Tarp frame suggestions?

[garbageguy]

I have searched, but cannot find, suggestions for the design of a frame for a tarp to cover a 17 ft bowrider on a trailer for a Buffalo, NY winter. The boat has its regular canvas cover, just need something to keep more of the elements out, snow load off. I've seen mostly PVC, but would like to see what other have done for a wood frame. Pics are the best. I do like to design stuff like this, but would appreciate others experience.

 

[fhhuber]

Simplest...

a pair of lawn chairs and a ridge pole. Bungee the lawn chairs to the deck fore and aft, then add a pole bungee'd on top of the chairs. A couple of towels duct taped to wrap the ends of the pole so it doesn't poke through the tarp.

Then bungees/ropes/straps to pull the tarp tight.

I've been running essentially this method on a bass boat, using the raised seats (convenient since they have secure mounts) and a manufactured boat cover.

I started out using a PVC pipe as the ridge pole.. over a few months it developed quite a curve (Texas summer sun it gets hot in there) Eventually I got a 1 1/2 inch square steel tube.


********************

I'm finding 2 issues with tarpping/covering the boat...
Water still gets in no matter what you do. (or you just trap moisture in the boat if you cover it before its completely dry)
The cover encloses the gas tank vents trapping the fumes in the boat.

Both of these indicate a need for ventilation...

I'm looking into making a cover from sections of coroplast sign board which should let me leave controlled ventilation but still keep the sun and majority of rain out.

 

[roscoe]

No Title

Simplest...

a pair of lawn chairs and a ridge pole. Bungee the lawn chairs to the deck fore and aft, then add a pole bungee'd on top of the chairs. A couple of towels duct taped to wrap the ends of the pole so it doesn't poke through the tarp.

Then bungees/ropes/straps to pull the tarp tight.

I've been running essentially this method on a bass boat, using the raised seats (convenient since they have secure mounts) and a manufactured boat cover.

I started out using a PVC pipe as the ridge pole.. over a few months it developed quite a curve (Texas summer sun it gets hot in there) Eventually I got a 1 1/2 inch square steel tube.


********************

I'm finding 2 issues with tarpping/covering the boat...
Water still gets in no matter what you do. (or you just trap moisture in the boat if you cover it before its completely dry)
The cover encloses the gas tank vents trapping the fumes in the boat.

Both of these indicate a need for ventilation...

I'm looking into making a cover from sections of coroplast sign board which should let me leave controlled ventilation but still keep the sun and majority of rain out.

sorry huber, not gonna work.

He did say Buffalo NY. He could be dealing with 2 to 10' of snow.

A few years ago, they got 7' of snow in one storm.

Here is a photo from a couple years ago.





Garbageguy, all I can suggest is to build an actual garage frame, then cover the rafters with tin sheeting.

If you build some sort of wood frame lean-to, buy one of these pond liner tarps to cover it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/20-x-20-Vin...er-Hay-Boat-/231615960859?hash=item35ed63171b

 

[gm280]

Good solid metal poles are available in nearly any Home improvement type store like Lowes and HD. Chain link fencing top rail poles come in 10' and 20' sections and are not going to warp from heat or get brittle from the bitter cold. And supported with either more fence top rail poles, or an "A" frame setup made out of 2 x 4's or whatever you like, it will take the snow load well if the angel is steep enough. JMHO!

 

[airshot]

Build a frame that is supported by the ground rather than your boat hull due to weight of snow. Pvc will work with a steel pipe for the main beam. Look in your area for a company that makes semi-truck tarps and have them make a tarp for your frame. I had them make a tarp for an atv trailer many years back and and they are extremely strong, the cost was quite reasonable. Just a tent type cover and have the ability to close the ends. Most of the costs associated with tarps is stitching and custom fitting. A simple tent style loaded with grommets around the edges should not be that expensive and last for many years. Far heavier thananything you can buy in a store. Mine was made in 2000 and still looks great and will hold up to most anything. Mine went thru a tornado that struck our home and area about 7 years ago.

