Canvas collapsing under snow?

[richardoren]

Hi Guys,

Got a call from the Marina asking what I plan to do: they say that with a heavy snowfall the canvas enclosure over the cockpit risks collapsing. They've asked me to go there and take it down - something not easily done when overseas. I left it zipped up to keep water infiltration to a minimum, as we all know that rain (and melting snow) tends to make its way under deck...

Here's what it looks like on shore:

The canvas is recent and the stainless steel armature seems solid. Are they giving me a "snow job"?

 

[hatterass]

That canvas is not designed to hold up to snow. it might hold 2in or so but any more then that you run the risk of breaking it. Here in the NE we always take them down and and put up better supports and tarps or srink wrap. I would say most people anyway do this, the rest buy new canvas in the spring. you could build your self a wood structure and cover it with a tarp and use rope to tie it together.
where is the boat located becuse there is no snow in the NE.

 

[UNIQUE_NAME]

Hi Guys,

Got a call from the Marina asking what I plan to do: they say that with a heavy snowfall the canvas enclosure over the cockpit risks collapsing. They've asked me to go there and take it down - something not easily done when overseas. I left it zipped up to keep water infiltration to a minimum, as we all know that rain (and melting snow) tends to make its way under deck...


tell me where the boat is located so i can find some of that heavy snow to ski on. NOWHERE in the northeast i'm sure.

 

[Bob Bradley]

I would support the canvas frames with 2 rows of 2x4's running fore-aft, and supported by a-frames from beneath. That should give you enough structure to hold it up. If it snows, show up with a rake to clear it off as soon as possible as well.

Not to rub salt in the wound, but it's been so warm in CT, I was out on Long Island Sound all day Sunday. So far, snow has been the least of our concerns.
Bob

 

[Akyla]

That's a big bimini and the marina is probably right, if you have any significant snowfall it is going to colapse the tubing, as a foot of snow is really very heavy. If you can't make it call a friend that is nearby and have them go knock the snow off.

Best bet for you would be to take down the bimini for the winter and cover with a big blue plastic tarp. Tied on tightly it will prevent the snow and rain from working in. It is hard on your canvass to stay up over the winter anyway even without the snow...

 

[richardoren]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for your help. The boat is at Lake Champlain in Vermont - I guess they're getting different weather reports than you are?!?

Anyhow now I know better. I already had my brother put the canvas up (he's back in Florida now) thinking it would keep the weather out - this is my first winter as a boat owner in the NE - you may have noticed. :embarrassed:

I'll ask the yard to take down the canvas and put on a tarp, charging me whatever. That way the winter will go OK and it should cost me a little less than buying all new tubing plus new canvas.

Thanks for the great snowbird advice!

Richard

 

[hunshatt]

lake effect snow?? they got nothing at Killington, cept rain this weekend. Guess it's good for my guys(working outside) and for the progress on the express, but it sucks for skiing. G-friend is making noises about heading west to get a few turns

 

[REBrueckner]

Bob has the right idea...a wood support structure of your choice.
A pair of vertical wood pieces to hold each horizontal frame support pieces is easy...1" x 4" is enough...Tie the top with a light nylon line ( say 1/8") so the support wood is fastened to the bimini frame and can't move around in wind...Usually wind blows the top clear of snow, and if not, the first sun will melt it fast because the enclosure gets very WARM...but a wet snow can be damaging...
Lots leave tops up as you have..extra support is necessary...