Change in Plans

M

Mike...

New member
Hello Everyone...

We'll be bringing the TomCat 255 home soon.

Given the state of the economy lately, I have decided not to move forward with renting a covered slip or signing up for boatel service - at least until things start looking up. Something tells me that will be a while.

But now the TomCat will be exposed to the elements when parked in the driveway and while on the road to some ramp somewhere. This has me thinking about a cover for the boat.

Any ideas where I can get a good cover?

And is covering the boat a bad thing to do in the heat of summer.

By the way, the good news is that having the boat in the driveway will allow me to do some of the mods I was going to hire out. Another way to save costs. Still, some of the mods are beyond my abilities. At least I think they are.

Suffice it to say that I will probably have lots of questions along the way.

Fair warning to you all. :)
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mike
 
Does your neighborhood allow you to set up a "temporary structure" to put the boat under? That would be the best solution (unfortunately, not available to me due to covenants.)

Warren
 
wannaboat":124nb6s5 said:
What would a temporary structure be?
Click to expand...

A number of alternatives are available such as a pipe frame with a fabric cover or with a corrugated aluminum roof. They sell them at Home Depot and other places like that. However, if you have no covenants to worry about I can tell you from personal experience that dealing with a boat cover and accumulated snow and rain is no fun, so if you can shelter with a structure I think you will be happier in the long run.

Warren
 
I keep Napoleon under shrink wrap (with a door) during winter layup. During the boating season she is of course afloat and not covered.

I have thought about these canvas type covers you can buy for cars, rv's, etc. You would need a big one for the Tomcat due to the height, but it would be nice to back her in under cover for working and for storage. These ports would cost a few thousand.

If you can follow instructions you will be able to do more than you think. Bob's article covers 90% of what you need to know to work on a C-Dory hull. Also, by doing the work yourself you can be sure it was done right and you will know how to fix it should it ever break, leak, etc. Same goes for installing and wiring electronics.

Some C-Brat's may as well put down "C-Dory Engineer" on their resume's considering the work and modifications they have done to their vessels. Anything you want to do someone has probably already done it and can provide instructions and pictures.
 
I've used a poly tarp for the past three years. It works fine and is relatively cheep. The poly tarp will only last a couple a years though. I put 2x4's lengthwise on the bow and stern so the snow just slides off. My nest purchase will be a 20x30 tarp from Northern tool its cordura and is $223. Covers every thing and is easy to get into the cockpit just by loosening the tie down on the corner an crawling in. Someday soon the carriage shed. michael
 
I bought a cotton tarp from Harbour Freight, 20x30, ~$160 (on sale.) Works great for Journey On, and I assume the plan view of a C-255 would be comparable, except for the square bow. However there's plenty of tarp to cover that bow. Since Journey On has a high radar arch, the 30' length just barely covers from the bow to the aft of the cockpit, once you fold the canvass over the radar and arch and at the side. I made a wood box to cover the radar dome, so it wouldn't get squished.

It lasts for years, IF you don't tie it down too tightly, since the grommets pull out easily. Instead of bungee cords, I started using nylon rope. I've also got a replacement grommet kit for future use (also Harbour Freight.) Supporting Pakistan these days and what thanks do we get?

Boris
 
The best "Boat cover" would be made of Sunbrella. But it would be expensive. Many of us just cover the cockpit and then let the boat weather; keeping it well waxed. The boats have quality gel coat and it lasts very well. I would be more worried about the winter snow, than summer sun.

We kept the C Dory 22 in Las Vegas for the majority of the time we owned it. The first year or so, we had it under an aluminum shelter, but still covered it with a blue tarp to keep the dust off. Later the owner of the house put his boat under the cover, so we used just a blue or silver tarp on the boat. It worked well to protect it.

When you are working on the boat, I would leave it open--maybe consider getting a camper back. --Or at least cover the cockpit. We also use "shade cloth"--from Lowes to decrease the sun on the boat during the summer and make air conditioning more effecient.

Be careful of tarps or lines scratching the gel coat. You want the cover snug, but not too tight. We also used nylon lines, with bungee at the bow and stern.
 
Our TomCat lives on a boat lift. When we are not using her for an extended period, we put on a complete cover. A local canvas shop made the cover in two pieces out of Sunbreller. A pole which rests on the foredeck elevates the canvas on the bow to provide good drainage. The cover extends down the hulls to the waterline. It is tied to the lift rather than to the boat. A door on the side and on the rear of the cockpit provide access while covered.

The boat was covered last summer for three months. The interior stayed nice and dry and there was no mildew which is a problem in humid hot Florida.

Tom
 
Hi folks,

This will be my first summer leaving my TC24 in Florida for the summer. It sets on a trailer in a storage that is pretty dusty. I was thinking of shrink wrap with a dehumidifier on the inside. I do have electric available to me so I can also put a trickle charger on the batterys. What do you think, is it over kill................chris
 
I don't think I would go with Shrink wrap. Even with a dehumidifier on the inside (The Mighty Dry is the best dehumidifier)--you will still get condensation on the inside of the shrink warp--and mold on the boat. Better is Sunbrella (pricey) Shrink wrap is a tight cover--if you go with any cover, you want ventillation--no snow in Florida! We just leave the shade cloth over the boat--and either the AC (RV roof type) or the Mighty dry on. (Or both--on low)....
 
So how would that 20 x 30 cotton puppy stand up to the 90 mph winds we get around here? :lol: Had the CD22 under one of those temporary shelters with the poles and the vinyl roof, wind picked 'er up, took off like a kite - right toward my neighbor's Hummer. You should have seen me attack that vinyl roof with a butcher knife, trying to deflate it, it would have been a great YouTube video. Stopped a foot or so short of the Hummer when one corner got hung up on a tree...

journey on":3ceyr8eh said:
I bought a cotton tarp from Harbour Freight, 20x30, ~$160 (on sale.) Works great for Journey On, and I assume the plan view of a C-255 would be comparable, except for the square bow. However there's plenty of tarp to cover that bow. Since Journey On has a high radar arch, the 30' length just barely covers from the bow to the aft of the cockpit, once you fold the canvass over the radar and arch and at the side. I made a wood box to cover the radar dome, so it wouldn't get squished.

It lasts for years, IF you don't tie it down too tightly, since the grommets pull out easily. Instead of bungee cords, I started using nylon rope. I've also got a replacement grommet kit for future use (also Harbour Freight.) Supporting Pakistan these days and what thanks do we get?

Boris
Click to expand...
 
Thanks all for the suggestions. Still trying to figure out what to do.

I might put up one of those metal carports. If not, I like the idea of a sunbrella cover. I know we have a good canvas shop out near the bay.

thanks...
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mike
 
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