 

[garbageguy]

Thanks for the input. Yes roscoe, we do get some snow from time to time. How did you get the pic of my house?

This 2000 Starcraft glasser has been a great family boat and has been well cared for and stored inside since new, but it may be destined for sale in the spring, and we just needed a one-season outside storage plan (new to us Mastercraft is in the garage up at camp now). For completeness, here's a couple pics of what we ended up doing for the Starcraft. Our objective was to keep the snow load off the boat and its newer custom-made mooring cover.

We picked up a 50x20 ft tarp ($60) at HF, draped it over a line strung between 2 trees, secured it, and went home to enjoy New Year's dinner. A plastic garbage can with a notch cut out from it (leftover from a pump project) is what you see covering the outdrive. We'll check on it occasionally, and see how it does. If anyone is interested, I can post updates on how this goes.

 

[Grandad]

I've stored my 21' Starcraft under canvas next to our home south east of Georgian Bay/Lake Huron where we occasionally get lake effect snow dumps comparable with Buffalo. I started about 15 years ago with a ShelterLogic metal framed unit that was a little short at 20'. It lasted several years as long as I kept the snow from accumulating by getting into the boat and thrusting upward against the top with a broom. Didn't get it off soon enough one year causing the pipe framing to fold and collapse into a vee, funneling the snowload into the boat. Cleaning that out was a terrible job working amongst the bent framework and slippery and torn tarp. No way could I effectively use a shovel for fear of damaging the boat.

I replaced with an identical unit that gave enough spare tubing and fittings to add another 7' to the length and extended the tarp with some new material. Since then, I've replaced the tarp a couple of times using heavy duty (silver colored) tarping. My experience has taught me that you must keep an eye on it. Freezing rain, then snow will cause an unusual amount of snow to stick to even vertical surfaces, adding weight and sagging the top where more snow can gather. I don't advise having a boat itself tarped under a shelter. Apart from lack of ventilation, you can't get on top of the boat under the shelter to push snowload off. - Grandad

 

[oldboat1]

Not too far from you, but a little out of the snow belt -- in a good year. I gave up on frames after a couple of years. I now simply lay plywood over the top for the snow load, and a heavy duty tarp wrapped and tied down over that, around the hull. A few drywall screws holding the sheets together. Trailer tipped to drain, with plug out. It has worked well for me (can trim the plywood to approximate the hull shape -- and to take off sharp edges that might puncture the tarp.)

 

[signalstan]

here is a link to a site that sells canopy frames and kits http://www.creativeshelters.com/

 

[Woodonglass]

Check this out...http://forums.iboats.com/forum/boat...replacing-the-old-470?p=10095362#post10095362

Very similar to how I did mine. I use 1" pvc with 2 Poles inside the Boat and it has never failed. Shed's the snow and Rain just fine. Didn't Glue my joints so it's easy to knock down and store in the off season.

 

[gm280]

Check this out...http://forums.iboats.com/forum/boat...replacing-the-old-470?p=10095362#post10095362

Very similar to how I did mine. I use 1" pvc with 2 Poles inside the Boat and it has never failed. Shed's the snow and Rain just fine. Didn't Glue my joints so it's easy to knock down and store in the off season.

WOG, that link shows a nice framed setup. I think he should have lowered it some to keep rain/snow from blowing in the sides. But other then that, nice!

You stated that you use PCV without glue. Even without glue some times those PVC joints are stubborn to get apart again. But it is a great idea all the same. :thumb:

 

[keninaz]

I made mine out of 1" PVC. Cheap to make too. I made mine for the 14' aluminum boat that we have. I just made some Tees along the bottom for the thing to sit on and measured high enough to give the cover good drainage and then put 4 tees at the top too to the edge of the boat. The 1" will bend down making a nice slope for drainage too. This arrangement is light enough for one person to move in and out of position for use too.
Tried a lot of other methods over the years and I honestly wish I had thought of this one a lot earlier in life.

