KAM
Well-Known Member
Just wondering what's best. I've used both in the past. Got rusty marks from the bungee hooks so changed to rope but think it may be overstressing the eyelets. Any thoughts on the best tie down method.
Boat covers bungee or rope
- Thread starter KAM
- Start date
Stemar
Well-Known Member
In my experience, a cheap tarp will be fit for the bin after a winter tied down with rope. Ideally, I'd use bungee. However, the hooks on the bungee straps in B&Q, etc, will rust, and thick enough bungee cord from a swindlery is likely to cost more than the tarp. You pays yer money...
OTOH, I reckon a proper boat cover's worth the investment in bungee cord, though I'd use a rope backup, just in case.
OTOH, I reckon a proper boat cover's worth the investment in bungee cord, though I'd use a rope backup, just in case.
mjcp
Well-Known Member
I'm on the west coast of Scotland, we get some wind sometimes ;-)
I gave up on "off the shelf" tarps from the "DIY shops" - they shredded quickly, even if strapped / tied down, the eyes were not strong enough to tie down well anyway and were not actually waterproof - the matrix of the fabric leaked with standing water of a few inches.
I now use a "heavy weight" tarp, ~600g/m2 IIRC (~£20? for a 8ft x 10ft olive green one) which is very similar to the curtain sides on trucks. - fully waterproof 3 seasons and counting.
As for tie down - I use bungee, but bought a roll of it and tie it off rather than use hooks. I also screw a pair of roof battens down the port / stb sides of the tarp to give some structure and to distribute loads. the bungee is routed along the edges, zig zag to the toe rail *AND* also over the top of the coach roof etc, not unlike a net. Whole setup was? £75 and is reused each year.
600g/m2 tarps
I gave up on "off the shelf" tarps from the "DIY shops" - they shredded quickly, even if strapped / tied down, the eyes were not strong enough to tie down well anyway and were not actually waterproof - the matrix of the fabric leaked with standing water of a few inches.
I now use a "heavy weight" tarp, ~600g/m2 IIRC (~£20? for a 8ft x 10ft olive green one) which is very similar to the curtain sides on trucks. - fully waterproof 3 seasons and counting.
As for tie down - I use bungee, but bought a roll of it and tie it off rather than use hooks. I also screw a pair of roof battens down the port / stb sides of the tarp to give some structure and to distribute loads. the bungee is routed along the edges, zig zag to the toe rail *AND* also over the top of the coach roof etc, not unlike a net. Whole setup was? £75 and is reused each year.
600g/m2 tarps
Refueler
Well-Known Member
DIY shop tarp is crap !! I have loads of them all shredded in so many areas .....
I've tried lashing by rope / tape all way over side to side ... but still they shred / fail.
But as to how to fasten down .... a good trick is the 5L plastic containers full of water ... hang one from each eyelet ... one guy I know who does this also ran a line under the boat either side of keel from water containers to add some more wind resistance ..
I've tried lashing by rope / tape all way over side to side ... but still they shred / fail.
But as to how to fasten down .... a good trick is the 5L plastic containers full of water ... hang one from each eyelet ... one guy I know who does this also ran a line under the boat either side of keel from water containers to add some more wind resistance ..
johnalison
Well-Known Member
Bungee imposes much less stress on the fabric than fixed lines, with attachments by choice.
KAM
Well-Known Member
West of Scotland also. Yes
I learnt a long time ago that the polythene tarps do more damage than good. I'm using very heavy PVC. Just bought a new one. They seem to last about 5 years then the eyelets start to pull out. I suppose thats not too bad. I'll try the bungee roll this time.
I learnt a long time ago that the polythene tarps do more damage than good. I'm using very heavy PVC. Just bought a new one. They seem to last about 5 years then the eyelets start to pull out. I suppose thats not too bad. I'll try the bungee roll this time.
captainboo
Well-Known Member
I've found the best is to buy the cord by the meter as required and to use adjustable plastic hooks available from eBay etc. similar to these. Used on mine on the West Coast of Scotland. Survived everything.
Poignard
Well-Known Member
They look good! Cheap too,I suppose?
captainboo
Well-Known Member
Can't find the exact ones I used but they're about £1 each or less of you buy them in bulk (24) from eBay for the ones shown above
Refueler
Well-Known Member
What about the Tent Clips that you can fix anywhere along an edge ... ??
https://www.temu.com/lv-en/20pcs-se...42245561_kh20sgk5ux&adt_btn_confirm=0&mn_ext=
You could even take a cheap DIY shop tarp .... double it over and have these clips .... ??
https://www.temu.com/lv-en/20pcs-se...42245561_kh20sgk5ux&adt_btn_confirm=0&mn_ext=
You could even take a cheap DIY shop tarp .... double it over and have these clips .... ??
KAM
Well-Known Member
What diameter cord do people use. Just ordered 10mm but can't find plastic hooks to suit.
Refueler
Well-Known Member
Post #10 ... Tent Clips ?
stephen_h
Well-Known Member
Also agree that hanging containers filled with water works.
PetiteFleur
Well-Known Member
I've just fitted a new tarp on my boat. I used Tarpaulins Direct, Topgrade which is 200gram/sq m. white so gives light underneath. With care lasts 5 yrs. I always add extra eyelets between existing. Where anything rubs I sew on extra patches. I use 6mm rope not bungee.
KAM
Well-Known Member
Anyone got a link for suitable plastic hooks.
MontyMariner
Well-Known Member
https://www.amazon.co.uk/LUORNG-Plastic-Bungee-Terminal-Diameter/dp/B0BWDXDGG6/ref=asc_df_B0BWDXDGG6
Scroll down for related products
I sleeve my bungee with 'failed' Scrunchy Hose webbing. Stops chafe and UV degradation.
thinwater
Well-Known Member
Smart idea. The cover off old ropes works well too.
KAM
Well-Known Member
Having trouble getting the right size. Those look big on the persons hand but it says for 6mm rope. 6mm would seem a bit small for a heavy cover.
Stemar
Well-Known Member
6mm polyester will have a breaking strain of 500kg+, so I reckon it'll be plenty strong enough with an attachment every few feet.
If you get the sort of wind that comes close to breaking it, you'll want it to break anyway, or you'll be picking up your boat from the next field...
If you get the sort of wind that comes close to breaking it, you'll want it to break anyway, or you'll be picking up your boat from the next field...
Rappey
Well-Known Member
I covered my boat in the winter for 7 months whilst i did some major hull ,deck and cabin refurbishment. It was a process of evolution trying many things until i found a system that lasted. Milk bottles full of water ended up leaking so i filled them with gravel. I screwed wood either side of the edge of the cover to spred the load. That worked well along with putting carpet pads everywhere there was a rub point. The tarp survived and could be used again. I chose clear for light.
