Waterproof Covers

[Plan_B]

Hi Guys,

I may have a need to put a cover over a yacht for a couple of years whilst work below is carried out. This would keep the weather off the teak deck and additionaly give a dry all weather storage and work area topside.

I have seen the normal acrylic covers on boats, but also a very strong looking white plastic sort of cover tied down to the rail and with vents, clear panels for light and zip up doorways for access.

Question please, who might supply such an item and would it stand up to the elements for couple of years. Any pitfalls - fire risk etc.? Some of the ones I've seen are shrink wrap for protection during transportation, I don't think they would be of any use.

Grateful for any forum knowledge.

Dave D

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[steve_cronin]

You might well be describing "Shrink wrapping" which is widely available now in most coastal areas.

Steve Cronin

<hr width=100% size=1>The above is, like any other post here, only a personal opinion

 

[aitchw]

The alternative is to use a very tough, clear/translucent tarpaulin called Monotex.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tarpaulinsdirect.co.uk/cgi-bin/tarpaulins.storefront>http://www.tarpaulinsdirect.co.uk/cgi-bin/tarpaulins.storefront</A>

On a smaller scale to you I use one over the entire length of my boat using the mast as a ridge pole suitably supported along its length. It has stood up to recent high winds and as long as the tying down is done carefully and attended to when it slackens it should last well. In the meantime it is allowing 'Scruffy' to thoroughly dry out and me to work on the topsides.

Howard

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[Althorne]

I'd go with AITCH as they will supply any size you want even if it's not standard which means you can tailor make a framework over the boat and fit the cover in 1 piece thus preventing leaks from joins. If it's going to be there for that length of time make sure you have plenty of air circulating thru it from end to end otherwise the next major task will be replacing all the lining 'cause of the mould and smell

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[Evadne]

We actually bought a real tent, one of the 2-man ones with crossing ridge poles, to cover our cockpit. Only £25 and far better quality than the average tarpaulin. Built-in doorways, waterproof, self-supporting, the lot. Had to cut a hole in the groundsheet, obviously.
A larger one, (a marquee?) may not be such good value compared with the sort of custom-made boat tent you are talking about, unless you find a 2nd hand one, but they are pretty durable.

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[aitchw]

The small tent idea for the cockpit area is a good one. I wish I could find somewhere I could buy the fexible fibreglass pole sections, though. The idea of buying cheap tents and salvaging the poles and junking the rest just goes against the grain. Anyone got any ideas?

My boat is kept at a yard where there are restrictions on erecting freestanding structures of any sort so the big all enveloping 'marquee' is not an option.

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[kds]

I recently saw a boat being worked on in one of those Market Gardeners' type semi-cylindrical polethene tunnels. It looked like the dog's business. I have no idea of the costs - but round here they seem to last for years in the fields.
Ken

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[aitchw]

I've looked at those too, but can't use one. Getting enough headroom can be a real problem especially for fin keelers and the like. They also have a huge footprint for the height available.

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[snowleopard]

DIY polytunnel

here's a method that gives excellent reults:

buy a coil of 2" underground water pipe from a builder's merchant, cut into lengths (which will have a natural curve as they've been on a roll). unthread your lifelines and stick the tubes over pairs of opposite stanchions until you end up with something looking like a dinosaur skeleton. cover the lot with a white or transparent tarpaulin.

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[aitchw]

Re: DIY polytunnel

That's so simple even I can do it. I've had another thought which I am now investigating. Instead of polytarp I am looking into using Tyvek which is breathable. When I find some good sources I'll post again.

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[Courageous]

Re: DIY polytunnel

Aitch - for ya fibreglass ploes contact Steve Harrison at http://www.kellysearch.com/weblink.asp?ck=2088859 or www.harrisonrods.co.uk . They are Liverpool based company and they make the fishing rods either fibreglass or Carbon fibre. I'm sure Steve would be able to help. Try mentioning you got this from Ian at Halonyte just down the road (many moons ago). He's a diamond geezer!

PS - Phone number is 0151 709 5981

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[aitchw]

Re: DIY polytunnel

Thanks, courageous, I'll give him a call.

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