Making Tarpaulins/Boat Covers?

KevO

KevO

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Rather than just drape rectangular tarps over the Hustler this winter, I wondered about making (DIY) some shaped covers that I can fit around babystay etc in sections. I anticipated using the heavy duty plastic stuff that has a reinforcing net encased within it (if you know what I mean). I would cut it to size and then add new eyelets where needed. I realise that these eyelets would need to be reinforced in some way or they would just rip out.

Anyone have any experience of doing just this kind of job? Recommendations of technique/method?
 
MY covers are in two parts, overlapping at the mast (which is usually down anyway) The edges where the eyelets are is reinforced by a 2" strip of contrasting pvc, I do not know what it was bonded with but it has not moved in 7 years of use. It seems to be bonded rather than glued as there is no visible adhesive. To reduce the pull which can displace or elongate the eyelets I use short lanyards of shock cord threaded through little ply discs cut with a hole cutter. Plastic parrel balls would be better but more expensive.
So I recommend a strong hem around the edges well bonded with the correct method for the material selected, The DIY eyelet kits from B & Q etc only work in quite thin single ply material but you may be able to hire a professional kit, There are plastic grab type fittings available from most cover suppliers but I am not sure how durable they are, I prefer the shock cord and disc solution, cheap blue polypropylene is fine for long guy ropes as long lengths of shockcord can give too much, allowing the cover to flap.The covers used on lorries are very strong and durable and in my experience they do not charge sailmaker's prices. There are big variations in strength and weight in mesh reinforced 'tarps' most of the cheaper ones are only good for about half a winter up here in Scotland. Most of the boats in our yard are covered these days, the guys that use the cheap stuff keep last years and cover with a second layer. I take my stanchions out as I bent a couple the first winter when I failed to deal with a massive build up of frozen snow, but you are not as vulnerable to that in the balmy south.
Anyone know how to straighten slightly curved polished SS stanchions?
 
Thanks Quandary. Since posting (and using a lappie rather than my phone) I managed to find some eyelet kits. I would try to seek out the most robust ones available. As for the tarp stuff, I would similarly seek out a good quality supply. I assumed the edges would need turning over at least double thickness but I was at a loss to know how to bond them effectively.
 
I've used tarpaulinsdirect.co.uk for tarpaulins for years. I use the top grade tarpaulins, sewn together with doubled up edges(I do have an industrial sewing machine) They also supply plastic eyelets. My winter cover is now due for replacement after 8 years, but was relatively cheap. They also do a heavier version. Eyelets every 500mm, replace the boom with a length of 4x2, rounded top edges, length of 2x1 fitted to the stanchion tops, again with rounded top edge. Took a couple of fittings to get it right.
I usually buy a tarpaulin and cut to size.
 
PetiteFleur said:
I've used tarpaulinsdirect.co.uk for tarpaulins for years. I use the top grade tarpaulins, sewn together with doubled up edges(I do have an industrial sewing machine) They also supply plastic eyelets. My winter cover is now due for replacement after 8 years, but was relatively cheap. They also do a heavier version. Eyelets every 500mm, replace the boom with a length of 4x2, rounded top edges, length of 2x1 fitted to the stanchion tops, again with rounded top edge. Took a couple of fittings to get it right.
I usually buy a tarpaulin and cut to size.
Click to expand...

I wish I had an industrial sewing machine... :)
 
KevO said:
I wish I had an industrial sewing machine... :)
Click to expand...

Plenty of older heavy duty domestic sewing machine around. Some friends just have me a very solid Janome which I wish I had had when doing my headlining.

Walking feet that can assist with thicker material can be bought for many £ 10 or so on eBay. Also the right type of needle. Can't imagine some of the tarp material is that difficult to go through.
 
davidpbo said:
Plenty of older heavy duty domestic sewing machine around. Some friends just have me a very solid Janome which I wish I had had when doing my headlining.

Walking feet that can assist with thicker material can be bought for many £ 10 or so on eBay. Also the right type of needle. Can't imagine some of the tarp material is that difficult to go through.
Click to expand...

Size 90 to 110 needle should do it. Available from a haverdashery shop or doubtless online.
 
BelleSerene said:
How about these 'cinch clips' instead of the eyelets? I used them for a similar purpose.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sealey-TA...pc-/131012262517?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:GB:3160
Click to expand...

+1
I've used similar ones, Faithfull Tarp clips & never had a problem, the stronger the load the more they grip. Previously reinforced eyelet's have ripped out over the winter. And you can add these as & where you want them within seconds.

http://www.transtools.co.uk/index.php?route=product/isearch/onefivefour&filter_name=eyelets&pages=1-1#p12388
 
Instead of eyelets, you can sew on loops of webbing.
A heavy old domestic machine with zig zag will do.

Good material is expensive though.
 
if you are using the polyethylene tarps with reinforcing netting, then you can buy plastic circular patches which can be heat welded (careful hairdryer :) ) onto th etarp. There's a hole in the middle of the patch.

Very similar to the Monarflex tarps used on buildings.

http://www.monarflex.com/Product Guide/Weather protection/Scaffold sheeting.aspx



I use their sheets for agr work, and attaching extra re-inforcement patches is a doddle.
 
Try and get some curtain side material used on wagons it is 10 times better than any plastic tarp stuff.

Do an ebay search for "Truck Tarpaulin" over 700 items on there.
 
sarabande said:
if you are using the polyethylene tarps with reinforcing netting, then you can buy plastic circular patches which can be heat welded (careful hairdryer :) ) onto th etarp. There's a hole in the middle of the patch.

Very similar to the Monarflex tarps used on buildings.

http://www.monarflex.com/Product Guide/Weather protection/Scaffold sheeting.aspx

I use their sheets for agr work, and attaching extra re-inforcement patches is a doddle.
Click to expand...

Haven't been able to find the heat-welded round eyes of which you speak. Were they from monarflex too?
 
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