Re: Re: Tacoma Tarp

In a message dated 9/29/2002 10:10:20 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
bruce_woods-/E1597aS9LQAvxtiuMwx3w@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:


> Hi, I am new to the group; came over from a sailing forum...
> 
> Saw this, was thinking it might work well for a cockpit tent...could 
> loop ends over cleats, hang center from boom, guy the front to the 
> mast, etc...
> 
> Anyone here ever tried something like that?  I could use the pole, if 
> necessary...
> 
> Bruce

Bruce - Welcome to the group.

I have many years of sailing behind me, including quite a few spent as a 
live-aboard and as a sailmaker/designer. The conditions you will be 
subjecting a tarp to on a sailboat are significantly different from those it 
would be exposed to during lightweight backpacking.

Sailboats at anchor are almost always very exposed compared to your typical 
campsite. Accordingly, stress loading and related fabric failures from wind 
loading will be much more likely. Stronger (read heavier) fabrics are called 
for. The most common material used is Sunbrella, an acrylic based fabric. It 
is sufficiently strong, highly UV resistant ( it's main advantage ) , but 
heavy and easily chaffed (worn). This is the fabric used to make mainsail 
covers. 

I assume, by your question, that you are trying to expand your living space 
into the cockpit (a small cruiser) or cockpit camping in a daysailer (great 
fun!). I used a Sunbrella tarp for years to good effect in my 24' offshore 
racing sailboat. You could conceivbly use one of the lighter silnylon 
options, just be aware of the UV sensitivity of nylon (poor - campsites are 
usually up during the evening hours and/or in nice shady spots where UV 
exposure isn't a material issue) and strength issues. If you decide to use a 
tarp, I might suggest you look at the relatively inexpensive silnylon tarp 
options offered by Campmor. Many members, including myself, use these for 
backpacking. They are reasonably strong, and the many grommets will offer a 
number of tie down options on your boat. This would allow the tarp to be used 
for backpacking, too. 

Let me know what you decide to do.

Jim S.


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