On Apr 16, 5:28*pm, hk wrote:
On 4/16/10 5:18 PM, John H wrote:





It is my belief that bungee cords should not be used with boat covers, unless
the boat cover is of the 'throwaway' variety.

Bungee cords stretch, and they will often allow the cover to sag a little when
it begins raining or snow. Once the cover sags just a bit, the weight of more
water or snow will cause it to sag even more. The bungee cord is helping this
process because it is stretching to accomodate the extra weight.

When I got my new cover, I followed the maker's advice and bought a tie down kit
to go with it. The kit is only $22.59 *Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Carver-Boat-Co.../dp/B0000AYI62

"Constructed Of 1" Black Polypropylene Webbing And Convenient Quick Release
Buckles."

The kits contain 12 straps, each 8' long.

Those are precisely the tie-downs I am removing from my boat cover as I
transition to bungee cords. I bought some "adjustable" bungees. Easily
adjustable.

It is my *observation* that the non-stretching webs put all the stress
of rain on the cover, cause the cover to sag under the weight of pooled
rainwater, and allow the cover to press so tightly on boat hardware that
the cover gets punctured. Properly fitted bungee cords that are allowed
to stretch a little act as shock absorbers and take care of the weight
of rain water and also wind pressure.

Snow loads do not concern me, because my canvas boat cover spends its
winters in my garage and my Parker sleeps under its shrinkwrap, which,
properly applied, can absorb one hell of a snow load and if applied
properly, has no areas in which rainwater can pool.

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Don't forget to drill some holes in the structural components of your
trailer, Mr. Mech. Engineer.
Where does your lobster boat spend it's winters?