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Cut the PVC pipe at mid-span of the bow and stern sections and insert a 3-way connector in each. Make similar cuts at mid-span of the intermediate sections and insert 4-way connectors. Cut lengths of PVC pipe to fit between the frame sections from bow to stern as a center support for the cover. Make sure the open ports are facing correctly before cementing the 3-way connectors in place. [links]
Rubber chair leg cups can be used to keep the frame from scratching deck finishes. Install connectors and additional lengths of PVC pipe if more support is needed to prevent the cover from sagging. Secure the frame in place before spreading the cover.
If you’re planning to cover a small boat that resides on a trailer or a larger boat that might spend the winter in storage, a frame provides ventilation and keeps the cover from pooling with rain water. By making it yourself, the frame can be configured to accommodate the cover you plan to use or one you plan to order. PVC pipe and fittings make a lightweight frame assembly that can be secured to deck railings and cleats using nylon ties or straps. With PVC you can make the frame for a larger boat in sections that connect with male-female slip fittings for easier installation.
Use the same procedure to make a frame section that will stand near the bow. Attach small cleats to the cross pieces if you plan to hold the frame in place with straps. Check the dimensions of the frame sections before cementing any connections. here
Measure across the stern from one corner of the deck to the other and note this dimension. Determine the height you want the frame and note this dimension as well. Make a three-piece PVC pipe frame to these dimensions with 3-way elbow connectors at the corners. The remaining port in the the 3-way connector will receive the upper side rails of the frame.
Turn the 3-way connectors so the open ports are facing the same direction. Prime and cement the ends of the pipe pieces and insert them securely into the connector. For the intermediate frame sections, use 4-way connectors at the corners. The open ports on the 4-way connectors will receive the upper side rails of the frame. Measure, cut and install the upper PVC pipe side rails and connect the frame together. more
Call about our removal-inspection-storage and installation service.
Creating a custom boat cover is never a problem at Genco. We can fabricate a cover to your existing frame work.
We want to ensure that every sailboat or powerboat cover that leaves our business is built to withstand not just the weather, but the test of time. One-time plastic wraps simply cannot compare to the quality tarps we produce. [links]
At Genco we understand that winter boat covers shouldn’t be one size fits all. That’s why we take pride in producing custom covers that are made to fit your budget and your boat! Whether you store your boat mast up, mast down, with or without a frame; we have your winter boat cover needs taken care of at Genco.
Make launch an enjoyable experience, let Genco handle part of the job!
To begin with, it is crucial to have a look at these shopping guides before heading to the stores: here
Some of the most common types of winter boat covers are Shrinkwrap, Custom-fitted, Bimini boot, Plastic, and Canvas. [links]
The winter boat tarps or boat covers with marine-grade materials is what you should be looking for. When we say marine-grade, we mean something that is specifically designed to withstand harmful processes that can be damaging to your boat. These materials are chemically engineered to repel forces that are applied to it. here
What is more, this item’s elastic cord is tight enough to give it that custom-fit feel for your boat. This boat cover is designed to fit your V-Hull Runabouts that are 17 feet to 19 feet long and 102 inches in width.
While the material is already superior, you will be even more delighted by the fact that it has a double Polyurethane Coating. Polyurethane is a type of polymer that is usually applied to a material’s surface for maximum protection. more
While both chafe resistance and UV resistance are desirable in a cover fabric, where you live and sail can change which of these traits takes priority. If you boat offshore or along the coast, your top priority is likely UV resistance. The sun is harsh on the coast and boats are typically in the water year-round, so you’ll need a fabric that can stand up to all that UV exposure. For the best UV resistance, we recommend Sunbrella Marine Grade fabric. To provide extra chafe protection, add patches of Shelter-Rite ® vinyl in high chafe areas.
Basically the trade-off looks like this: If you don’t mind adding a few chafe resistant patches to your acrylic cover, it will maintain its integrity for up to 10 years, even in stronger UV climates. If you don’t want to hassle with patches and fixes, choose the polyester and get the better strength for the initial five years and then reassess your cover. If you live in a temperate climate, you may even be able to get more than five years out of your polyester cover. more
If you sail inland or in an area with four seasons, your boat gets a break from the weather during the winter months and the sun doesn’t typically get as hot in the summer as it does on the coasts. Therefore, your priority might shift to chafe resistance. A good chafe resistant cover will last a long time inland and won’t require the extra work of adding additional reinforcing patches. For the best chafe resistance, we recommend Top Notch 9, Top Gun, Top Gun 1S, Sur Last and Odyssey. [links]
While “waterproof” and “water resistant” might seem like interchangeable terms, they are not. Waterproof fabrics will always repel water, even if the fabric is old. Fabrics described as waterproof are usually vinyl, vinyl-coated or laminated. Water resistant fabrics do not inherently repel water but, rather, are treated to not let water soak through. In these fabrics, the coating will wear away over time and let water leak through. Water resistant fabrics can also leak when water is allowed to pool on their surface. here
If you decide you’d prefer breathability to waterproofness, you can use a water-resistant fabric for your cover. Be sure to give your cover a good pitch, using support poles if necessary, so water won’t pool. Re-treat the cover after a few years or after washing with a fabric treatment like 303 ® Fabric Guard or Aqua-Tite ® to restore the water repellency. For a breathable, water-resistant cover try Sunbrella ® Marine Grade, Top Notch ® 9 or Sur Last ® . here