I bungeed down the tarp on my Hunter 216 before our 1st big snow only to find that the accumulated snow and ice on the tarp had my mast bowed like a banana! Live and learn. Any suggestions for a better way! ---Erik "bender" G.
Bent mast
- Thread starter Erik Garcia
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can you just get a few various lengths of 2x4 and support the mast in 4-5 spots from the deck of the boat up to the bottom of the mast?
I made a wood crutch to support the mast in the center. One 2x6 with a notch the profile of the mast sandwiched and bolted to two 2x6 contoured to the cabin top. The 2' length of the bottom boards distributes the weight on the cabin.
With the 216's smaller mast you may be able to use smaller boards.
With the 216's smaller mast you may be able to use smaller boards.
Put some pre-bend in it before tarping 
. Other than that i'd brace it in the middle like the others said.
. Other than that i'd brace it in the middle like the others said.
I created my crutch to prevent a curve that the snow weight created. It was about a 3" deep bow. It did come out when I tuned the rig in the Spring.
cover supports
I have used PVC pipe in the past. All though we don't get the snow load in the South like they do up North it still does happen on occassion.
One inch pvc thin wall is flexible enough to take a bend. One at the front and one at the back with 3-4 peices down the mast. Looks like a covered wagon when finished. there is enough slope for the snow to slide off.. Take plastic tents pegs crammed in the ends for something to tie off to.. I used the foam for insulating pipe, cut short and folded over the lifeline uprights and either duct tape them in place or use plastic wire ties. The tarp doesn't touch the mast and is high enough to walk under. I bought a poly tarp that was 18 x 24. Next one will be bigger. It lasted about 3 years.
I have used PVC pipe in the past. All though we don't get the snow load in the South like they do up North it still does happen on occassion.
One inch pvc thin wall is flexible enough to take a bend. One at the front and one at the back with 3-4 peices down the mast. Looks like a covered wagon when finished. there is enough slope for the snow to slide off.. Take plastic tents pegs crammed in the ends for something to tie off to.. I used the foam for insulating pipe, cut short and folded over the lifeline uprights and either duct tape them in place or use plastic wire ties. The tarp doesn't touch the mast and is high enough to walk under. I bought a poly tarp that was 18 x 24. Next one will be bigger. It lasted about 3 years.
The bend came out and I braced with a 2x4 crutch...it's holding well despite a whole lot more snow...thanks ---Erik
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