Building EMT frame Rommer/mannmade?

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WALSHIE

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I think it was one of you guys that had a place to buy clips needed to build a 3/4" EMT frame for tarping the boat. I'm thinking of a "T" that clamps onto the bow rails with a wing nut to secure it to the EMT.

Any other suggestions welcome. I honestly feel shrink wrap is such a waste of plastic and money. Several people at our marina tarp and the key is a quality frame. I'm thinking of going this route soon.
 
Not me Chris. I use a Fisher cover with a PVC press together frame.

BTW - keep the tarp AWAY from the gelcoat. Anyplace the wind makes the tarp move can be extermely abrasive.
 
Hmmm, I was going to try PVC but thought it would not be strong enough. Here's what I was thinking, let me know if you guys think the sizes are good enough or if I can scale down:

- A spine and rib system.
- A 2" PVC spine from the radar arch to the bow pulpit railing
- 1.5" Legs supporting the spine.
- 1.5" or maybe 1" ribs from spine to railing
- 3 Ropes from the arch to the transom (very steep)

I'll have the help of someone that's been doing this for years and swears the tarp does not scratch. He's very anal about his gelcoat and I agree, it hasn't scratched. He uses bungee cord from grommet to grommet.
 
Actually I think the PVC would be stronger then EMT. EMT has a tendency to " kink " under pressure.......never mind the chance of the metal scratching the hull... :( :(

I also thought of building a nice PVC frame .....but I still do mine the old fashion way.....2X3's... pieces of carpet...and string.

winterwrap003.jpg
 
Chris, the PVC frame is the way to go. make sure you buy the schedule 40 pipe. The lighter weight pipe might save you a dollar or two, but will not hold up the weight of the tarp very well.

Ken
 
Thanks guys, PVC it is!! With the busy schedule I have coming up, I'm probably looking at doing this the Friday after Thanksgiving then running to buy a Christmas Tree!!
 
The first year you make the frame will take sometime. As long as you label all the pieces the following years are a walk in the park.
 
John's right, the first time, plan on most of the day to get it right.
 
man I am SO glad I have no clue how to build such an evil thing to cover my boat! My heart goes out to you, my northern brethern!
 
Chris, I have a whole set of frame clips for a 34' set up...used it once with the old boat...they are all in a box on the garage floor now. Got them from City Island...let me know if you are interested.
 
I've hear the only way to get a tarp on right is to make it look like a roast beef. Otherwise you have all this extra stuff flopping around in the wind. I tried it once with Freedom (tarp) and it was a hopeless proposition. We wound up shrink wrapping it.
 
I found that the "roast beef" option, as you put it, only led to chafing where the ropes were lying on the tarp. Maybe I used the wrong ropes. I throw one or two ropes over the top, but mostly tie everything down as best I can and be sure that the framing under the top is sufficient to not allow any droopy spots where water can collect. Even then the tarp gets pretty frayed by Spring, but I can get through the winter with it at least...
 
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