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Boat Cover For 04 M

Posted: Thu Oct 07, 2010 7:54 pm
by dca81
Does anyone know of a good source for a boat cover for my 04 :macm: ? I plan on pulling my boat out this weekend and storing it at my residence over the winter. I would like a cover to provide some protection from the elements. I would prefer a nice gray or brown
earth tone cover since my HOA covenants prohibit the storing of boats in a visible area. My barn is full with other projects and the HOA is inactive...would like to keep it that way. I know I could have it shrink wrapped, but would prefer something I could remove and reuse.
Thanks

Re: Boat Cover For 04 M

Posted: Thu Oct 07, 2010 8:49 pm
by Québec 1

Re: Boat Cover For 04 M

Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 5:15 am
by fishheadbarandgrill
check out my shelter under the mod section. I'm very happy with how it turned out.

http://www.macgregorsailors.com/modt/in ... ?view=1421

Bob

Re: Boat Cover For 04 M

Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 9:48 am
by Russ
I got a standard cover from a hardware store. I forget what size but it covers the entire boat. They come in different colors.

Using this system worked well. PVC pipe as an arch simply bent and tied down.
Image

Image

Re: Boat Cover For 04 M

Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 10:12 am
by kasmith21
RussMT
Great mod...very impressive. What size PVC did you use and how did you tie this down? How did you tie it down to the trailer?

Re: Boat Cover For 04 M

Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 10:25 am
by Catigale
I have to say I have a lot fewer nasty remarks since I covered the boat with a white tarp than the ugly silver/blue/brown ones...

Re: Boat Cover For 04 M

Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 10:26 am
by Russ
kasmith21 wrote:RussMT
Great mod...very impressive. What size PVC did you use and how did you tie this down? How did you tie it down to the trailer?
PVC size? They are 1/2 " x 10' standard lengths from the hardware store (Home Depot) and very inexpensive.
I took wire ties to attach them to the stanchions or just pinched them between the deck and cover. The pressure seems to keep them in place. (Double click the image for more detail) We get some nasty winds and the system holds up pretty well.

I then laced the cover using the grommets like a pair of sneakers under the trailer with a long cord.

Any place the cover touches rigging should have some extra padding placed to protect it.


--Russ

Re: Boat Cover For 04 M

Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 1:56 pm
by NiceAft
Russ,

I understand the part about attaching to the stanchions, but I don't understand
or just pinched them between the deck and cover.
:?:

Also, how does this hold up to the weight of snow?
Ray

Re: Boat Cover For 04 M

Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 3:06 pm
by Russ
NiceAft wrote:Russ,

I understand the part about attaching to the stanchions, but I don't understand
or just pinched them between the deck and cover.
:?:
Yea, the stanchions are easy. You could tape them or some such thing, but then the goo gets on them. Wire ties work well.
The deck:
It's hard to explain. I have an M and I assume the X is the same. The upper deck has "rails" or channels along the top of the cabin. Bending the tubs causes sideways pressure for them to bend back out straight. The weight of the cover pushes down on them and I bend the pipe so that they are pinched inside these "rails". Even if they come out, the mast holds them up and they will still arch.

I'm at terrible artist, but this is not a purse. The gray arch is the PVC that is pinched behind the black "rails".
Image
Also, how does this hold up to the weight of snow?
Ray
And ICE.
This setup has had a lot of snow and ice on it. It holds up well. Most of it runs off, but there are pockets that pool and it holds the weight. I do add a piece of 2x4 at the mast step to support the horizontal mast.


--Russ

Re: Boat Cover For 04 M

Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 3:24 pm
by Russ
Let's try some more pictures.


Image

Double click to enlarge
Image



--Russ

Re: Boat Cover For 04 M

Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 5:59 pm
by Matt19020
I pretty much do the same as Russ however I use a 10' 2X4 and place it in my motor well and raise the mast up about another 18" to provide more pitch so snow does not build up...This pic was taken in the middle of a 21" storm......instead of PVC I used plastic electrical conduit ..slightly cheaper and a little more flexible
Image
Image
Image

I use some copper wire 12 guage as ties to secure to stantions:
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s152 ... G_1072.jpg

Re: Boat Cover For 04 M

Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 4:42 am
by 3sheets
The 1/2" pvc pipe works really well. I cut 4 pieces about stanchion high, added 45 degree connectors to the ends and bent another section of pipe across the boat, with a tee in the center. Then I added a section between the front arch near the bow and the rear arch near the cockpit. That ties everything together and makes a stronger frame that doesn't shift much. One added advantage is it comes apart in smaller pieces to store :)
Robert

Re: Boat Cover For 04 M

Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 4:46 am
by 3sheets
Oh, and I secured the uprights to the stanchions with zip ties. They're fairly unobtrusive so I've just left them connected. The frame supports the 25 by 12 foot tarp very well.
Robert

Re: Boat Cover For 04 M

Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2010 4:32 pm
by dca81
Thanks for all the great suggestions and ideas. Just got back from down from the mountains with my boat. I plan to start implementing Russ's cover concept tomorrow. Again thanks to all the input.
Bob

Re: Boat Cover For 04 M

Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2010 6:15 pm
by flyboy26m
I purchased a clearance roll of Boat cover material from a manufacture and buckles and strap material from another. I also purchased a sew Machine. I will post to let you know how it turns out when I get it done. May not be this year.
Michael