Where can I get a tarpaulin & what sort?

[MissFitz]

I'm fitting out for the summer cruise & want to get a tarpaulin for the cockpit of my Centaur. Is there anywhere I could get a good one fairly cheap? And could anyone help with tips on how to get the right size/fit one?

All help much appreciated, thanks.

 

[Cantata]

Bradshaws is the place. I use a translucent tarp when moored up in wet weather.
Reasonable price and very quick delivery.

 

[Tranona]

By tarpaulin, do you mean a cover to keep the rain off while you work on the boat. If so then a re-inforced plastic one will do. They come in standard sizes and can be bought mail order. Plenty of choice of suppliers if you google tarpaulins.

If, however you mean an awning to keep the sun (?) and rain off while at anchor, it would be normal to use acrylic canvas and either make it yourself or have it made by a sailmaker or canvas worker. Designs vary, but basically need a ridge for the apex (usually the boom) and some way of stretching out and attaching the sides. Some designs have battens built in to stiffen. Suggest you speak to a professional for ideas, or look for a boat that already has one fitted to see what is involved.

 

[Lakesailor]

Google for them. Most light woven ones come in standard sizes with just a few eyelets so it could be very difficult to get a good size for your purpose. Also as they are all rectangular and you may really need a tailored one it could be a real pain. I know from searching for one for my clinker dinghy and various tenders.
Wagon tarps can be custom-made, but are a bit of a handful and rather overkill.
A sailmaker will make one that fits perfectly with all the fasteners in the right spot, but it will cost. I paid about £180 for a cockpit cover for a 15ft speedboat.

 

[MissFitz]

Yes, I meant one for keeping off rain/sun (well, rain mostly) - but having one made sounds pricey, was hoping to go for a cheapo makeshift alternative!

 

[Tranona]

It is one option and good to experiment, but you will soon wish you did the job properly! if you use it a lot.

 

[VicS]

The cheapo makeshift solution is one of the woven things from Bradshaws. May be worth getting the "Topgrade" one rather than the "Budget" one but even then do not expect them to last forever (they dont seem to do the "worse than useless" grade now)

Just about to oder a new one from them myself.

If you want to rig one permanently when not on the boat then dont wasste money on the above get proper cover made. The heavy reinforced PVC used for lorry covers lasts well but rather more expensive.

 

[cashinone]

I had a 'boom tent' made - similar size boat to yours and paid £105. We went for one that hangs under the boom and use a boathook inside the boom to carry it aft. Bungee cords to attach to guard rails. Same material as the hood and dodgers. Use it when raining as it covers the entire cockpit but also doubled over when too sunny to cover half the cockpit. £105 very well spent

 

[rhumlady]

Bradshaws Monotex are very good. The come clear or in green. I have had on on the boat for 18 months and is has no sign of chafe (yet!) but that is maybe down to the timber frame I built for it. The cheap B&Q et al ones are worse than useless and your costs will quickly pass the cost of the Monotex.

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

 

[MissFitz]

Thanks everyone, will go for a Bradshaws one - would love something fully fitted, but what with all the other costs of kitting out the boat for a cruise........