Forum | Boat Frame to cover boat?

You're welcome Andy… And…

"IF" when you draw the lines tight with the ratchet strap it causes the two vertical pipes to bend… just install a section of 1″ pvc between the to pedestal extension and that will solve that problem….

None of the fittings need to be glued with PVC cement but it may make keeping up with the parts/pieces a little easier….

Bet'cha you thought I forgot!…

I "was" going to do a drawing in TurboCAD. While I do building designs with that application and it does have pipe drawing capabilities I learned – I don't have pipe drawing capabilities. While what I first had in mind was simple it was a bit complex to explain and impossible for me to layout in my CAD program. Soooo… thought some more and came up with this.

As before take 2 pvc fittings and extend the pedestal seat post upward. Will require PVC adapter and a section of 1″ pvc. Try to get each post "about" the same height – but it's not critical. On top of each post install a 1″ PVC 'T' fitting. Face the fittings fore and aft. Then take a rope approximately 1/2″ in diameter and thread it through each "T" fitting.

On the bow create a loop/double line big enough to go under or thru the bow eye and go back up to the 'T' fitting on the forward pedestal. What you're trying to do here is provide a support for the tarp. If the bow itself doesn't separate the two lines enough to do that install a spreader bar(piece of wood with a 'v' notch cut in both ends) between the two lines created by the loop.

On the rear pedestal pole, where the line exit the 't' fitting tie a simple loop just as it exits the 't' fitting facing the back of the boat. Now take a second piece of the same 1/2″ dia.(or so) rope and tie it off to the transom. If you don't have transom eyes or handles or any where else to tie it off you can secure it to the trailer frame.  Take the other end of the rope, pass it through the loop at the 't' fitting on the pedestal extension and bring it down to the other side of the transom. Again your creating basic support for the cover. But… after you pass it though the loop at the 't' fitting – put a loop in it close to the 't' fitting. Now take a ratchet strap w/hooks on both ends and secure one end to the transom/trailer frame and the other to the loop at the 't' fitting on the pedestal extension – to the rope/loop that goes to the other side of the transom. When you ratchet the line taunt all lines become taunt and you now have a basic frame to put a tarp over.

The last thing you'll need are some tarp clamps. They look like this…

Or this…

Using some style of these tarp clamps secure the tarp to the trailer frame at sufficent points to eliminate any saggs or dips in the tarp. To make securing the tarp to the trailer easier you may want to consider using webbing with adjustable buckles and attaching that to the tarp clamps by whatever means are required. That way once you get everything adjusted you can cinch the cover tight one time then unfasten the buckles and don't have to adjust them again – or if you do it's much easier.

OR…. Cam lock – but they'll require taking the webbing out of the cam lock each time you remove the cover.

Tarp clamps are available at The Home Depot or Lowe's.

If you have any questions…. just ask.

I applogize for the delay Andy…. was late getting in from work last night. I'll try to finish the post this evenin'…

Got the picture and working on the instructions and material list. Should have it posted later this evening. There's a lot of different ways that will work. I suppose the question is how much effort do you want to put into this project. What I'm working up now is a long term solution that can be used for many years requiring only a tarp replacement as it deteriorates. Pipe/fittings of current plane should come in under 20 bucks and the cost of the tarp will depend on the quality you decide to use.

Send it to dougw_316@yahoo.com

Its a 14 Grumman 4.4

I live in the North East and winter is here! I have covered my boat by putting in two saw horses and wrapping a tarp around it. Does anyone have plans or a rough drawing in how to make a better frame?

Andy