Boom tents: any wise words or recommendations?

Greenheart

Greenheart

Well-Known Member
Joined
29 Dec 2010
Messages
10,384
Visit site
Thinking about the design for a fairly all-season, low-windage boom-tent to fit the dinghy.

I've seen some high boxy shapes which doubtless create plenty of space and look terrific at an indoor boatshow...

View attachment 35231

...but I doubt they're comfortable or even safe if the windspeed reaches double figures.

I'm thinking more of a sort of low-profile bivouac to allow one (or occasionally two) occupants to sit up comfortably and to sleep undisturbed by heavy rain or spray, or constant draughts.

I realise the hazards of sleeping aboard an unballasted boat, anchored in open water - no need to spell them out.

Just curious if there are very definite factors to bear in mind in the design or materials. What is the tough, 'breathable' yet waterproof fabric my cover is made from? A lighter version of the same stuff would seem ideal.

I've heard there are tents that can be hired, possibly by the Dinghy Cruising Club, but I doubt they're as low-profile as I'd like, and I doubt anybody has made a tent to fit an Osprey, either. :rolleyes:

Thanks in advance.
 
I am not sure that I would want to camp on an Osprey but each to their own!
On my own boat, a Drascombe, I have installed a 'camping deck' which is basically floorboards set across the top of the centre-plate box on which I set a backpacker bivouac. Perfectly comfortable and weather proof and no centre-plate to contend with, if you know what I mean, nudge nudge, wink wink :o
 
I'm sure I know just what you mean, PH! Good plan too. I've seen the same raised-platform used on a Mirror, enabling its use for sleeping despite very little space on the actual cockpit floor.

It's true that there's not very much that's obvious about the Osprey as a camping-boat...I'm continuously baffled by how much less space there seems to be between her side-decks, compared with a Wayfarer, which is only 5" wider!

But actually, I reckon there's plenty of room, for me at any rate. I like how deep the cockpit feels and I can live with the limits better than I believe I could live with the weight of a Wayfarer.

From 'backpacker bivouac', I'm guessing you don't bother to make a tent as such, but instead set up a very compact weatherproof surround for your sleeping bag. Good plan, if you're happy to do everything else outdoors. But I have hopes of a sitting-headroom space under which I can cook, wash, eat, read and sleep for a night or two at a time...not quite in luxury, but without being rained on.

I expect it's a matter of pulling apart an old tent and attempting to sew a new shape into it.
 
My living room is extended by the use of a large angling type brolly. I have tried over-all type tents, loads of agro and as yet not windproof. I have used tunnel type covers using drain rods as super strength poles but at the end of the day a quick set up, back-packers bivvy tent has proven best suited to my requirements. I do know that several drascombers have used dome tents with the groundsheets removed.
 
Great web-page, thanks a lot!
I'll keep the bivouac in mind, useful bit of minimalism. Although, I don't suppose Drascombes capsize very often...being zipped up inside a bivouac aboard a big lightweight racing dinghy as it rolls over in the dark, must be one of the nastier ways to go.
 
I have just had my own made to measure tent made in PBO low cost fashion. Here is what I did:

1. Bought some of that thin breathable roofing membrane than now replaces flooring felt. Or just get an old tarp.

2. Set it up on a calm day and make a template.

3. Bought some of this after receiving a sample. It is cheap and as good as the premium stuff. Really heavy duty with a waterproof membrane on the inside.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221079404130?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

4. Took it to a local seamstress and had it made with double folded edges and double seams.

5. Cut out two places for windows. Bought some heavy duty clear PVC from the same eBay company above and then stuck them in with double sided stick tape. Then took it down the sail makers and they sewed them in for £10 since it only took them about 15 mins.


Cost: £60 inc materials
Result: I don't know because I only finished it a few days ago but it looks good. Will post a picture back next week when I try it over the weekend!
 
Thanks, those are good ideas, I'd like to see the pictures. Making a template sounds wise.

That vinyl/canvas substitute looks like good stuff. I could repair my leaky cover with a few feet of the stuff too.

Did you use some kind of flexible sealant to cover stitching?

I sewed lots of sailcloth in recent days, so I'm not afraid of doing it all by hand. I don't know the name for the zig-zag stitch sailmakers use, but my attempt looked okay, after starting very badly.
 
dancrane said:
Did you use some kind of flexible sealant to cover stitching?
Click to expand...

NoI didn't use any sealant but maybe I should. I was just going to give it a waterproof spray or something. My stitching is just straight but zigzag probably would have been better:

1000976_10151853170073162_1868985820_n.jpg


1176270_10151853170078162_511771305_n.jpg


547006_10151853170068162_963532649_n.jpg
 
Having had both, can I recommend using white or light coloured material if possible. An awful lot more light inside and also much cooler if you choose to use it on hot days.
 
A DIY solution is not hard if you can drive a sewing machine and you will get exactly what you want. We built one for a 33 foot yacht last year, using top quality Sunbrella and it cost around £250 - you can do something perfectly acceptable for a dinghy much cheaper.

Do a proof of concept first using a double bed sheet - you should be able to get one for a tenner and it will let you try out ideas before you put scissors to expensive canvas. Keep it simple - all straight lines, no complex shapes. If you buy something like Sunbrella, it will be ready waterproofed, but you will probably have to spray the seams with an aerosol proofing fluid otherwise rain will wick in through the cotton.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top