PVC frame for a winter cover

[Nelsonhow]

A friend asked if I knew of a good article on how to build a PVC frame for a winter cover. I remember seeing a good article with good pics this fall but can find it. I get Good Old Boat, Practical Sailor, Cruising World and Sail (don't ask why but it passes the time).

Can anyone remember where I saw the article?

 

[Jake N Eggs]

Here is a picture of the PVC tubing frame that I built for my 33. (hopefully it uploads correctly) The frame sits on the rub rail and is supported at the stanchions. The middle section sits on the mast step. The pieces are glued for the most part and screws hold the sections together when it is assembled. It disassembles into pieces no longer than about 6 feet.

Hope it helps.

 

[jtm]

nice job Jake- looks like you padded up in the bow to allow for the deck's contours too.
What is that, 2" or 1-1/2 ID pipe?? I suppose you use canvas cover. I found out tha hard way 30 yrs ago that the blue tarp on these frames just gets brittle in the cold and shreds in the wind.

 

[Jake N Eggs]

jtmccue,

Thanks. It is 2" vacuum tubing so I think the outside diameter is 2". It fits like a glove and has worked well since 2006.

I have a fitted rip-stop tarp as the cover. It is the same material that is used on temporary car ports in the winter. It's like a tarp material but quite a bit thicker.

 

[Ron Roman]

Jake, do have a picture of your boat with the tarp on it?

 

[Jake N Eggs]

Ron,

The only pictures I have are from the first year and the cover was not made to my specifications. It has since been adjusted and it fits better now but not as well as I had intended it to fit.

 

[redhead78]

Jake, I think it was on this site. I saw it also and I am building my first one.....Past years I used 5/4" spruce. This is all un glued, mast is down so its easier. I can break it at the ridge if I want to reuse....not sure yet....Red

 

[redhead78]

Whoops I meant to reply to Nelson....Red

 

[H33CRich]

A friend asked if I knew of a good article on how to build a PVC frame for a winter cover. I remember seeing a good article with good pics this fall but can find it. I get Good Old Boat, Practical Sailor, Cruising World and Sail (don't ask why but it passes the time).

Can anyone remember where I saw the article?

Sail, October 2011, page 100, is one I have on my coffee table now. I have also seen an article in Good 'ol Boat on the subject but don't have the reference handy.

 

[joker460]

Looks like a lot of work. Did you glue the sections or are they loose?
I decided to go with the Klover Klamp method. Easy to assemble and take apart. The galv conduit will last forever (or at least until I sell)

 

[tcbro]

I made a frame using 3/4" galvanized EMT conduit and clamps from www.framemakerclamps.com The conduit costs $4 per 10' length at Home Depot. A conduit bender costs $35 or you may be able to rent or borrow one. It took the better part of a weekend to make but now I can set it up in a few hours, by myself. I marked the ridge with yellow electric tape, the port side ribs with red tape, starboard ribs are green and the upright supports are blue. Starting at the bow the first piece if each component gets 1 ring of tape, the second gets 2 and so on. All parts are easily identified for assembly. It is easy to transport & store when not in use. Takes up much less room than plastic of a suitable diameter. Use 3/4" rubber "crutch" tips (also available at HD) where it contacts the deck. This frame is extremely rigid. I'm still covering it with poly tarps but hope to set it up freestanding in the driveway and sew up a proper canvas cover.

Check out the gallery on the frame maker clamps site.