Association Forum

Assn Members Area · Join

Home.

Association Forum

Ships Store

Cruising

Racing

Technical Tips

Photo Gallery - New

Boat Search - Updated

Manuals & Brochures

Swap Meet

Links

Officer Flag Line & Staff

Bylaws & Constitution

Members Area

Join the Association

Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.

Association Forum

Username:	Password:
Save Password
Forgot your Password?

All Forums

Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Tarps

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Author

Topic

britinusa
Web Editor

Member Avatar

USA
5404 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/15/2011 : 06:13:53

We're on our 2nd Tarp this year, typically we go through 2 or 3 a year at $50+ each

Looking through the defender site I found [url="http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|5948|296194|296195|323497&id=41595"]Defender "Bulletproof" Canvas Tarp[/url] costs $300 plus shipping (weighs 70lbs)

That works out to about 3 years of walmart/harbor freight tarps. On the plus side is that we won't get the silver/blue sprinkle all over the top of the boat.

They suggest it should be used with a frame.

Anyone using something like this?

Paul

Joint Decision. (Sold)
PO C250WB 2005 Sail # 841.

Moved up to C34 Eximius

Updated August 2015

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 05/15/2011 : 06:49:32

Paul, given your location and method of sailing (splash for cruises) have you considered a simple "boat-port"? No sides, just a frame with a roof. With your water ballast C250 the enclosure wouldn't have to be that high and could be just barely wider than the trailer. Might be the least costly option over time and certainly easier to use.

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

Members Avatar

USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 05/15/2011 : 06:53:26

I have used real canvas tarps on previous boats, but my current two season lifestyle has made them unnecessary. They are heavy, although this one is a slightly lighter fabric, and do need a support system to prevent pooling of standing water abrading the gelcoat, but they can easily last 10 - 15 years.

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

Members Avatar

USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 05/15/2011 : 07:01:11

Good point Randy. If I built a 'frame' then would not need to get the same size tarp as required when draping the tarp over the boom & bimini.

Thanks Dave, that longevity is what were looking for.

Of course, it would have to be easily dismantled / taken down when a big H threatens.

Any issues with the material and 'oiled' ??

Paul

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 05/15/2011 : 07:19:03

Paul, I was going one step further and suggesting a "rippled plastic material" (not sure what it is called but people use these to cover patios, etc.)roof that would be part of the structure. Your idea of using a tarp for the roof is a nice idea for ease-of-use. Without the tarp roof would it be a hurricane issue just to have a simple frame up?

Also, is the issue sun protection or rain protection? If it is sun how about the material that garden centers use to provide shade? It allows air to flow through and may be very long lasting and less subject to wind stress. Hey, how about camo netting from an Army/Navy surplus store? The stuff used in the hot desert should last.

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 05/15/2011 : 07:27:10

[url="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360358323877"]Black garden shade[/url]

[url="http://www.esportsonline.com/?sitemid=MTRDWS91&websrc=NE_MTRDWS91&zmam=1528679&zmas=1&zmac=4&zmap=MTRDWS91"]Green tennis court wind break[/url]

[url="http://www.camonetsusa.com/products/Desert-Camouflage-Netting.html"]Desert camo netting[/url]

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

Members Avatar

USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 05/15/2011 : 07:37:12

Randy, Outside the box thinking!
Tough call on the 'roof' materials.

Can't put up a permanent roof like the plastic panels.. would not only get blown away but potential to cause damage in high winds, plus (biggy) would need a permit most likely!

Protection: you would think that our boats are ok staying out in the sun, just keep them waxed and polished.. However, we are less than 200 yards from State Road 7 (US 441) and an Auto Body shop, so we get a lot of 'particulates' that leave marks on the boat if we don't wash them off regularly when the boat is uncovered. Similarly, the rain is potentially dirty from the road traffic. It seems a whole lot easier to get the boat clean when it has been covered.

The advantage of those 'shade' materials is also the reduction in heat. Even under a tarp the heat is not nice! When we work on the boat with the cover on, I stretch the tarp out to the fence and the house to cool the area down a lot.

