Better options for boat cover support?

[Stamey]

I am currently using a "tent" frame made from white 2.5" PVC with T's and elbows to run a single horizontal pole from one end of the boat to the other, in the center, with legs every 8-10', depending on the layout of the boat. This is an idea I got from you guys here on iBoats.

One of my boats, the 26' Wellcraft Nova II, has a black cover. The problem with this boat is the black cover. Is gets so hot under the cover nowadays that the PVC is melting just enough to disfigure the holes in the elbows/T's. They get elongated and suddenly the pipe is loose in the hole and falls out, then the entire cover collapses over the boat.
I like the frame otherwise, as it is cheap, completely customizable, and stood up the the snow in the winter.

Anyone know of a way to keep the T's from melting? I thought about the possibility of glassing around the T to reinforce the holes, but I wonder if that would be more trouble than it's worth. The only other thing I have thought of is to cover the good black cover with a cheap blue tarp.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[lncoop]

Re: Better options for boat cover support?

Why not just glue them?

 

[Stamey]

Re: Better options for boat cover support?

I don't glue them, except for the "feet" of the poles, because it makes it much easier to get the multiple sections of pole out of the boat Some have only 2 poles, but this one, and my bow rider, have 2 sections, 3 poles, and when I go to pull the support frame out of the boat it is nice to be able to break it down into pieces.

Perhaps I need to consider that though, as I could glue the horizontal pole to the T's, and the end elbow (to provide a blunt end for the cover to bear on when I pull it tight). If I leave the support poles unglued, as I have not had a problem with the vertical pieces of the T's yet, I'd just have to deal with the long horizontal piece and putting in and removing from the boat.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[lncoop]

Re: Better options for boat cover support?

You might try wrapping some duct tape around the pipe ends where they go into the fittings. Or, could drill through them and insert a clevis pin or something.

 

[Ron C]

Re: Better options for boat cover support?

If you are using the standard white PVC, it is not as resistant to heat. You would need to switch to the grey PVC is is heat resistant as it is used with electrical wiring which does generate heat.

 

[relocyo]

Re: Better options for boat cover support?

You might try wrapping some duct tape around the pipe ends where they go into the fittings. Or, could drill through them and insert a clevis pin or something.

+1 on the "pins" just drill some big ole holes so their easy to line up and slip a big ole bolt thru , or the grey pvc, as Ron C stated would help also, but quick fix with a drill and some old bolts im sure youve got laying around...

 

[The_Kid]

Re: Better options for boat cover support?

I had the same problem when I used PVC as a center pole on my pontoon. I switched over to 3/4" copper pipe which I covered with foam pipe insulation. Some of the joints I soldered, and the other ones are held together with a self tapping screw.

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Better options for boat cover support?

Sounds like the heat-resistant version PVC is the easiest way to go, assuming you don't mind recreating your frame.

On another note - how about trying to do something about all that heat build-up? It's probably not good for other parts of your boat's interior. Maybe those snap-in vents or something?

 

[am_dew]

Re: Better options for boat cover support?

On my runabout, I support the cover using 10' lengths of 3/4" steel conduit run from the top of the windshield back to the transom...I evenly space five of them across the transom...I used to do three but found that some water still pooled up. I also try to make the middle length the highest, then have the others step down from there. I put rubber chair tips on each end of the conduit to avoid ripping the cover and put a length of foam pipe insulation across the top of the windshield so the poles don't scratch it. This works real well for rain, but it would not support a heavy snow load.

​

 

[Cap’n Ray]

Re: Better options for boat cover support?

The 'winter' cover for the carver was supported with 'saw-horses'... The jaw kits are cheap at the home centers, and you can use any length of 2x4 leg and top rail you need. Might be something to look into.

 

[Stamey]

Re: Better options for boat cover support?

Thanks for the ideas guys. I am going to check into the grey PVC. I can remake the support system for 50-60 bucks, and that's one of the reasons I use the PVC, customizable and cheap. I haven't noticed the grey PVC at home depot, but perhaps it is in the electrical section?

I would like to do something about the heat under that cover. I don't know how much confidence I have in the vents though. I put those vents in my pontoon cover and although there is a gap at the bottom of the cover, where air and get in freely, and the 4 vents over 24' are unobstructed, I'm still getting mildew stains on my vinyl, and this is even after waiting for the boat to be dry before covering it. I am concerned that those vents juts don't flow enough, and I hate to cut holes in my expensive cover for an ineffective vent.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[lncoop]

Re: Better options for boat cover support?

Yes Stamey, you'll find the gray stuff over in electrical right next to the sticks of EMT. Good luck with the project.

 

[Ron C]

Re: Better options for boat cover support?

Thanks for the ideas guys. I am going to check into the grey PVC. I can remake the support system for 50-60 bucks, and that's one of the reasons I use the PVC, customizable and cheap. I haven't noticed the grey PVC at home depot, but perhaps it is in the electrical section?

I would like to do something about the heat under that cover. I don't know how much confidence I have in the vents though. I put those vents in my pontoon cover and although there is a gap at the bottom of the cover, where air and get in freely, and the 4 vents over 24' are unobstructed, I'm still getting mildew stains on my vinyl, and this is even after waiting for the boat to be dry before covering it. I am concerned that those vents juts don't flow enough, and I hate to cut holes in my expensive cover for an ineffective vent.

Thanks,
Chris

One option to increase air flow is to add a small electric fan. You can pick up a small fan at Target or Walmart. You run an extension cord through an opening near the engine. Place the fan at the bow and face it toward the stern. This will increase air flow in the boat while it is covered. As long as no standing water appears around the fan then you're good to go.

 

[Stamey]

Re: Better options for boat cover support?

OK, after reviewing the gray stuff at Home Depot, where there apparently isn't much of a selection, I have glued the T's and elbows along the top "rail". The posts are not glued so I can handle it easier when removing.
If a next go'round is required I will see if I can find a better gray selection, or use the pin idea.

Thanks,
Chris