A nifty boat-cover support that packs to nothing
Issue 86: Sept/Oct 2012
As I drove slowly by this boat, the thought flashed through my mind that it sure would be easy to store this winter-cover framework over the summer! That was enough to inspire me to go home, get the camera, and return to photograph it for future reference.
To my delight, closer inspection confirmed my first observation. This PVC-pipe framework can be easily disassembled and packed in a bundle about 12 feet long and maybe 8 inches in diameter . . . the sort of bundle that could be hung in any garage or attic or even shoved under the porch until it was needed again the following fall.
The bend is controlled by tying the ends into a cleat, rubrail, or anything handy, with plastic wire ties. The curved arch takes the weight off the mast. Tie a tarp over it, or shrinkwrap it if you wish, and the job is done.
A good idea: reusable and cheap too!
Jim Hildinger has been sailing on Lake Tahoe for 51 years, first in an O’Day Tempest 23, then on his Catalina 27. He was president of the International Catalina 27/270 Association for a few years and remains active in the group.
Thank you to Sailrite Enterprises, Inc., for providing free access to back issues of Good Old Boat through intellectual property rights. Sailrite.com