Thinking of the Frame idea. The tarp would only need be 30'x15' which would provide a side cover of about 30"+ on each side allowing 10' for the top. That would be pretty neat.

We don't have a straight run from the road to the slip (parking spot

) but the boat does not turn much so I think I could get the boat in and out of the frame without having to dismantle it each time. Especially if I angle the posts out. The Bimini is normally down when I move the boat and the guide poles (which extend above the gunwhales) are easily removed. The Solar panel and TV antenna are also lowered prior to moves.

So I think the Frame concept would work for us. That would keep the canvas away from the boat, provide shade and keep the rain off. There might be other benefits too.

Paul

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

Members Avatar

USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 05/15/2011 : 07:44:04

Costco sells a tubular frame and material that might work for you. I think it sits too low for a WK, but you might be able to use with JD. You could also build feet for it that would make it higher if necessary.

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

Members Avatar

USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 05/15/2011 : 13:08:43

Paul, I was rating life for winter covering; the Florida sun may shorten a tarp's life considerably if it's cotton duck, but it will still be far more durable than blue plastic.

Edited by - on

redviking
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 05/18/2011 : 05:29:46

As cruisers, we face the same dilemma. What to do for a tarp. Covering the boat is almost a must do if you liveaboard. 9000 BTU's to keep one 39' boat cool enough in 85 degree temps.

Anyway, tarps... Canvas, and they do make a water repellant screened canvas, is the cruisers modification of choice for shade and rain resistance in hot southern climes. Typically, there is some sort of support structure.

I was tired of the Home Depot tarps that only retained heat, so I found WHITE tarps. http://www.tarpaflex.com/ Works much better and cheaper than the canvas option, although that is on the to do list. Have sewing machine, will sew. www.sailrite.com

sten

Edited by - redviking on 05/18/2011 06:02:12

redviking
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 05/18/2011 : 05:35:59

I also have one of these and used it on our C25 quite successfully.

sten

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 05/18/2011 : 06:22:25

Around here there is a company that is seling a rigid expandable frame that supports a tarp and sits on deck. While this still leaves you with the issues of finding a tarp material that lasts more than one season, the frame may give the tarp a greater degree of protection. Are you trailering with the tarp on?

Edited by - on

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

3477 Posts

Response Posted - 05/18/2011 : 07:14:42

Sten.. where did you buy the freebagoveryourhead?

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 05/18/2011 : 08:42:36

Paul,
Check these guys out: http://www.tarpsonline.com/white.asp
I had a 10x20 Shelter Logic canopy (on metal poles) over our C-22 and had to replace the tarp. Shelter Logic wanted too much, could have bought a whole new kit for what they were asking, so I went on line looking for a white tarp. From tarpsonline, which is Harpster of Phillipsburg, PA, I bought a heavy duty 12x20 white tarp for $36 that stretched over the frame and attached with bungees and rope, just no valance overhang. A 10x30 is also $36, and a 15x30 is $67.50. Might be worth checking out.

Just a thought here, and it is expensive, but do you park your boat next to a building that is high enough to install a SunSetter patio awning? When not in use, it rolls up next to the building it is attached to.
Maybe you could rig up something similar with a regular tarp.

Also, I've written previously about my boat cover project involving buying a powerboat cover on Ebay and converting it to a sailboat cover. The first one I did was less than $100 total cost and the current one cost me under $150. The trick is to find one with a good fabric and rope around the edge, not elastic, and tie down straps. Here are pics of the current one, it's a Malibu cover:

I had a canvas shop cut the hole for the mast and put a zipper to one side, square off the V front, and trim off about 6 ft. from the back.
I could also put it over the boom and tie off to the lifelines for a boom tent. The rope in the hem is a continuous line, at the bow I loop it over the bow cleats. At the stern, I had extra grommets installed and tie off to the jib cleats.

