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 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

•     Monotex tarpaulins are are multi filament grids sandwiched between two layers of hard-wearing polyethylene sheets.
•     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

View our Topgrade Tarpaulins

View our Monotex Tarpaulins

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:

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.

The tarpaulin cover needs to be tied down without the ropes touching the boat, otherwise they could scratch the boat and leave marks.

Remove any side deck supports. These could potentially create holes in the cover, and risk being bent in any gales.

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.

Tie the tarpaulin down generously. The more ropes used, the less strain on individual eyelets.

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.

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.