Diy Shelter For Canoe/boat ?

[Jim Mac]

Has anyone built their own covered shelter for a canoe/boat? If so, how did you do it and what materials did you use? If I buy a poly canoe, I want to store it outside on a trailer, and keep it shaded, under a cover of some sort.

 

Pics would be great. Thanks.

[Jim Mac]

81 views and 0 replies. My goodness !!

[Nelson Wormefeller]

You can probably built something out of PVC pipe. Something like this with a tarp or some other overhead cover. It's cheap, light, and strong.

[Jim Mac]

Thanks. Like I said, it will be kept on a trailer, so that won't work.

[Way2slow]

Tin, 4x4's, 2x4's, nails hammer and saw. Also a couple 2x6's.

[Jim Mac]

Tin, 4x4's, 2x4's, nails hammer and saw. Also a couple 2x6's.

Thanks, but that's a little vague.

[Billfish1984]

I lay two pieces of plywood on top of my canoe, as it sits upright on a trailer. Tarps over that. It is simple and works.

[Billfish1984]

Another way if you have a 4x8' utility trailer is to build up a wooden frame on the outside and lay plywood on top of the frame, and over the canoe. This would help if the canoe is not stored upright. But then if it is not upright why not have an aluminum canoe? You could leave it outside for decades.

[tntitans21399]

Do you want it nice and permitted or cheaper and do able?

If you want something nice you can dig 4 holes for the shelter, atleast 2 ft down. Put a 4x4 post in the hole and add 1 bag of concrete per I hole. You can decide height. I would make one side, either left to right or front to back, higher to give you a slight pitch for rain water to roll off. Then add some 2x4s on top to make a box frame keeping the 4x4s from moving. Then you can add metal roof or pressure treated plywood on top and paint it.

If you want cheaper you could make a pvc frame using Ts or a 90 degree turn that runs a pvc pipe along the ground so it doesnt sink in the ground. Then just put a tarp on top. I would make sure to glue pvc connection, get stakes to hold frame down and maybe some sand bags, and try go glue and screw the tarp to the pvc. If a storm comes you don't want to have it fly away.

I'll see if I can find some pictures what I am thinking about. The first one is like a smaller version of a park shelter type and the second one is like a camping canopy.

Another idea is what about a boat cover? That is suppose to protect against uv rays.

[Jim Mac]

Thanks guys. A boat cover is a possibility, but I read it cannot touch the poly canoe, or it will cause mold. It needs to be kept off the poly so there is ventilation under the cover. I'm trying to find out what type of cover is best for a poly canoe(canvas, or some sort of tarp).

I'm probably better off just buying an aluminum square stern canoe.

[VolFan]

What is the canoe actually made out of? I have hard time believing that a plastic or PVC tarp would cause mold?

[Jim Mac]

What is the canoe actually made out of? I have hard time believing that a plastic or PVC tarp would cause mold?

I haven't bought it yet, but it's polyethylene. Specifically, the Old Town Saranac square stern from Dick's.

[Billfish1984]

If you put plywood sheets on top of an upright canoe, the tarp can hang off the sides and not touch the canoe. Not sure if poly canoes are good for upright storage and transport, especially if there is some weight in it. Some people do not like aluminum for various reasons, but I have no problem with it, and I love the durability. Old Town used to make a 17' square stern and I think still make a 20' double end. The Clipper Mac Sport 18 is very nice. Huge payload, and better freeboard. I think Osage also has a 17' aluminum square stern. I may end up with a Grumman 19' square stern. It might be a Clipper or 20' Old Town if not for the maintenance/storage/durability issues.

[Jim Mac]

Thanks Billfish. A poly canoe does sound like more trouble than it's worth. I'd probably be better off with an aluminum square stern canoe.

[Master Bait'r]

If you need someone to send you plans than I doubt you have the wherewithal to build it safely to be completely honest.  

 

 

I'd recommend one of these types of structures if you aren't very handy.  Easy to set up, pretty durable and not very expensive either.  

 

[Jim Mac]

If you need someone to send you plans than I doubt you have the wherewithal to build it safely to be completely honest.  

 

 

I'd recommend one of these types of structures if you aren't very handy.  Easy to set up, pretty durable and not very expensive either.  

 

Thanks, but I'd buy an aluminum canoe before I'd spend the money for something like that.

[Billfish1984]

Jim, if you go to the Old Town website under FAQ's it indicates their canoes should not be stored upright, even for one night. Launching and loading is much easier when using a trailer that keeps the canoe upright. You can leave your gear in the canoe and just pull it onto the trailer from the water. Sail Boats To Go has great accessories to help with portage and stability. In my opinion aluminum canoes have some major advantages over the composite materials that are overlooked, and these especially factor in when used for fishing and the extra gears and motors that can be used.