Scaffolding sheet as winter cover

[Poignard]

This winter I need to do some major work on the deck of my boat and I intend to make a shelter to keep the weather off the work (and me!). Instead of using a large rectangular polytarp over the shelter framework I have been thinking of using scaffolding sheet, like this:

http://www.tarpaulins-togo.co.uk/acatalog/Scaffold_Sheeting_.html

Has anyone used it for this purpose and was it successful?

I was thinking of using three lengths. Two for the sides and one for the top of the shelter

 

[Avocet]

Yes, I tried it. The rolls are about 2m wide - so, infuriatingly, most boats will be a bit too narrow to have two lengths meeting along the centreline of the boat, and running fore-aft. Also, they need a fair bit of support on the "top" bits otherwise water pools in the creases and causes sags. Joining them is easy with cable ties, and the joints are very strong PROVIDED they are made through the reinforced sections along either side or the middle. Light inside the "tent" is, of course, excellent, but on a sunny day, it can get remarkably hot (and humid) inside it. Obviously, it's dead easy to puncture it in the little squares between the reinforcing mesh, but I would have thought it would work very well for a couple of monts provided it wasn't too windy than there was a good support structure under it

 

[electrosys]

I was thinking of using three lengths. Two for the sides and one for the top of the shelter

Never used it - my experience is limited to polytunnel hoops - but if I were going to use it, I'd go for 4 sheets and ensure that there's an apex.
Principally in case of snow, but also to ensure that rain never pools anywhere - 'cause it's damned heavy stuff if it does.

 

[Poignard]

I was thinking of something like that shown on page 9 of the NOA catalogue.

http://www.shipshop.dk/manualer/noa/noa_atype_broc.pdf

these are very expensive but a similar thing could easily be made from 33.7mm galvanised tube and Kee-clamp fittings at a fraction of the cost of the Danish NOA product

http://keesystems.com/fittings/kee-klamp.html

 

[colvic987]

i use these, in clear, same sort of tarp, but more choices of length and width, to get close to your boat size.

http://www.tarpaulinsdirect.co.uk/TarpaulinsSite/product/MN.htm

 

[sarabande]

this is brilliant stuff, designed for attachment to scaffolding. Various colours, inc translucent.

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

 

[Rigger Mortice]

http://www.tarpaulins-togo.co.uk/acatalog/Scaffold_Sheeting_.html

Has anyone used it for this purpose and was it successful?

I've used tarpaulins made from that material. It's pretty tough and certainly lasts far better than those cheap blue tarpaulins which only seem to survive a few weeks.

The only problem is that I find the material will chaff through in time and though the hole doesn't turn into a tear it is still a bit of a nuisance. The worst point is where the tarpaulin goes over the top of my stanchions; I've tried 101 ways of preventing them from going through the tarpaulin with little real success.

 

[dash300]

Bradshaws are another company that I have used that do a comercial quality clear montex tarp which will let light through also.

 

[higler]

try contacting a haulage company for their discarded curtain side curtains. I use them and they are heavy but really do the job and are watertight.

 

[steve_l]

I've used tarpaulins made from that material. It's pretty tough and certainly lasts far better than those cheap blue tarpaulins which only seem to survive a few weeks.

The only problem is that I find the material will chaff through in time and though the hole doesn't turn into a tear it is still a bit of a nuisance. The worst point is where the tarpaulin goes over the top of my stanchions; I've tried 101 ways of preventing them from going through the tarpaulin with little real success.

Heavy duty woven polyethylene tarp. Over here about 50€ for a 10x6m tarp, can't be so different in the UK. Green one side, silver on the other. Mine is currently on it's 3rd winter. Previous one lasted 5 winters and is now rolled up as padding on top of the boat tent ridge pole (actually the mast!).

Pad the stanchions with moulded PU pipe insulation. If you don't remove the guard wires, you could run it all the way around, pulpit and pushpit included. Works for me.

One additional trick - put ropes over the tarp also andpad them with more pipe insulation where they go over any edges. This stop the tarp flapping if the wind gets under it.

 

[Scotty_Tradewind]

I know that a Mr John MacMullen of Twister fame has an all over cover for doing just that with some form of frame/hoop/structure to support.
Maybe worth asking him if he is using it this winter?

otherwise that scafflod sheeting.....
http://www.tarpaulins-togo.co.uk/aca...Sheeting_.html looks the business.

I've just had a full overall cover made for my boat to enable work to continue through the winter...... cost certainly is high to do that though!

I've put the B&Q fat pipe insulation that has a slit all down one side over the safety wires and stanchions and along the high ridge that joins from 2feet above the gooseneck and back to above the transom.

If you want mast supports for the winter to fit a Twister, I know a man who has some

 

[Rigger Mortice]

Pad the stanchions with moulded PU pipe insulation. If you don't remove the guard wires, you could run it all the way around, pulpit and pushpit included. Works for me..

I've tried that...and used yards of duct tape to hold the insulation in place. Whilst it was certainly better it was, for me, only a limited improvement. A few days of windy weather and it still chaffs through pretty quickly.

I've found that the best solution is to do away with the tarpaulin. I now put the boat in a barn!

 

[Linnen55]

I think the use of scaffolding sheep are better option for you . Its a temporary platform, either supported from below or suspended from above, on which workers sit or stand when performing tasks at heights above the ground.No doubt its less expensive and many other benefits .

scaffold sales

 

[SimbaDog]

I used scaffolding sheep & got into serious trouble with the RSPCA

 

[Scotty_Tradewind]

Hi Linnen55
must be a larger time differece with internet to the USA than I was led to believe!
S.