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cmetzenberg
Joined: 04 Jan 2014 Posts: 367 City/Region: Santa Barbara
State or Province: CA
C-Dory Year: 2007
C-Dory Model: 255 Tomcat
Vessel Name: Kanaloa
Photos: Kanaloa
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Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2014 10:08 pm Post subject: Need help making a poor mans boat cover. |
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After ordering that boat cover that was supposed to fit but didn't i'm back to square one and the boat is still exposed to the brutal california sun (sarcasm). I'm trying to think outside the box and I figure the more brains the better.
My goal: protect a tomcat 255 from UV in a way that doesn't anger my neighbors due to its grotesque appearance as my boat sits in my driveway. The cover does not have to be trailerable.
Current suggestions: Military surplus parachutehttp://www.ebay.com/itm/MILITARY-SURPLUS-T10-PARACHUTE-35-FT-WITH-LINES-CUT-/331336116303?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d252be84f or rv cover.
I looked into getting an actual proper cover built but it is very expensive. Angola canvas doesn't have a pattern for a tomcat 255 otherwise i'd already have one from them.
Any suggestions guys?
[/b] _________________ Conrad Metzenberg
07' Tomcat 255 "Kanaloa"
87' Boston Whaler Guardian 17 (BlackFlag, 03-14)
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jkidd
Joined: 23 Oct 2006 Posts: 1609 City/Region: Northern, Utah
State or Province: UT
C-Dory Year: 2007
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: Voyager
Photos: Voyager (JK)
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Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2014 10:41 pm Post subject: |
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We used a parachute for shade once. While it was cooler under it everyone burned. So I don't think it will give you the uv protection you want. _________________ Jody Kidd
KE7WNG
Northern, Utah
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thataway
Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 20778 City/Region: Pensacola
State or Province: FL
C-Dory Year: 2007
C-Dory Model: 25 Cruiser
Vessel Name: thataway
Photos: Thataway
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Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2014 10:48 pm Post subject: |
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Parachutes are Nylon--not UV resistant--even the Santa Barbara sun will do it in…
I don't know what your time and skill sets are, but a boat cover is a basic sewing project. A SailRite Machine will set you back about $700 (zig zag), and the Sunbrella is going to be your best cloth. Using some basics of sewing canvas, the Tom Cat is easier than an actual 22 or 25--mainly because you can make a semi square cover, down over the sides. Set it up with upholstery pins, get a "hot Kinfe", and sew away. Probably take two weekends. There are ways to make pattern to start with, but for a cover like the Tom Cat, I don't see that as necessary.
You can use blue or silver tarps--you can get one of the "vinyl car houses" with a frame. But I suspect that a nice color match Sunbrella would go over with the neighbors better. _________________ Bob Austin
Thataway
Thataway (Ex Seaweed) 2007 25 C Dory May 2018 to Oct. 2021
Thisaway 2006 22' CDory November 2011 to May 2018
Caracal 18 140 Suzuki 2007 to present
Thataway TomCat 255 150 Suzukis June 2006 thru August 2011
C Pelican; 1992, 22 Cruiser, 2002 thru 2006
Frequent Sea; 2003 C D 25, 2007 thru 2009
KA6PKB
Home port: Pensacola FL |
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Two Bears
Joined: 07 Nov 2009 Posts: 296 City/Region: Orofino
State or Province: ID
C-Dory Year: 2006
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: Two Bears
Photos: Two Bears
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Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2014 11:24 pm Post subject: |
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There are a variety of auto tunnels on the market. Costco has an 10x20 for under $300 that should last at least 3 years before the fabric deteriorates, and the box indicates new canvas is available. The alignment would need to be right for sun protection, but it does come with sides. Not all the boat would fit under, but another tarp over the exposed end would do a lot.
Chuck _________________ Chuck & Penny Raddon
Orofino, Idaho |
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Aurelia
Joined: 21 Aug 2009 Posts: 2331 City/Region: Gig Harbor
State or Province: WA
Photos: Aurelia
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Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2014 12:13 am Post subject: |
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I am thinking maybe white tarps.
One or two for length on the top, two for the sides and sew or even tape them together with clear duct tape. You could use one or two on top overhanging the front and back then attach the sides to build and tapered box. I could see it looking passable and lasting a season or two for sun protection. How join the tarps will be important. Mesh tarps are another less un-sightly option and they do block some light but maybe not enough.
Greg _________________ Greg, Cindie & Aven
Gig Harbor
Aurelia - 25 Cruiser sold 2012
Ari - 19 Cruiser sold 2023
currently exploring with "Lia", 17 ft Bullfrog Supersport Pilothouse |
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ssobol
Joined: 27 Oct 2012 Posts: 3358 City/Region: SW Michigan
State or Province: MI
C-Dory Year: 2008
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: SoBELLE
Photos: SoBelle
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Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2014 5:29 am Post subject: |
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I used to use heavy duty tarps from HD to cover my 16' RIB. I'd get the ones that are brown on one side and silver on the other. I'd put the silver side out.
With bungee cords and some tailoring this worked pretty well. However, even in the VA sunshine, the tarps would only last about a year. Each fall I would get a new tarp and set it up again. The first year I did not replace the tarp and after a decent snow fall the tarp failed and I had to replace it.
