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Our driveway is surrounded by lots of trees – and they are shedding debris of some sort all year long. So, I had fabricated covers for the cockpit and anchor decks. Such covers usually need centerline support so that snow, rain, debris, etc won’t “pool” on the canvas. This photo shows the aft end of the ridge pole that I constructed for the cockpit. It rests on the transom (a little elevated) and at the top of the companionway hatch. Notice the two supports that extend from the ridge pole to the coaming. They were needed because the slope was insufficient near the stern.


The next photo shows the aft end of the anchor deck ridge pole and the forward end of the cockpit pole. The forward pole looks like a fork where it goes around the tabernacle. Both are easily removed and stowed in my garage. The covers are not suitable for transporting on road or water. I suppose they could be applied while at a mooring or a dockside slip. But the tie down arrangement would be entirely different.


The last photo shows a full view of the covers deployed on Tattoo. It’s a custom fit. Tattoo was left at the canvas shop with the ridge poles in place. The forward and/or the aft sections of the cockpit cover can easily be folded back for access to the companionway or the lazarettes without entirely removing the cover. Deployment and removal takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

Great pictures. I was wondering why you did not put the cover to cover the mast as well. I am always learning looking at your pictures.

The two pieces are much easier to deploy than one (or several) that would cover the entire boat. The cabin roof and hatches shed water directly over the side. Any leaves and stuff can be brushed off (the cabin roof) fairly easily and don't collect in hard-to-get-to places. My setup doesn't keep out all moisture -- but almost all. And the leaves and pollen are totally eliminated. Also, I can enter the cabin and aft cockpit without entirely removing the cover.

Hi Pete:

I don't see a dorade box in picture #2. Did you decide to forego the boxes? If so, why?

Thanks and good luck. Tatoo is really lookin' good.

Jimmy Vitale

The boxes are there under the fwd cover. The air scoops were simply pulled out. They are just lying under the cover on the anchor deck.

Oh, ok. Would you mind sharing which canvas shop made your covers. Cost? I'm in your area; northern Baltimore county.

Thanks
Jimmy Vitale

Galesville Yacht Canvas, 4805 Riverside Drive, 410/867-7510. Vickie & John, a couple from South Africa. They do very good work. I'm not sure of the amount -- they have done a lot of work for me and my records are scant. I've considered their charges reasonable considering the quality.