By Stefan RockhausA tarp is a large sheet of strong, flexible, water resistant or waterproof material. Usually, cloths such as canvas coated with plastic or latex are used to make tarps. Generally reinforced grommets at the corners or sides form attachment points for rope, so that the tarp can be tied down or suspended. Nowadays, tarps are sometimes made from woven polyethylene as well. Such tarps are called Polytarps. Tarps have been used for a long time to protect boats from the weather and to cover them.
Types of boat tarps:
Tarps are primarily classified on a basis of their material. Some common types of tarps are:
• Poly tarps: These are the most commonly used tarps, and provide excellent cover from rain. The material is high-density resin, with heavy-duty grommets which complete the tarp. These poly tarps are mildew proof, tear resistant, acid resistant, and can be easily used in sub arctic temperatures.
• Canvas tarps: These kinds of tarps are hemmed and stitched all round and reinforced. The reinforcement is made of eyelets, which are composed of materials that will not rust easily. They are better used for outdoor storage etc.
• Mesh tarps: They are also called Shade Screens. They are not very good for use as boat tarps, and can be used in light breezes only.
Most boat tarps can be purchased without any fittings, so they are usually sold in pre-standardized shapes that will fit just about all kinds of boats. If the boat is made of wood, then using a mildew proof tarp is a good idea. Traditional boat covers are out of fashion, but tarps are in. Tarp repair kits are easily available, and if you are sailing they are a good idea, as they can tear.
There are many new tarp designs made everyday, as people have started taking an interest in them finally. If you want, you can get a boat tarp customized for yourself. The tarp is also useful in protecting the boat from parasites. This is why most seasoned boat owners always buy the boat tarp first, then buy anything else for their boats afterwards.
The tarp is used along with rope, which helps owners tie the tarp to their boat without any gaps, by putting the rope through the D hole. The proper customized boat tarps may be expensive, but they serve a good purpose of protecting your boat. Boat tarps are an excellent way to protect boats against every kind of weather.
by John C. Waters
When maneuvering a vessel in tight quarters, the ability to have a quick visual reference of your rudder angle is very important. A collision could jeopardize the safety of your passengers and of others. It could damage your boat and your pride. Luckily for us, technology provides a solution.
A rudder angle indicator is a nautical device which monitors your rudder's horizontal position. It is also referred to as a rudder reference gauge, rudder locator, or a rudder position sensor. We took a look at several different types of rudder angle indicators and reviewed them for you in this article.
Gravity Driven Rudder Reference Gauge The first type we reviewed are gravity driven rudder angle locators. These simple devices attach to the center of your steering wheel and use gravity to pull a needle downward as the gauge moves in synch with the wheel. These units are inexpensive and easy to install with no cabling or drilling required.
During testing we found that these rudder locators to be inaccurate and unreliable. Any time that the boat rocks from side to side, the needle swings back and forth making it virtually useless in choppy water. On vessels with hydraulic steering, these indicators give poor reference of the rudder angle due to variances in hydraulic fluid pressure. Our Score: 3/10
Mechanical Arm Rudder Angle Indicators The second type of rudder indicator we reviewed operates using a mechanical arm. Mechanical arm rudder locators are the most common type on the market. Arm-driven units like come stand-alone or as a part of auto-navigational systems such.
These mechanical indicators consist of a dashboard gauge and an arm (often sold separately) that connects to your rudder or outboard motor. A downside to these devices is that on some vessels the rudder moves further in one direction than another, this cannot be read by the mechanical arm. Otherwise, these units are accurate and reliable. They are somewhat pricey though, ranging from $350-$2000 and typically require expert installation. Our Score: 6/10
Cable Driven Rudder Locators Last but certainly not least, we reviewed cable-driven rudder angle indicators. Unlike other indicators, these units work for both in-board and out-board motors. A company called SmarTrac inc. currently holds a patent on the system which is used in their product the SmarTrac Rudder Locator.
The SmarTrac rudder angle indicator has a sending unit (also called a potentiometer) that is mounted near your rudder or outboard motor. A steel cable is then pulled from the sending unit and hooked to your rudder linkage. This unique cable driven system allows the device to measure the entire range of rudder movement.
The sensor sends data through a 3-conductor cable to the dashboard gauge which then calculates a reading using a built-in microprocessor. The microprocessor is easily programmed to match the specifics of your vessel. This product is effective for use on hydraulic steering systems because it connects directly to the rudder linkage. Accurate, inexpensive ($199), and easy to install, this new technology could make a big splash in the nautical electronics market. Our Score: 10/10
We found the SmarTrac Rudder Angle Indicator to be the overall best buy. Visit their company website at: http://www.smartrac.us
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by Jim Stapert
It is possible for a do-it-yourselfer to make
professional repairs to his or her fiberglass boat. All it takes is the correct filler product and proper preparation. This article is intended to help the reader decide if he or she should attempt to perform fiberglass repairs.
Cracks or chips in a fiberglass boat hull can be very expensive to have professionally repaired. Depending on the damage to the boat, and the owner's personal fortitude, a do-it-yourselfer can produce professional results without the professional price.
The filler product being used is key to a successful repair. It is important to select a filler that is extremely strong and fast-working. The filler must be flexible. It must not absorb moisture, and it must not shrink. For the do-it-yourselfer, it is best to also choose a filler that does not clog the sandpaper and one that does not require additional polyester coatings.
Once the proper filler has been selected, the next steps are proper preparation and application. Although each filler brand will have specific preparation/application procedures, this article covers the general aspects thereof.
The area to be repaired must be clean, dry and rough. If a crack is being repaired, make a "V" incision over the area to be repaired. This incision provides some depth and volume in which the filler can properly bond. Follow the brand-specific directions for mixing the filler being used. Apply the filler generously in layers over the area being repaired.
When the area has been properly filled, wait the recommended length of time for the filler to properly set up. Sand the area smooth and you should have a nice repair. The repaired area is now ready for painting. Please make sure you understand the requirements for painting over the filler you choose. Some fillers require special additional polyester fillers or putty to be applied over the filler. Other fillers are ready to prime and paint without additional product applications.
Fiberglass boat repairs can be very easy to do, and can save the do-it-yourselfer a lot of money...give it a try.
About the Author
Jim Stapert is a classic car enthusiast, who enjoys learning by doing. He is an author, a project manager, and a chemical representative. Obtain more information about fiberglass filler at: www.Parasolinc.com
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