Edited by - dmpilc on 05/18/2011 08:56:28

redviking
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 05/18/2011 : 08:50:07

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by redeye
 Sten.. where did you buy the freebagoveryourhead?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Directly from Lars Sorbo the inventor. He is a famous Norwegian actor and a sailor. I liked his products so much, I almost bought the company.

Sten

Edited by - on

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

3477 Posts

Response Posted - 05/18/2011 : 09:01:43

Sten.. when you see him next time tell him I want one... I've used the design for photo reflectors for years. And I'll be on the lookout for the product at retailers.

Edited by - on

redviking
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 05/18/2011 : 11:29:03

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by redeye
 Sten.. when you see him next time tell him I want one... I've used the design for photo reflectors for years. And I'll be on the lookout for the product at retailers.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

send him an email or call him... nice guy....

http://www.freebag.no/english/contact.html

I'd buy the Freebag too. Nice product,,,

sten

Edited by - on

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

3477 Posts

Response Posted - 05/18/2011 : 12:18:08

Thanks Sten I e'd him.

Edited by - on

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
5418 Posts

Response Posted - 05/19/2011 : 19:03:06

I went to Defender about 4 years ago for a Sunbrella cabin-top tarp that covers the top, or can be draped over the boom, allowing me to use the pop top. Keeps the cabin cool on hot sunny days.

To order it, I measured the area (including the additional width to account for the angle for the tent) and asked Defender's canvas team to place grommets on all four corners and at the mid-points. They keep the tarp secure in the wind. The Sunbrella material still looks great. I scotch-guard it every year.

Edited by - on

glen
Captain

Members Avatar

359 Posts

Response Posted - 05/20/2011 : 12:12:22

"Also, I've written previously about my boat cover project involving buying a powerboat cover on Ebay and converting it to a sailboat cover. The first one I did was less than $100 total cost and the current one cost me under $150. The trick is to find one with a good fabric and rope around the edge, not elastic, and tie down straps. Here are pics of the current one, it's a Malibu cover:
[/quote]Our shop is in the Great Lakes but I have found this to be a good fabric. It has lasted for our winter cover for over 10 years now http://www.stamoidmarine.com/anglais/index.html

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 05/20/2011 : 15:24:26

Glen, How much would a C-25 winter cover from Stamoid Marine cost, going around the mast and over the entire boom, tying off to the lifelines, or around the mast on the deck, tying off to the stanchions?

Edited by - on

glen
Captain

Members Avatar

359 Posts

Response Posted - 05/23/2011 : 10:34:41

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by dmpilc
 Glen, How much would a C-25 winter cover from Stamoid Marine cost, going around the mast and over the entire boom, tying off to the lifelines, or around the mast on the deck, tying off to the stanchions?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Are you asking what a canvas shop might want or is this a project you may want to do your self

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 05/23/2011 : 13:28:59

I doubt that I have the skills to do it myself. Just curious.

Edited by - on

glen
Captain

Members Avatar

359 Posts

Response Posted - 05/26/2011 : 10:39:46

[quote]Originally posted by dmpilc
 Glen, How much would a C-25 winter cover from Stamoid Marine cost, going around the mast and over the entire boom, tying off to the lifelines, or around the mast on the deck, tying off to the stanchions?

[Depends on the size. I have a winter frame that allows me headroom when standing in the cockpit, if I crouch down I can access the fore-deck under the cover. The frame sits high enough that the cover doesn’t toutch the mast or the spreaders stored below it. It comes about a third of the way down the boat sides, and is long enough to completely cover the ends of the mast. There is also a zipper at the fore and aft ends, a zippered door and plenty of reinforced grommets along the end seams. This cover could cost $1,000 or better, but I don’t know what the shops charge in your area, or if you are looking for a cover that is that big. Even with the light weight of Stamoid, a big cover will be tricky carrying up the ladder. I only point out Stamoid as a long term option to the poly tarp. You can buy fabric directly from “Sailrite” or shop around on the web for a better price. /quote]

Edited by - on

Topic

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Jump To:

Association Forum

Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.