Poor Man's Cover???

I need to cover my '81 H16 that is stored on a Chesapeake Bay beach. I've used the cheap tarps, some UV "treated," some not, and have the predictable result - lasts ~1 season and then disintegrates.

I'm still too cheap to buy a decent cover and wondered how many others are out there with the same goal who are as cheap as me???

My challenge is modifying one of these cheapies to accommodate upright mast storage in such a way that that will not immediately ruin it. I'll need to cut a hole for the mast step and continue with a slit down the middle all the way to the front.

The challenge is what to do with the edges that will want to immediately fray. Other than the 'ol trusted duct tape I can't think of anything else.

I don't mind going through this drill annually if the tarp and duct tape will only last that long. But, if there is a way to make it last longer for a small increase in the investment then I'm all ears.

ANY ideas large and small are appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Jman

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

jayman i have heard on some of the other sites that some of the guys are useing the shrinkwrap stuff that they cover boats with for the winter , it is very heavy duty and doesnt unravel. if you find a marina where they are uncovering big boats you might be able to get it for free..
happy hunting
Ted

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Hobie 21se
feral cat

something to think about, thanks Ted!

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

Any other ideas for covers?

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2015 Tandem Island
Massachusetts and Squam Lake New Hampshire USA

If you find a cover with synthetic material that melts with heat, you could cut it with a hot knive and it would seal the edges.

You can get some knives for soldering guns.

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Marc...
1978 Hobie 16 Keoke, sail# 36 84

I have found the black gorilla tape (like super duct tape) holds up much better with UV and weathering than regular duct tape. It is more expensive but a premium product. I have a tarp over a pop up camper and some branches fell and put holes in it, I put gorilla tape on last year and it still looks good after a yr of weathering. There are also heavier duty tarps if you can find them.

Good Luck