 

[roscoe]

Thanks for the input. Yes roscoe, we do get some snow from time to time. How did you get the pic of my house?

This 2000 Starcraft glasser has been a great family boat and has been well cared for and stored inside since new, but it may be destined for sale in the spring, and we just needed a one-season outside storage plan (new to us Mastercraft is in the garage up at camp now). For completeness, here's a couple pics of what we ended up doing for the Starcraft. Our objective was to keep the snow load off the boat and its newer custom-made mooring cover.

We picked up a 50x20 ft tarp ($60) at HF, draped it over a line strung between 2 trees, secured it, and went home to enjoy New Year's dinner. A plastic garbage can with a notch cut out from it (leftover from a pump project) is what you see covering the outdrive. We'll check on it occasionally, and see how it does. If anyone is interested, I can post updates on how this goes.

That will work fine. Thumbs up on keeping the budget down.

Have done similar.

I have small 1/2 acre pine plantation with rows of mature pines planted 10' apart.
Used a rope to make the ridge, then tied out to the row of trees on either side, A frame style.
Keeps the snow, pine sap, and needles off.
Only difference is I kept it open so I can access and use my 2 utility trailers throughout the winter if need be.
And I used a pond liner for the tarp, should last 50 years.

Or you can use old (used) billboard tarps. These are very heavy duty, and are available in any size, here:


https://billboardtarps.com/product-category/new-vinyl/new-vinyl-20-oz/

 

[NHGuy]

Yup, you made the ridge angle sharp enough that snow will slide off.
I did a steep angle tent/shed from 2" pvc. it's about 6.5 feet above my deck on an 8 foot wide hull.
That tree trick will do you fine. But attach the tarp peak to the trees too, so it can't slide to the center and bunch.

 

[garbageguy]

Thanks everyone for their input. Glad to hear I may have done this OK. NH, I did attach the tarp peak to the trees also. We finally got a few inches today, hopefully more soon.

 

[airshot]

Check this out...http://forums.iboats.com/forum/boat...replacing-the-old-470?p=10095362#post10095362

Very similar to how I did mine. I use 1" pvc with 2 Poles inside the Boat and it has never failed. Shed's the snow and Rain just fine. Didn't Glue my joints so it's easy to knock down and store in the off season.

I never glue my frames either, after assembly I just run a sheet metal screw thru the joint and it will not come apart..yet remove the screw and easy to disassemble.
I did have some joint loosen during a wind one time but the screw solved that problem. If a semi truck tarp material is used you will probably never have to worry about worn spots or tearing at any corner..that stuff is super tough.

 

[Woodonglass]

That will work fine. Thumbs up on keeping the budget down.

Have done similar.

I have small 1/2 acre pine plantation with rows of mature pines planted 10' apart.
Used a rope to make the ridge, then tied out to the row of trees on either side, A frame style.
Keeps the snow, pine sap, and needles off.
Only difference is I kept it open so I can access and use my 2 utility trailers throughout the winter if need be.
And I used a pond liner for the tarp, should last 50 years.

Or you can use old (used) billboard tarps. These are very heavy duty, and are available in any size, here:


https://billboardtarps.com/product-category/new-vinyl/new-vinyl-20-oz/

Yeah, I tried the billboard tarps!!! They didn't hold up as well as I would have liked. They weren't as waterproof as I thought they would have been and seem to Crack and peel fairly quickly. I actually used one to cover my patio with and it didn't last but about on season. I've since changed to a sunbrella type fabric and it's working mucho Bettero!!!! For the Boat I use T's and Form Triangle forms to keep the shape. I'll take some pics this spring when I take it all apart.

 

[garbageguy]

update: just pulled it out the other day - it worked just fine through this past Western New York winter