Er... need a new cover... what material?

[Captain Crisp]

My old winter tarp was already leaking even before Eunice ripped it to shreds...

What material do people recommend? I think the old one was 200 gsm and I got 2 good winters out of it... I see you can buy 600 gsm...
Obviously twice the price, but maybe would last a lot longer?

Or should I be looking at another material altogether?

Thanks!

 

[Poignard]

Best would be marine grade acrylic canvas but an overall cover made of that would be expensive but worth considering if you intend to keep your boat a long time.

I have used the so-called tarpaulins and their life is limited.

I have some scaffolding sheet in my shed which seems to be much stronger but that will also deteriorate in the sun.

When I used to lay up my boat in Emsworth with the mast down I made a shaped cover from damp-proof membrane and that lasted many years. (Important to keave the ends open for ventilation.}

 

[Captain Crisp]

Thanks, I can't remember if your Twister is composite or not? I think I might worry if the wood was in contact with a damp cover like in your image... usually, I have it raised above the coach roof... which makes it vulnerable in high winds... or is that over cautious...?

 

[Poignard]

Thanks, I can't remember if your Twister is composite or not? I think I might worry if the wood was in contact with a damp cover like in your image... usually, I have it raised above the coach roof... which makes it vulnerable in high winds... or is that over cautious...?

Mine is composite and the woodwork came to no harm at all during several winters. The cover was shaped and had eyelets around the edge so that it could be stretched taught by lines to the toerail. As I mentioned before, ventilation is important.

 

[Captain Crisp]

This looks like a really good (and cheap!) solution - presumably I'll need some kind of eyelet puncher?

 

[Poignard]

This looks like a really good (and cheap!) solution - presumably I'll need some kind of eyelet puncher?

The edges were turned over with strips of semi-rigid plastic sandwiched between the two layers and the eyelets were inserted through the three layers.

 

[neil_s]

I use Monotex from Tarpaulins Direct. The present one is in it's fifth year, now. (hopefully, it's still OK!) Monotex is 250 gm/m2 and is two layers of polythene with a grid of cords sandwiched in the middle. To get any sort of life-time out of these cheaper tarpaulin materials, you need to pad all sharp corners and tie them down really well. I also tailor the tarp a bit to remove unwanted material so that there are no flappy 'bags' to catch the wind.

 

[anoccasionalyachtsman]

I use Monotex from Tarpaulins Direct. The present one is in it's fifth year, now. (hopefully, it's still OK!) Monotex is 250 gm/m2 and is two layers of polythene with a grid of cords sandwiched in the middle. To get any sort of life-time out of these cheaper tarpaulin materials, you need to pad all sharp corners and tie them down really well. I also tailor the tarp a bit to remove unwanted material so that there are no flappy 'bags' to catch the wind.

I've used Tarpaulins Direct twice in five years now, so after the last one shredded in winter 2020 went to these people. Camping Equipment | Tents and Awnings | Caravan | Attwoolls Outdoors Their 250g/m seems to be appreciably tougher feeling, and has survived Eunice in a completely open field looking like new.

 

[Muxey]

PVC coated nylon probably the toughest stuff

 

[Plum]

I've used Tarpaulins Direct twice in five years now, so after the last one shredded in winter 2020 went to these people. Camping Equipment | Tents and Awnings | Caravan | Attwoolls Outdoors Their 250g/m seems to be appreciably tougher feeling, and has survived Eunice in a completely open field looking like new.

Interesting. Your link just goes to their home page, what specific fabric are you referring to?

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[PetiteFleur]

I've also used tarpaulins direct for several years now, the Topgrade 200gsm - The current one has lasted 5 years, shaped to suit and with two
extra Eyelets between the fitted ones(which are not very good) with ventilation each end - visiting the boat tomorrow so will see if it's survived storm Eunice...

 

[anoccasionalyachtsman]

Interesting. Your link just goes to their home page, what specific fabric are you referring to?

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

Oops, separate website.

Heavy Duty Tarpaulins | Tarpaulin | Attwoolls Manufacturing

 

[PotatoNavigator]

I use 610 gsm Truck Tarpaulin from Allplas, the extra weight stops it from flapping so much. The canvas Tarps from Tarpaflex are extremely durable, but you do get some wicking where it contacts things on the inside.

 

[neil_s]

My 5 year old Tarpaulinsdirect Monotex survived the storms!