Geoff Johnson
Fellow Ericson Owner
I did right after I bought my boat in 1996. I got it from Faiclough (http://www.faircloughsailmakers.com) and paid $2,000 installed (summer price). Nice heavy duty canvas and 1 1/8" steel tubing. The canvas should last at least 10 years and, therefore, is much cheaper than shrink wrap (and environmentally more friendly). Great investment. I believe that Fairclough ships worldwide.
I had mine made by The Canvas Store on long island. Google should find it for you if you are interested.
They made one for a buddy of mine that fit like a glove. The design is two part, fits over the boom and ties to the base of the stanchions, so it keeps water and snow off the boat but allows air circlulation. I think mine cost 1500 or so.
The owner and I had a lot of go-round getting it made, and it arrived late, in early December, despite my ordering it in April, so I froze my fingers off putting it on, but it is GREAT, and well worth the investment, although the aft half does not fit well; it is a little large.
The material is TOP GUN, which is great.
If you choose to get a quote from him, let me know, and you may freely quote my experience to him. I would love to have mine re-sized a little, but it is too aggravating. This year I just want to put it on and be done with it.
By the way, you can turn on a space heater under the cover, and basically work on your boat in a heated tent in winter. Very nice
They made one for a buddy of mine that fit like a glove. The design is two part, fits over the boom and ties to the base of the stanchions, so it keeps water and snow off the boat but allows air circlulation. I think mine cost 1500 or so.
The owner and I had a lot of go-round getting it made, and it arrived late, in early December, despite my ordering it in April, so I froze my fingers off putting it on, but it is GREAT, and well worth the investment, although the aft half does not fit well; it is a little large.
The material is TOP GUN, which is great.
If you choose to get a quote from him, let me know, and you may freely quote my experience to him. I would love to have mine re-sized a little, but it is too aggravating. This year I just want to put it on and be done with it.
By the way, you can turn on a space heater under the cover, and basically work on your boat in a heated tent in winter. Very nice
Geoff Johnson
Fellow Ericson Owner
I don't think it will be strong enough if you live in an area that gets much snow. You can make a frame out of electrical conduit joined with Klover Klamps, which I've seen at boat shows.
Mindscape
Member III
Pvc
My PO used PVC hoops (like a covered wagon) and shrink wrap. Under the weight of a snow/melt/freeze the PVC hoops colapsed. It might of worked if there had been some kind of ridge pole (other than a line streched taunt) in the middle, not sure. The PVC was attached to the stantions which I also didn't like since it trasfered any motion and stress to the stantions. I don't think this concept worked too well. We do have some folks that use heavier PVC (maybe 1.5 inch, not sure) and connecors much like what you might to with conduit, but at that point why not just use conduit?
My PO used PVC hoops (like a covered wagon) and shrink wrap. Under the weight of a snow/melt/freeze the PVC hoops colapsed. It might of worked if there had been some kind of ridge pole (other than a line streched taunt) in the middle, not sure. The PVC was attached to the stantions which I also didn't like since it trasfered any motion and stress to the stantions. I don't think this concept worked too well. We do have some folks that use heavier PVC (maybe 1.5 inch, not sure) and connecors much like what you might to with conduit, but at that point why not just use conduit?
Follow up PVC & boat covers
I happened across an article on "Covering Your Boat, related to using PVC,this info was on the --Bosunsupplies website. I know someone at my yard who is using the heavier PVC pipes mentioned in the article. There's a diagram using a vertical support in the article. However, the sailor I know did not have his stanchions on , and so constructed wood ribs, (1x3's and plywd angles) with notches and used PVC piping going fore and aft in the notches.
Bosunsupplies had some other useful info on their "knowledge page". (By the way they manufacture rails and do custom work), although I have not ordered anything from them. I think someone mentioned an info need for railings or rigging, other metal info was at the Goodoldboat website. My boat has a mixx of square and schafer type stanchion bases, (which I don't understand why).
I happened across an article on "Covering Your Boat, related to using PVC,this info was on the --Bosunsupplies website. I know someone at my yard who is using the heavier PVC pipes mentioned in the article. There's a diagram using a vertical support in the article. However, the sailor I know did not have his stanchions on , and so constructed wood ribs, (1x3's and plywd angles) with notches and used PVC piping going fore and aft in the notches.
Bosunsupplies had some other useful info on their "knowledge page". (By the way they manufacture rails and do custom work), although I have not ordered anything from them. I think someone mentioned an info need for railings or rigging, other metal info was at the Goodoldboat website. My boat has a mixx of square and schafer type stanchion bases, (which I don't understand why).
an old thread that I just came across but will add to it to keep info in one place.
I use half rings of 1.5" black plastic (ABS) drainage tubing over a 2X4 ridge pole with maybe three intermediate supports, tubing is secured with one screw at the top and wired in place at the ends at the toe rail. Never an issue, works like a charm, always intact and dry every Spring when many others have collapsed (heavy snow area). Quick... and cheap!
There are several grades ie. stiffness of the tuning (no stripe, red stripe, green etc)... I recommend use the firmest)
I have kept the mast onboard at times on supports just below the ridge pole.
I use half rings of 1.5" black plastic (ABS) drainage tubing over a 2X4 ridge pole with maybe three intermediate supports, tubing is secured with one screw at the top and wired in place at the ends at the toe rail. Never an issue, works like a charm, always intact and dry every Spring when many others have collapsed (heavy snow area). Quick... and cheap!
There are several grades ie. stiffness of the tuning (no stripe, red stripe, green etc)... I recommend use the firmest)I have kept the mast onboard at times on supports just below the ridge pole.
Nice article on winter covers
https://www.practical-sailor.com/blog/What-to-Look-For-in-a-Sailboat-Winter-Cover-10945-1.html
https://www.practical-sailor.com/blog/What-to-Look-For-in-a-Sailboat-Winter-Cover-10945-1.html
c.gustafson
Member II
North Shore Canvas
I recommend getting a bid from North Shore Canvas, 631-757-0400, www.northshorecanvas.com. The cost was a bit more than The Canvas Store, but the cover seems to be better quality. The owner actually comes to your boat and takes the necessary measurements to assure a good fit. I've been very happy with the cover and with the customer service.
I recommend getting a bid from North Shore Canvas, 631-757-0400, www.northshorecanvas.com. The cost was a bit more than The Canvas Store, but the cover seems to be better quality. The owner actually comes to your boat and takes the necessary measurements to assure a good fit. I've been very happy with the cover and with the customer service.