Bob,
A single support in the middle of each bow should be sufficient. PVC works
well as a compression post (not so good as a beam, use 2x4's for beams). If
the height to the center of your bows is less than 8', then 1.25" schedule
40 PVC should work well. It's cheap, lightweight, easy to store and has no
sharp corners to hurt the boat or your body. Make sure the posts are
vertical, any sagging from leaning could cause the posts to buckle. If in
doubt, go up to 1.5" schedule 40 pipe. Still cheap.
For the ultimate solution, do away with the bows and canvass, and build a
hardtop from foam or honeycomb core and fiberglass.
Mark Richter, M.E. "Winnie the Pooh", Ortona, FL on the Okeechbee Waterway
Mark's Mobile Marine
General boat repairs at my dock or yours
Specializing in electrical system design, installation and repair
Previous winter, heavy snowfall caused bridge enclosure framework to
collapse.
To avoid repetition, want to erect several supports on bridge to hold up
"bows" running horizontally across bridge. There are 4 "bows" and
presumably
I would erect 8 poles, two for each bow, positioned perhaps 2' from
centerline. (Total beam is 141/2')
Questions;
- Is this the most logical layout for supports or would a single pole in
the
centerline be better?
- Have seen 2x4 lumber and PVC pipe used. PVC rests in flanges on
bridge
floor, 2x4's rest in purpose-made supports. Anyone using either of these
materials have any suggestions? If you used PVC, what diameter did you
use?
3.Other suggestions welcome but am seriously reluctant to remove enclosure
and
fold framework for storage.
Bob Siegel Annapolis
Bob,
A single support in the middle of each bow should be sufficient. PVC works
well as a compression post (not so good as a beam, use 2x4's for beams). If
the height to the center of your bows is less than 8', then 1.25" schedule
40 PVC should work well. It's cheap, lightweight, easy to store and has no
sharp corners to hurt the boat or your body. Make sure the posts are
vertical, any sagging from leaning could cause the posts to buckle. If in
doubt, go up to 1.5" schedule 40 pipe. Still cheap.
For the ultimate solution, do away with the bows and canvass, and build a
hardtop from foam or honeycomb core and fiberglass.
Mark Richter, M.E. "Winnie the Pooh", Ortona, FL on the Okeechbee Waterway
Mark's Mobile Marine
General boat repairs at my dock or yours
Specializing in electrical system design, installation and repair
> Previous winter, heavy snowfall caused bridge enclosure framework to
> collapse.
> To avoid repetition, want to erect several supports on bridge to hold up
> "bows" running horizontally across bridge. There are 4 "bows" and
> presumably
> I would erect 8 poles, two for each bow, positioned perhaps 2' from
> centerline. (Total beam is 141/2')
>
> Questions;
> 1. Is this the most logical layout for supports or would a single pole in
> the
> centerline be better?
> 2. Have seen 2x4 lumber and PVC pipe used. PVC rests in flanges on
> bridge
> floor, 2x4's rest in purpose-made supports. Anyone using either of these
> materials have any suggestions? If you used PVC, what diameter did you
> use?
> 3.Other suggestions welcome but am seriously reluctant to remove enclosure
> and
> fold framework for storage.
> Bob Siegel Annapolis
