Using a Tarpaulin to Protect Boats and Sailing
Yachts
Using one of our
hardwearing tarpaulins to protect your boat from wintry weather can
save you time and money. Covering a boat and keeping it dry
protects it from rot as well as frost damage which can happen when
water seeps into cracks and under fittings and then freezes. It
also protects your boat from leaves, bird droppings, and other
debris while it’s not in use. A covered boat can improve
security, too.
Tarpaulin sheets
come in three grades and a variety of colours. The two types of
tarpaulins which would be most suitable for protecting boats are
Topgrade and Monotex. Prices start from just £8.90 for Topgrade,
and £16.40 for Monotex.
 
Topgrade (left), Monotex (Right)
Topgrade Tarpaulin
- Topgrade
tarpaulins are specially made from super strong tightly woven
polyethylene, which provides lasting protection against the
elements
- Durable and
versatile
- Tough and
lightweight
- Easy to handle
even when wet
- Guaranteed
Waterproof and rot proof for 18 months
- UV
protected
- Eyelets every
metre
- Double edged
rope-reinforced hems
- Weave: 200gm per
sq metre, and 14 x 14 sq. inch
- Available in 36
sizes, and blue, green or white colours
Monotex Tarpaulin
- Topgrade
tarpaulins are specially made from super strong tightly woven
polyethylene, which provides lasting protection against the
elements
- Guaranteed
waterproof and rot proof for 18 months
- UV
protected
- Double edged rope
reinforced hems
- Eyelets every
metre
- Weave: 250gm per
sq metre, and 3.2 x 3.2 sq. inch
- Available in
clear or green; the clear one is ideal for working
underneath
- Available in 14
sizes
To view
our Topgrade Tarpaulins, please click
here.
To view our Monotex
Tarpaulins, please
click here.
Price comparison between
tarpaulins and standard boat cover prices:
Tarpaulins Topgrade 6m x 3m - £24.60
Tarpaulins Monotex 6m x 4m - £36.10
RRP on internet sites for similar boat covers is
around £100
As a guide, these
tips should come in useful when using a tarpaulin to cover your
boat:
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The tarpaulin needs to be wide enough to reach below the
boat’s rubbing strake. In addition it should be long enough
to partially wrap around the stern.
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The tarpaulin cover needs to be tied down without the
ropes touching the boat, otherwise they could scratch the boat and
leave marks.
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Remove any side deck supports. These could potentially
create holes in the cover, and risk being bent in any
gales.
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If possible, place protection over anything that projects
out from the boat, such as mast fittings or chain plates to prevent
them from rubbing the tarpaulin.
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Tie the tarpaulin down generously. The more ropes used,
the less strain on individual eyelets.
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If eyelets become damaged, strong Holdons are great as a
replacement. They are suitable for materials up to 4mm thick and
for loads up to 100kg, and are also good as extra
eyelets.
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Many thanks to Paul Shave for supplying us
with images and expert advice.
Need some
advice? Give us a call on 01904 698813 or
contact us
online.
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