pad the top of your windshields with. Just slice them on one side lengthwise and slip them over the top of the frame. Cheap too. ;)