More help with boat cover support objects please!

H

hotkey

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I have a 16' 1993 Javelin Bass Boat. Low cost "generic" waterproof boat cover. But as noted in several posts I've searched/found in this forum and others, rain still accumulates and spots sag. So I'm looking for some specifics on what to do for support.

There is 1 pole seat in from and I have tried to use a wood pedestal in back but I still get sag spots mid-ship port side.

I've found many posts on the net about PVC but am not too sure how to configure that. I have no place to store a boat sized "framework".

Thanks for the help!
 
T

TyeeMan

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Re: More help with boat cover support objects please!

Remember that if you use any poles for support you WILL need to reinforce the point on the cover where the cover rests on the pole or it will poke through.
Something perhapse easier than that migh be to use fiberglass or wood bows that span or go across the boat, , the short way, not longitudinally. You can buy the bow brackets and probably the bows from West Marine (I'm sure other marine places as well) the brackets install with two screws each, , one bracket on each side of the boat. You then cut the bow to fit, cut it so you have a about a 1 foot raise in teh bow. 2 for sure, maybe 3 bows for your size boat. I've use these before and it works really well, even for trailering.
 
H

hotkey

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Re: More help with boat cover support objects please!

TyeeMan said:
Remember that if you use any poles for support you WILL need to reinforce the point on the cover where the cover rests on the pole or it will poke through.
Something perhapse easier than that migh be to use fiberglass or wood bows that span or go across the boat, , the short way, not longitudinally. You can buy the bow brackets and probably the bows from West Marine (I'm sure other marine places as well) the brackets install with two screws each, , one bracket on each side of the boat. You then cut the bow to fit, cut it so you have a about a 1 foot raise in teh bow. 2 for sure, maybe 3 bows for your size boat. I've use these before and it works really well, even for trailering.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the input. If I look at the product in above link, it comes with a triangular shaped "top" that looks like it would spread the stress. You still think that would poke thru?
 
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TyeeMan

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Re: More help with boat cover support objects please!

You might be alright with that. I wouldn't trailer with that set up though, not enough support for the cover once you get up to hi way speed.
 
H

hotkey

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Re: More help with boat cover support objects please!

TyeeMan said:
You might be alright with that. I wouldn't trailer with that set up though, not enough support for the cover once you get up to hi way speed.
Click to expand...

I'm a total boat noob (in case you couldnt tell!). My thoughts would be to travel without the cover to and from fishery. Cover goes on when parked at home. Anything WAY WRONG with that strategy?? Thanks again.
 
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TyeeMan

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Re: More help with boat cover support objects please!

Nope, it's all in your preference. All I'll say is this, I have a custom cover that fits very well and I always trailer with it. A-I dont' have to take everything out of the boat so it doesnt' blow away, and probably more important B-it pulls WAAAYYYY better. It's like a night and day difference, at least with my Lund Tyee. If you want to trailer with a cover you should have good fitting cover, lots of tie downs and keep it tight.
 
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robert graham

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Re: More help with boat cover support objects please!

I've heard of folks just putting a few old car or truck innertubes in the boat to support the tarp or cover...seems like a decent idea!
 
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Utahboatnut

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Re: More help with boat cover support objects please!

I framed up two mini walls if you will that have worked well for over 4 years now, top plate bottom plate and end studs. I put the cover on pulled it tight and took measurements under the cover with a flash light. One goes from windshield to transom, the other is in the open bow area. Screwer everything togather so its a breeze to take apart and store during the season. I live in utah and have had well over a foot of snow sitting on the boat with no sag at all..
 
H

hotkey

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Re: More help with boat cover support objects please!

Utahboatnut said:
I framed up two mini walls if you will that have worked well for over 4 years now, top plate bottom plate and end studs. I put the cover on pulled it tight and took measurements under the cover with a flash light. One goes from windshield to transom, the other is in the open bow area. Screwer everything togather so its a breeze to take apart and store during the season. I live in utah and have had well over a foot of snow sitting on the boat with no sag at all..
Click to expand...

I'm looking for an in season quick on off solution. I may look at your for winter tho thanks.
 
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jopes

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H

hotkey

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Re: More help with boat cover support objects please!

jopes said:
you can get similar ones on iboats with cheaper shipping that that link.

I got one like the link, today is the first day it has rained since I put it on the boat, I have to come up with something for the bow, I have a trolling motor there so I the cover does not fit perfectly.
Click to expand...

I'm confused now! Are you saying this design didn't work???
 
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jopes

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Re: More help with boat cover support objects please!

hotkey said:
I'm confused now! Are you saying this design didn't work???
Click to expand...

Every boat is different, I have a 1988 Maxum 2000sr, The center support pole needs to be about 1-2 ft taller than it is currently. But because of the way I have the cover up front and the electric trolling motor I have a low spot which collects water.

I can say with 2 people taking the top off and putting it back on is WAY faster than the previous method with using 3 center support poles.
 
A

americaneagler77

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Re: More help with boat cover support objects please!

hotkey said:
I'm confused now! Are you saying this design didn't work???
Click to expand...

ive used it on 3 boats, after some adjusting of the cover and straps, it always worked. except the one time it snowed in october it tore the cover, but that wasnt supposed to happen lol
 
ezmobee

ezmobee

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Mar 26, 2007
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Re: More help with boat cover support objects please!

hotkey said:
I'm confused now! Are you saying this design didn't work???
Click to expand...

I have had two of these and they work ok. One had a triangle piece like the one shown there on ebay, and the other had a thinner rectangle piece which broke on me. So get a triangle one. Actually I think your best bet is to buy two of those systems so you have two poles, one for front and one for back. You only need one set of straps though.
 
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flippee

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May 13, 2011
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Re: More help with boat cover support objects please!

hotkey i took 1 1/2 pcv and slid over my seat poles about 18" high with elbows and put 2 5' pieces with a sleeve because i have 10' between the poles and made a pup tent looking frame cover fits good and no sags all for about $12........
 
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jopes

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Re: More help with boat cover support objects please!

Now PVC sounds like a good idea. I may have to look into this since it is so cheap and light.
 
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