Choosing And Rigging The Best Tarp For Your Boat

Tarping a boat is essential to preserving its value by protecting it from the elements, whether it's rain, snow, salt, wind, or ice. A tarp can also add a layer of insulation and reduce condensation, extending the life of the boat. While custom boat covers are ideal, they can be expensive, and a heavy-duty tarp can be a more affordable and effective alternative for short-term protection or long-term storage. This guide will outline the steps to properly tarp a boat, from selecting the right materials to securing the tarp.

Choosing the right tarp material

When choosing a tarp for your boat, it's important to select the right material to ensure your boat is properly protected. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right tarp material:

Durability and Protection:

Look for a tarp material that is durable and offers adequate protection for your boat. Heavy-duty tarps made from materials like polyethylene or canvas provide superior protection against the elements. Polyethylene tarps, in particular, are waterproof, strong, and resistant to tears and weather damage. They are also lightweight and easy to transport, making them a popular choice for boat owners.

Size and Fit:

Ensure the tarp is large enough to completely cover your boat. Consider the length, width, and height of your boat when selecting a tarp. It should be oversized enough to cover the entire length and width, with some extra material to ensure complete coverage. Avoid using multiple smaller tarps as they can catch the wind or allow water incursion.

Fastening System:

Choose a tarp with a secure fastening system to keep it in place, especially during strong winds or transport. Look for tarps with grommets or eyelets around the perimeter, which allow for easy and secure fastening using ropes, bungee cords, straps, or ties.

Ventilation:

While not a feature of the tarp material itself, ventilation is crucial to prevent mold and mildew formation under the tarp. Look for tarps with breathable mesh or consider creating ventilation spots when setting up the tarp. Regularly open the tarp, especially during long-term storage, to allow air circulation.

Weather Resistance:

Select a tarp material that is specifically designed to withstand outdoor conditions, including rain, snow, wind, and sun exposure. Look for tarps that are waterproof, UV-resistant, and rot-proof. Some tarp materials, like vinyl, offer additional protection against acid rain and mildew.

Cost and Availability:

Consider your budget and the availability of the tarp material. Polyethylene tarps are typically the most economical and widely available option. Canvas tarps may be more affordable but might require more maintenance. Vinyl tarps, on the other hand, are heavy-duty and offer superior protection but may come at a higher cost.

Remember, the ideal tarp material for your boat depends on factors such as the size of your boat, the climate you operate in, your storage location, and your budget. By considering these factors, you can choose the right tarp material to keep your boat well-protected and maintained.

Tarp placement and height

• Measure the Boat: Before purchasing a tarp, measure the length, width, and height of your boat. This will help you select a tarp that is the correct size and ensure proper coverage. Allow for some extra material to accommodate protrusions and provide complete protection.
• Choose the Right Tarp: Select a high-quality, durable, and water-resistant or waterproof tarp. Consider the size and material of the tarp, as well as the specific needs of your boat. Heavy-duty tarps made from materials like polyethylene or canvas offer superior protection.
• Protect Sharp Structures: Cover or pad sharp structures like antennas, poles, and corners to prevent puncturing the tarp. Use duct tape to secure the padding in place.
• Avoid Low Spots: Ensure that the tarp is taut and secured to avoid low spots that can collect rainwater, snow, or debris. Prop up low spots with blunt poles or sticks, and pad the ends of these structures to avoid puncturing the tarp.
• Ventilation and Mould Prevention: Allow for ventilation to minimise the formation of mildew. You can incorporate small openings or use moisture-absorbing products like desiccants under the tarp to prevent mould and moisture buildup.
• Secure the Tarp: Use ropes, bungee cords, straps, tarp clips, and stakes to securely fasten the tarp to the boat and the ground. Ensure that the tarp is tight enough to resist wind and weather conditions, checking for any sagging or pooling that may occur.
• Check for Pooling: Inspect the tarp for any areas that might sag or pool, and adjust accordingly. Water pooling on the tarp can cause stretching and tearing, so ensure that water can drain off the sides of the boat.
• Maintenance and Inspection: Regularly inspect and maintain your tarp to prolong its life and protect your boat. Check for tears, rips, holes, or other signs of degradation, especially around sharp edges. Ensure the tarp remains secure and taut to prevent water collection.

Ventilation

Tarping a boat is an effective way to protect it from the elements, dirt, and debris. However, it is important to ensure proper ventilation to prevent the formation of mildew and mould. Here are some detailed instructions on how to ensure adequate ventilation when covering your boat with a tarp:

Plan for Ventilation:

Before you start tarping your boat, it is important to plan for ventilation. This is crucial, especially if you are storing your boat near water or in an area with high humidity. You can create a design for ventilation spots by identifying areas where air passage will be possible. This can be as simple as marking small points on the tarp where you will create openings for air circulation.

