thinking of wrapping boat myself - any tarp recommendations?

[BobCT]

My boat has been shrink wrapped for many years from the previous owner. I think I would like to make a frame out of PVC pipe and just buy a tarp.

Any recommendations on a good one? I've talked to a few people and get opinions of "buy the cheapest one you can find and throw it out" or "get a really good canvas tarp"...


Bob

[ready123]

When I tarped I went the low price route and often had multiple years usage.... what I found important was to use pieces of carpet at the stress points (corners, angles etc:) to protect the tarp.

[JuiceClark]

These are the strongest and best tarps you can find anywhere - used billboard signs. Even better, they have a 4" sleeve all the way around to secure it to your frame. Great stuff:
http://cgi.ebay.com/20-Mil-14-x-48-Viny ... 3ca234c81b

[prowlersfish]

http://www.tarpaflex.com/ this was a link from here

[obeejr]

I buy a 30X50 white tarp every other year from http://www.coversuperstore.com for my F32. I use 3/4" emt with KoverKlamps for the frame.

[Rich Schwochow]

I buy a role of shrink wrap 32'x100'. Half the length will cover my F-32 for down to the waterline, so I get 2 years coverage per roll. The rolls cost me about $170.00. I shiink it myself, 1/2" nylon strapping and 3 center posts support it perfectly. My tarping and frame work ended 20 years ago. NEVER AGAIN.

[Jerry]

I am with you Rich,
I also used to frame and tarp years ago but found out it was much easier for me to shrink it myself. And I get numerous years out of one shrink.

[TC]

I've done both. My last boat ( 25' ) I used a 20 X 40 foot plastic tarp and wooden ridge pole and up rights. Got 3 years out of every tarp.
My present boat ( F32 ) I am using shrink. Bought a piece 32 X 56. A learning curve but each year a little easier. This will be the third year for the same piece of shrink.
Differences.....less wood, and rope with shrink and like the slickness. No more water jugs strung along under the boat, and 200 plus feet of rope circling the boat down its length to stop the tarp from billowing.

[fourreins]

Just curious for those of you who shrink your boats. How do you reach high enough to shrink the bridge. Do you have a lift?

[Jerry]

I have always just worked off of a ladder and it works well. If I need a little extra reach I use 4' extension for my Shrink gun.

[fourreins]

I have a 10.8 meter with radar arch and can't imagine reaching with a ladder. Are you using a tall A frame ladder? I have often thought about shrinking the boat boat have no idea how to reach the high spots with the heat gun. Just curious because your boat would be very high as well especially sitting on blocks.

[Jerry]

I use a 24' extension ladder for the high spots and do not have any problem, but I do have to use the gun extension. Most of it is done off of a 12' step ladder.
I have done F32'S, F36'S, 40' Silverton Convertible, and my 12 Meter without issues.

[TC]

I use a 12 ladder, 6' 1" body, a 3' arm and a 4' extention. Works for me. Drives my shorter buddy nuts.