Re: Tarp supports for outside winter storage
I use 1/2 inch thinwall conduit - about a buck and a half for ten feet at any hardware or electrical supply store. I bend it with a conduit bender, bolt and spot weld the joints, and add whatever types of fitting needed on the ends. A little electrical tape softens the impact on the cover at any stress points.
The stuff is galvanized steel - it's light and easy to put in or remove. And you can make softly rounded curves to limit stress points on the cover/tarp. In fact, you can make almost any shape you want. And at a buck and a half each, trial and error is not too painful.
I used my original set in my old outboard for over thirty years and when I sold it the supports were still clean, solid and functional.
In the attached pics, I used rubber covered hooks to fit over the windshield frame. On my prior boat, the supports were free-standing and I used furniture glides to protect the flooring. I've also used crutch-tips on the ends of free-standing pieces. (Sorry I couldn't include the best photos -- too large file sizes; won't upload.)
If you need more info., leave me a P.M. I'll try to remember to check it...!