How to Build Cheap Frame for Tarp?

[pekoe1111]

I have a 19" bowrider and each year I build a very basic frame out of strapping to put my tarp over. I screw four pieces of strapping, end to end, then put two 2x4s inside the boat vertically to serve as supports. The ends droop down about 5 ft. in front of the bow and behind the outdrive. The tarp ends up sagging and collecting snow and the wind often wracks the whole thing, causing the wood to snap.

Any good basic frame designs for a tarp? I am thinking about putting supports at the ends of the strapping (front and back). I have also thought about buying black plastic tubing, cuting them at 15', and bending them over the top and 5' intervals.

I must be missing some good basic designs. Any suggestions?

Thanks

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: How to Build Cheap Frame for Tarp?

Well...I used 1 1/2" ABS pipe and fittings (cheap stuff) to build a frame for our 16 ft Cutter, seems to do a good job, snow usually just slides right off, most of the pieces have been drilled and marked to make putting together and taking apart easy with SS nuts and bolts, the rest of the pieces have been glued. Here are a few pics.

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[Bob_VT]

Re: How to Build Cheap Frame for Tarp?

Saw horse brackets are cheap and hold 2 x 4 's real easy along with a ridge beam You can set them inside or outside the boat and add extra support where needed.

I like the ABS pipe idea too!

 

[pekoe1111]

Re: How to Build Cheap Frame for Tarp?

I like the pipes as well! Bob, I got the same advice on the saw horse brackets from the hulltruth.com board. T

he others put 8' 2x4s in, but I wonder if they are tall enough. You mentioned just running them inside the boat but I am wondering what I could secure them to, and if it is ok to have the bottom half of the4 boat exposed.

Thoughts?

Thanks,

Barry in Hinesburg

 

[seven up]

Re: How to Build Cheap Frame for Tarp?

Here's one from PVC pipe, rebar and a tarp. Looks like it might work. It's on the bottom right of the page.

http://www.simplicityboats.com/

 

[seven up]

Re: How to Build Cheap Frame for Tarp?

Here's one made with rebar, pvc pipe and a tarp.

http://www.simplicityboats.com/


Enjoy

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: How to Build Cheap Frame for Tarp?

I know this on a toon, but it may help with ideas....

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: How to Build Cheap Frame for Tarp?

HEY !!! That's a VT boat registration!!

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: How to Build Cheap Frame for Tarp?

The PVC is the best idea.
I used it on a bass boat and had the PVC come up from the boat pedastal with a T on top and then PVC from there to each end.
Put a tarp over it and secured it to the boat and N/P.

 

[ezeke]

Re: How to Build Cheap Frame for Tarp?

I use three layers of strapping screwed inward to make one continuous ridge from the bow to the outboard on a 22' Starcraft Islander.

I use two white 6 oz tarps back to back and bungies.

The white tarps hold up better against the sun and don't overheat the boat.

I get the tarps from: "http://tarps.com/white.htm"