Winter Cover - PVC frame and tarp details

[DaleH]

I think the pictures tell the story. But it's a frame made of $45 worth of PVC that is going on it's 5th or 6th season. New tarps this year, ~$90, and they'll last 3-5 years each. So my winter cover costs me an average total of $35 per year.

Oh yeah ... I used one hank of $2 cotton rope from the dollar store to tie it all down and 1/2 of a $6 roll of good quality duct tape, and a few zip ties. The frame comes apart in pieces and is stored out of the sun when taken off.

I have some pictures of ICE DAMAGE on a Parker to show member Dom (96TL), but that'll be another post later.

 

[Foggylink]

Quite Nice ... 8)

 

[susqking]

How long does it take you to construct that beast.

 

[DaleH]

How long does it take you to construct that beast.

You mean the very first time? Heck that was an all afternoon 'design and build' session - haha! I made up a temp wood strapping frame, as in piece of wood tied to a ladder, to hold the main beam level, and then made the PVC frame from there.

But otherwise, each new season, it goes up really fast, in < than an hour I'd say. All pieces are marked for where they go.

 

[Capt Keith]

Very nice engineering but I must say it's sad to see her covered up, almost like a burial, even if it's just for the winter months.
We dont see that (wrapping of a boat) here in the Carolina's.
Stay warm this winter and look foward to seeing some pic's of the re-birth this spring!

 

[TimC2520]

Good job Dale.

Also looking forward to the ice damage thread as I have always been curious to see what a good ice storm can do especially with freeze/thaw influences.

 

[Megabyte]

I don't want to step on Dales thread, but I have similar 'tarp' project photos of my boat that shows a similar winter cover project.
These photos are from my first year with the tarp system.

My frame is made of 2x4's, plywood, drywall screws, 1/4" utility cord, and towels held in place with duct tape for padding at any hard points.

The original install took me a half day, but now it goes together and comes apart much quicker with a cordless drill driving the drywall screws.

Enjoy!

 

[hakr]

$157, but I did have to endure the strain of signing the check:

(By the way, if I had the skills and the space, I'd do what you did, Dale. But I am a mere unhandy mortal.)

 

[96TL]

Awesome job Dale. I definitely want to see the ice damage pics.

I haven't tarped yet. Hopefully we'll have some decent weather this weekend so I can get working, but it doesnt look like it as of now.

 

[Porkchunker]

I used the pics of Kevin's 2x4 frame as a model and build mine ArmyStrong.

http://www.classicparker.com/phpBB2/vie ... highlight=

But now the boat is in Norfolk where they rarely get much over a dusting of snow, so I'm not going to winter tarp this winter, but fish instead.

Dave

aka

 

[Bryan 2530]

God info here, used it to build mine. I'll start a new thread on it.

 

[MaxOut]

After watching this post I decided to build a temp Fall/Winter cover. I can give exact details and dimensions if anyone is interested.

I went with 1.5" PVC because it is light, strong and easy to obtain. There is not much snow here but I went with a steep 12/12 pitch roof to give adequate runoff. I used 10 pieces of PVC, 100 stainless screws, 1'-1.5" X 3/16" rubber hose, 30'X40' 10mill grey tarp, and 12-48" monster bungee cords. I wanted it to be easy to remove and didn't want it to touch the boat directly so used the rod holders, bow cleat and rubber hose on railings and stern. I also wanted to be able to access the motor and cabin easily. Here is what I came up with...

 

[Megabyte]

Those interior shots make it look like its in a garage.
Nice job!

 

[Bryan 2530]

Looks great!!

Nice to be able walk under the cover if you need to get in there.
Also good to be able to reuse everything and not fill up the landfill with shrinkwrap.

Is it spring yet???

 

[pelagic2530]

my winter cover is a snowshovel..... lets see those ice pics, dale

 

[DaleH]

Bump ... the Winter, she's approaching!

 

[SamR]

FWIW my first frame was almost identical to Dale's port frame pic, but snow kept sliding down the tarp and collecting inside the bow rail. Last year I changed the front support to attach the the rail like the next pipe back on Dale's and that fixed it.