MacGregorSailors.com

Now that my Mac X is in a Marina slip full time, I would like to install a boom tent (something easy & convenient-if possible) If anyone has an "X" (or "M") with a boom tent:

1- what size tarp do you use
2- what do you bungee the tarp to
3- any problems occur using a boom tent

Thanks

Some previous thoughts....

http://macgregorsailors.com/phpBB/viewt ... 0457#50457

http://macgregorsailors.com/phpBB/viewt ... 4263#34263

Proper made-to-fit MacGregor boom tents are also available from one of our own forum members (Moondance).... check them out here:

http://www.softopper.com/products_boating.html

I have purchased carpets, a bimini and a mainsail cover from him and all have been of fine quality. Others here, like Captain Steve, have reported similar quality satisfaction with their purchases, and Steve has purchased one of the boom tents, too.

(However, for me, using a boom tent would be somewhat counter-productive, since I have my 40W solar panel located on the sliding hatch!)

Louis, we used an 8' x 10' silver tarp from Wal-Mart. Ozark Trail, their camping brand. I tied the center of one 8' side around the mast above the covered mainsail and the other to the end of the boom, held up by the topping lift. I used clothesline to make tie-downs that ran to the lifelines or stanchions. Worked great.

--
Moe

what moe says works fine.

for me, however...once i added the rear arch, and used as a fasten point, i increased the tarp size to 10 x 12. it now really creates a large enclosure.
i went with black sunbrella and grommets. purchased the material on-line and took it to an illegal alien sweat shop for sewing ($50). they only took cash.

the benefits of living in Mexico...i mean California.




Bob T.
"DaBob"
'02X w/ '04 90-TLDI (14" x 11 pitch)
Dinghy Motor: '06 2.5-Suzuki

Thanks

Tips from a maker. Ask for triple thick binding or even rope on the edges of your tent to take the strain of winds when you are not there. Flat tarps can sag, and whip excessively in the wind, so have a catenary curve (saddle shape) sewn in. They will stay in place better, be quieter, shed water, and reduce strain on all the fittings. Avoid tying retainers to lifelines, use the stanchion bases instead or additional fittings on the stanchions below the life lines. If you don't have an arch on the rear, install a pigtail like for a toppinglift, but use it to hold up one end of your tent. Tents without poles are the easiest and quickest to stow. Sunbrellas has rivals now in acrylic fabrics, some of them a little less expensive. But make sure they have mildew inhibitors adn UV inhibitors like Sunbrella if you choose them. When installilng over or under the boom, tie the boom so it can't swing back and forth at anchor to wear a hole in the tent.

Kevin is right....I bought a boom tent and it beats the grey tarp I used previously. The carpet set was super...My wife loves the color and berber texture!

I found the plastic tarp makes to much noise. I have recently install crutians and it help with the heat almost as much as the boom tent.

However I was not in temps above 85.

Captain Steve - do you have pix or a source for your berber carpets...Im thinking of a new set for Catigale...

Got them from the boatbimini.com folks who advertise on this site..

Stephen,

I bought the same berber carpets that Capt Steve mentions, very durable & well-fabricated. Purchased from one of Heath's advertisers (user name Moondance?). I call him Bimini Bob since he also sells canvas items like a bimini and the boom tent.

If you just click your Browser's page refresh button a few times you'll see his Banner Ad pop up, showing www.BoatBimini.com and his phone no.

Catigale,
Before you go jumping into new carpets, check out Home Depot indoor/outdoor carpet selection. My wife just replaced the cheap factory ones with some good quality carpet from HD and was able to get a superb color match for the M interior. They have a good rubber backng and are fairly easy to cut to custom fit if you are carefull with measurements and cutting. We are quite happy with our finished look and even had a piece let over for dockside. Someting else to consider.

Frank C wrote:Stephen,

I bought the same berber carpets that Capt Steve mentions, very durable & well-fabricated. Purchased from one of Heath's advertisers (user name Moondance?). I call him Bimini Bob since he also sells canvas items like a bimini and the boom tent.

If you just click your Browser's page refresh button a few times you'll see his Banner Ad pop up, showing www.BoatBimini.com and his phone no.

(Note: For Netscape/Firefox/Mozilla folks, you need to click shift-refresh)

Better yet - here's the ad:



Steph, those carpets feel GREAT under your feet - very cushy and thick, but no padding on the back, so they will dry fast if they get wet.

And Frank, it is indeed Moondance - see my link in my previous posting, above.

I use the nice plastic backed carpeting from Lowe's or HD in boats, houses and RVs. No foam on the back so it dries faster, and is more stable when velcroed down.
Tip: After you cut the carpet with the plastic backing pass a torch flame around the edges to melt and fuse the loose threads together. It won't unravel that way, or leave little threads sticking up around the edges.

Louis,
I make boom rooms/enclosures. If you opt for a tent, I would avoid any compromise on the Sunbrella. I will use no other material for my units. Just ask for the alternative material and you'll be a happier camper. There are other options too.
Art