Shirley, There is a third alternative. I have been reusing a professionally installed shrink wrap cover. I have reused my current cover for at least 8, maybe 9, years and intend to use it again this year. I store with my mast down (and stored off the boat) and the boom on deck. I also take the lifelines down which enables a low profile but nicely sloped cover. There are numerous online tutorials on how to do this but it is pretty simple. All you need to do is mark the position of the support structure uprights , expose a section the lower perimeter band, clamp the exposed band on each side so it doesn’t retract into the cover, cut the band, and tie a generous extension to each side of the perimeter band. You can then ease the perimeter ban and work the cover off. Taking it off and getting it back on takes some work and you may need to patch it with some shrink wrap tape now and again but it works remarkably well. I think I paid $350 USD for my current shrink wrap job. Since then I’ve only had to pay for a couple rolls of poly strap and shrink wrap tape so it is pretty economical.
Hi Charles,
Great! I will calll them up. Do they make the frame as well ?
Thanks
Shirley
They supply all the brackets and bolts you will need to build your own frame from 2x4 lumber.
The yard manager at my marina recommended that I contact Ship Shape Canvas. Jim, the owner came to my boat to help fit a custom cover to a frame that covers the boat from stem to stern. The frame consists of two sawhorses to support the boom and a ridge pole of 2 x 6 material. This will be my first season to use this cover. I believe the cost was $2400 U.S. plus maybe another $200 for materials for the frame. The cover is in two pieces that join at approximately the companionway.
Randy Gadikian
NS 26C #37
Buffalo, NY