Use Ventilation Accessories:

There are various accessories available on the market that can aid in ventilating your tarped boat. Boat vent caps, for example, can be installed on the tarp to allow for air circulation. These vent caps are designed to fit snugly on the tarp and provide ventilation while protecting against the elements. They are easy to install and can be purchased from marine supply stores or online retailers.

Apply Moisture-Absorbing Products:

To further prevent the formation of mould and mildew, it is recommended to use moisture-absorbing products, such as desiccants like DampRid. These products can be placed under the tarp to collect moisture and reduce humidity levels inside. Be sure to empty and replace them frequently, as they can fill up quickly.

Regularly Clean and Treat the Tarp:

Proper maintenance of the tarp is essential for preventing mould and mildew. Clean the tarp regularly using a mild detergent and water, avoiding bleach or vinegar unless specified in the care instructions. Additionally, re-apply a waterproofing treatment, such as Star Brite Waterproofing and Fabric Treatment with PTEF, to ensure the tarp remains effective in repelling moisture.

Monitor and Maintain:

Lastly, it is important to inspect and maintain your tarp-covered boat regularly. At least once a month, check for any tears, rips, or holes that could compromise the protection of your boat. Ensure that the tarp remains securely fastened and that there are no low spots where water or debris can collect. By following these steps, you can effectively ventilate your tarped boat and prevent mould or mildew from forming.

Tarp fastening

Tarping a boat is essential to protect it from the elements and preserve its value. There are several ways to securely fasten a tarp to a boat, depending on whether the boat is on land or water.

If your boat is on land, it is recommended to use bungee cords to attach the tarp to the boat's frame. First, pull the tarp tight around the frame, then use bungee cords to secure it. Make sure the tarp is taut to prevent it from becoming loose during transport. Once the tarp is secured with bungee cords, use rope to tie it in place. The rope should be tied in multiple places to ensure the tarp stays in place.

Another option for boats on land is to use tarp clips and bungee cords. Tarp clips are designed to hold the edges of the tarp in place and prevent slipping. Once the tarp is clipped in place, use bungee cords to keep it tight and secure. Loop the bungees over the tarp several times and attach them securely to the boat. This method ensures that the tarp doesn't come undone in windy or wet conditions.

For boats on water, a different approach is needed. One method is to use gallon-size milk jugs filled with sand and attached to ropes. Attach a hook to the other end of the rope or thread it through the tarp's grommet. This creates anchors that keep the tarp in place. The more anchors used, the better the tarp will stay secured. If you need to access the boat, simply remove a few anchors and slip underneath.

Another option for boats on trailers is to use bungee cords long enough to stretch underneath the boat and to the opposite side. This will keep the tarp taut and in place.

Regardless of the method chosen, it is important to ensure proper ventilation to prevent mildew. Small openings should be created to allow air passage, especially if the boat is stored near water or in high humidity. Regular maintenance and inspections are also crucial to identify any tears or holes in the tarp and ensure it remains securely fastened.

Tarp maintenance

Tarps are a great way to protect your boat from the elements, but they do require some maintenance to keep them in good condition. Here are some tips to help you maintain your tarp and ensure it provides adequate protection for your boat:

• Regular Inspection: At least once a month, inspect your tarp for any tears, rips, holes, or other signs of degradation, especially over sharp edges. Regular inspections will help you identify issues early on and prevent them from becoming bigger problems.
• Clean and Treat the Tarp: To keep your tarp in good condition, clean it regularly using a mild detergent and water. Avoid using bleach or vinegar unless specified in the care instructions. After cleaning, allow the tarp to dry completely before treating it with a waterproofing agent, such as Star Brite Waterproofing and Fabric Treatment with PTEF.
• Prevent Water Pooling: Low spots on the tarp can collect water, which can degrade the waterproofing and lead to leakage. To minimize this, prop up low spots with blunt poles or sticks, giving the tarp a hill-like shape. Make sure to pad the ends of the poles that touch the tarp to avoid punctures.
• Ventilation for Mold Prevention: Tarps do not provide much ventilation, which can lead to the formation of mildew. To prevent this, create ventilation spots by allowing small openings for air passage. You can also use moisture-absorbing products like DampRid under the tarp to reduce moisture buildup.
• Secure the Tarp Properly: Ensure that the tarp is securely fastened to the boat. Use ropes, bungee straps, or weighted objects to keep the tarp in place and prevent it from blowing away in windy conditions.
• Protect the Tarp from Sharp Objects: Sharp structures like antennas or windshield frame corners can puncture the tarp. Cover these sharp edges with a more resistant material, such as a rag or old pieces of carpet, to prevent punctures.

Remember that proper tarp maintenance is essential to protect your boat and ensure the longevity of the tarp itself. By following these steps, you can extend the life of your tarp and maintain its effectiveness in safeguarding your boat.

Frequently asked questions