The nylon tarps deteriorate fairly quickly in the sun. Putting 303 Protectant on it might help the tarp last longer. |
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RobLL
Joined: 05 Aug 2014 Posts: 421 City/Region: Bremerton
State or Province: WA
C-Dory Year: 2007
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
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Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2014 11:04 am Post subject: |
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Green house plastic is UV resistant. Mine in the NW is going on 20 years old. A nursery supply house might be a possibility, and they have some of the needed hardware as well. |
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cmetzenberg
Joined: 04 Jan 2014 Posts: 367 City/Region: Santa Barbara
State or Province: CA
C-Dory Year: 2007
C-Dory Model: 255 Tomcat
Vessel Name: Kanaloa
Photos: Kanaloa
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Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2014 11:18 am Post subject: |
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just talked to ed from angola canvas. He said he would drive 2 hours to make a pattern. Any tomcats in indiana? |
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redbaronace
Joined: 29 Aug 2012 Posts: 581 City/Region: Puget Sound
State or Province: WA
C-Dory Year: 2006
C-Dory Model: 255 Tomcat
Photos: redbaronace (Name TBD)
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Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2014 11:32 am Post subject: |
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Just curious as to whether there are any local canvas guys that could make one for you. As we go into the less busy season, seems like a good project for a individual or shop. |
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thataway
Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 20778 City/Region: Pensacola
State or Province: FL
C-Dory Year: 2007
C-Dory Model: 25 Cruiser
Vessel Name: thataway
Photos: Thataway
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Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2014 1:04 pm Post subject: |
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CalMark Covers in Oxnard makes RV, Car, Van, Trailer and RV covers. I got an RV cover from them which I used for 5 years in an outdoor storage in the El Toro area-it was still usable when I sold the RV.
Give them a call and see if they will make a cover for the Tom Cat 255.
The nearest C Brat with a Tom Cat looks to be about 3 hours drive from Angola. |
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Captains Cat
Joined: 03 Nov 2003 Posts: 7313 City/Region: Cod Creek>Potomac River>Chesapeake Bay
State or Province: VA
C-Dory Year: 2005
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: Captain's Choice II
Photos: Captain's Cat
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Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2014 1:10 pm Post subject: |
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Not sure where Angola is but there is one near South Bend, way up North. Look at the Brat Map at the top of the page. 3 hours may be right.
Charlie _________________ CHARLIE and PENNY CBRAT #100
Captain's Cat II 2005 22 Cruiser
Thataway (2006 TC255 - Sold Aug 2013)
Captain's Cat (2006 TC255 - Sold January 2012)
Captain's Kitten (1995 CD 16 Angler- Sold June 2010)
Captain's Choice (1994 CD 22 Cruiser- Sold Jun 2007)
Potomac River/Chesapeake Bay
K4KBA |
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dotnmarty
Joined: 03 Nov 2003 Posts: 4196 City/Region: Sammamish
State or Province: WA
C-Dory Year: 1993
C-Dory Model: 16 Angler
Vessel Name: LIZZIE II
Photos: Lizzie
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Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2014 5:04 pm Post subject: |
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cmetzenberg wrote: | just talked to ed from angola canvas. He said he would drive 2 hours to make a pattern. Any tomcats in indiana? |
There is (or was) one on the Brat Map in Crown Point, Indiana, about 150 miles from Angola
http://www.c-brats.com/bratmap.php?cd_scope=Tomcat _________________ MartyP
"...we're all in the same boat..." |
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olsurfdog
Joined: 13 Nov 2009 Posts: 178 City/Region: Carmel Valley
State or Province: CA
C-Dory Year: 1989
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: Summer
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Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2014 6:04 pm Post subject: |
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I've gotten a couple of big tarps from these guys:
http://www.tarpaflex.com
Got one (white ) large enough to completely cover my 22 ( not the largest they have). Used pvc pipe to make a frame over cockpit. Can still get in to work but boat is protected from sun and what little winter we get! Replaced the first tarp last week. It lasted about three years. Not as good looking as a custom Sunbrella cover but certainly a lot cheaper and not too bad. Cut a slit in the center to go over the radar and anchor light. Sealed edges of cut with white duct tape. _________________ Michael
______
I am where I am
Because I was where I was |
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jimandlaurie
Joined: 01 Nov 2003 Posts: 565 City/Region: Puyallup
State or Province: WA
Photos: Laurna Jo
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Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2014 4:40 am Post subject: |
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Back in the early days of this outfit, Jon from C-Lou was the boat camperback, boat cover guru. Wish we had more pictures of his blue beauties. _________________ Commodore Jim & Adm. Laurie
Former C-Dory Christener.
2004 C-Dory Skiff- Little Poit Dhubh
2005 C-Dory 25 Cruiser -sold 2103
2002- C-Dory 22 Cruiser- Sold 2005 |
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SEA3PO
Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 1835 City/Region: Chester
State or Province: CA
C-Dory Year: 2003
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: SEA3PO
Photos: SEA3PO
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Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2014 11:26 am Post subject: |
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This year I am using a big green tarp that I bought from Harbor Freight on the tug, I found a neighbor that would let me use his carport for the winter.
Last year I shrink wrapped it... was not hard and once I bought all the materials and it was not expensive... I figure it cost about $100 to shrink wrap it....but had to buy enough materials to do it 5 or 6 times...
For my 22 C-Dory I just use a green tarp, but keep the boat in my back yard ....about 40 miles from Santa Barbara.... works fine but does not look kool.
I would like to have a cover made but just can't justify the $1000 plus vs a $35 tarp.
Joel |
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