Pontoon Cover Failure!

[Saltydawg2]

In our part of NC, we usually get a polite snowfall, maybe a couple of times a season. This time, of course, is an exception. Between the 4" of snow, and the sleet and ice piled on, the cute little aluminum supports, holding up the cover collapsed. What have those that have the "teepee" type covers replace them with? Don't really want to have stronger replacements go through cover when it happens again, either. Thanks.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Pontoon Cover Failure!

Something like this would work without costing too much..

 

[Saltydawg2]

Re: Pontoon Cover Failure!

Is it only strapped down in those two places, or are the legs secured elswhere, not shown I really like it. Mine is an older Sweetwater. I had bought one of those covers with the poles for $100, as a was an return, but not made for my pontoon. Don't think it will ever work as well as what you are showing. It also allows the area outside the rails to be exposed. I work at Lowes, so I have ready access to about any materials I need. Is that 1 1/2 pipe, or 2"? Is it completely glued, or does it break down in sections? If all one piece, it would be really hard to work with, and would be too many pieces to keep up with if completely disassembled. Thanks!

 

[BigDfromTN]

Re: Pontoon Cover Failure!

Something like this would work without costing too much..

I did similar to this with 1 1/2" PVC. Mine has a ridge pole the length of the boat and legs that go straight down. I then use a rope from one side over, around, and attached to the ridge then down to other rail. Rope does dual purpose of holding ridge pole from falling to either side and keeping cover up to avoid puddling. It has worked great this winter. I climbed up the ladder just to other day to check and all is still in good shape and no snow, ice or water up there. Mine is not glued. I figured it would remove and store much easier this way. I can set it up solo.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Pontoon Cover Failure!

+1 for rick's design. I used a similar design a few years back and glued some joints together and drilled and screwed others to facilitate storage. Unfortunately, mine didn't hold up due to extreme cold and heavy snow. Wouldn't be an issue where you are. I'm using 2x4 and a tarp with a steeper slope. Currently my toon is surrounded by snow approximately 5 to 6 feet deep.

 

[Saltydawg2]

Re: Pontoon Cover Failure!

Jeepman, I only had that much snow, inside, it seemed, as I was digging it out.I think I can put a screwed union in the middle of the upper rail and break it down into two pieces, and it will be managable.I guess if I wanted it higher, I could use 22 degree bends, rather than 45s, but it would have more angles. Thanks for the overview!

 

[The Woo Woo Kid]

Re: Pontoon Cover Failure!

Jeepman, I only had that much snow, inside, it seemed, as I was digging it out.I think I can put a screwed union in the middle of the upper rail and break it down into two pieces, and it will be managable.I guess if I wanted it higher, I could use 22 degree bends, rather than 45s, but it would have more angles. Thanks for the overview!

I made 4 pvc stands with a ridge pole. Each stand- square base w/ T's connecting to 3 legs, 2 short legs bolted thru the long leg which has a T on top for the ridge pole. Works awesome, is strong and cheap. I drilled thru the top T's/ridge pole and insert a pin to keep it connected if weight gets on tarp or wind load. I used 2 inch pvc.

This could be made any height. Mine is tall, I can stand up under it. the stands sit in the center of the toon and a tarp covers it all down to mid toon so the sun and rain is kept completely off boat. tarp is bungied down. Very sturdy, wind resistant. Easy/quick to put up and take down. Position stands, insert ridge poles, cover/bungee. Likely we can do this as fast or faster than a normal boat cover and have much better protection esp. rain wise.

 

[The Woo Woo Kid]

Re: Pontoon Cover Failure!

:joyous:

 

[BatDaddy1887]

Re: Pontoon Cover Failure!

+1 for pvc piping:

This method has worked well for several years now. Just make sure your tie-downs are tight.

 

[edthewrench]

Re: Pontoon Cover Failure!

In our part of NC, we usually get a polite snowfall, maybe a couple of times a season. This time, of course, is an exception. Between the 4" of snow, and the sleet and ice piled on, the cute little aluminum supports, holding up the cover collapsed. What have those that have the "teepee" type covers replace them with? Don't really want to have stronger replacements go through cover when it happens again, either. Thanks.

Failure? Cmon now. That cover was meant for rain and sun. Not for snow loads. Pony up and do what we do up north...winterize it properly. Watch this video along with parts 2 & 3 and see how to do it right. I do it myself, and it runs about $60.00.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlETqQHnBJ4

 

[Saltydawg2]

Re: Pontoon Cover Failure!

I understand about the need to cover it,Ed, but I bought it about a month, or so ago,have been working on it, and haven't even had a chance to ride it around the lake. Today it was nearly 60, and I was SORELY tempted.Nice video, maybe that will work out, next winter, if I don't plan on using it. Like the design, BatDaddy! Is the black at the joints just to keep the fittings from rubbing the tarp?

 

[Silver Eagle]

Re: Pontoon Cover Failure!

I used 1 1/2 plastic pipe only I didn't glue my pipes together . Instead I put them together then I drilled quarter inch holes at the fittings and stick long nails threw them .This way I can take the pipe apart in the spring. Each piece is numbered so I know where they will go in the fall. It's a lot easier to put away.

 

[BatDaddy1887]

Re: Pontoon Cover Failure!

No, the tape holds the pipes together much like Silver Eagles hole and nails do. You can buy a 30 foot heavy-duty tarp for around $54.

 

[dls322]

Re: Pontoon Cover Failure!

I use a similar pvc setup like that with 4 vertical supports for my summer cover. For winters (before i started to get it shrink wrapped) I would get 4 2x4x12's an build and external support system. Cross them at the front and the back of the boat, then run a long 2x4 to connect them, resting in the crossed section, and then drape the tarp over that...worked well for me for years. Just remember to pad the corners of the wood so the tarp does not rub.

 

[Lake Lizzard]

Re: Pontoon Cover Failure!

That's a great setup! Just throw a TV and a heater in there and you would have the ultimate hideout for when your get in trouble with the wife!

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Pontoon Cover Failure!

I do just that, use a propane heater when i want to do some work.