tarps

[TimberXX]

I need a tarp that is 20 x 12 to cover a boat... I go through the poly ones quite often. Any suggestions on fabrics and a place to buy online? Thanks Guys

 

[George2615]

I use the cheap poly ones you get at Harbor Freight. The key word is cheap. For a couple of bucks and a can of HF bungee cords if I get a year or two use out of it then its worth it to me and I'll go buy another. I have found the silver colored ones seem to hold up better than the blue ones. I don't know why since they look like they're made of the same material.
Or you can spend bigger bucks and get a boat cover from many boat supply stores. Most of these are washable and have elastic sewn in to hold it in place. I don't have that type but have seen my neighbor get 3-4 years out of his and it looks nicer than a plain tarp.

 

[gordon21]

Northern Tool has a pretty wide selection at very reasonable prices if you have one close to you. Your profile does not say what state you are in. They have several thicknesses and several colors including camo available. A high quality 15x25 tarp will cost about $25-30

 

[Freds]

This isn't really what you asked for, but....

When I had a smaller boat I had an awning shop make a tarp for it. They put the snaps in the side of the boat and it had a rod or two to hold it up and shed water. It was VERY durable and a custom fit and color to match the boat. I don't remember the price, but know it wasn't an arm and a leg or I wouldn't have gone with it.

Just another option if you are so inclined.

 

[dmccarty]

TimberXX,

What Fred said is what I was thinking would be the best solution. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I have a bunch of somewhat cheap tarps that I bought in 2000. The sun has basically killed them at this point and I have been throwing them out. I found some tarps at Lowes that where thicker than the ones I bought in 2000. I bought the thicker ones to see if they last long. I guess I can' complain about getting 5-6 years out of the tarp that spent all of those years outside... Maybe I can get 10 years out of the new ones. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Later,
Dan

 

[scott_vt]

Hi Dan,
For years I did the same thing as you and used the blue tarps. Then they came out with the green tarps with the heavier duty grommet holes incased in a pliable rubber. They seem to last longer especially in windy conditions, probablly because they are not so prone to ripping /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

I have bought them from different sources, but the last time I found them at Ocean State Joblot of all places /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif You might try one of those if you get a chance.

 

[hudr]

I bought a canvas tarp, don't remember the size (12X16 maybe?), at Tractor Supply for about $150 and haven't regretted it. It is heavy enough to stay on stuff w/o blowing away and doesn't fray like the poly.

 

[NewToy]

When you buy those cheap tarps go for the "canopy grade". They run 3-4 cents a square foot for the cheap-cheap tarp and 5-6 for the canopy grade that will outlive it many times over. Remember the finished size vs cut size if you are cutting it close on the size.

John

 

[hudr]

found it,
item # Size Price
3010622 12' x 20' $114.65

That is the Texarkana store price, your mileage may vary.

 

[TimberXX]

Thanks Guys... I will check Ocean State and other cheap places first...