Homemade Boom Tent Question

[Michaeldi23]

I would like to make a boom tent for my com-pac 16. I was thinking of using a tarp and then just securing over the boom and then to the boat. I really just want to keep rainwater out of the cockpit and off of the cabin door. Any ideas as to what size tarp I should use and ways to secure it (Bungee or rope) Thanks

[TroyVB]

I bought a white poly tarp off of the internet.  If you get on that is about 10 x 16 you have plenty to twist the forward and aft ends closed or fold it  like you are wrapping a present.  Use bungees to hold it fast.

I know the size seems huge but the poly tarps are fairly inexpensive if you get blue from a local hardware store it will be less than $10.  My family and I spent two nights aboard our CP16 this past summer and the tent was just OK.  The CP16 does not have any lifelines so the tarp draped in reducing headroom.  We tried all sorts of things to hold it up. fiberglass tent poles used like hoops on a conestoga wagon worked the best.  If you do just a little customization the cockpit makes a nice shelter addition.

If you're not planning to use it as a shelter while cruising you could go much smaller lengthwise.  The 10ft width will tent over the boom and allow the tarp to fasten below the rub rails and the boom is only 8ft long.

[idouglas]

Thanks all.  For the record, the CP-16 XL (mine is a 1994) does have life lines.

idouglas

[TroyVB]

I was not aware that the later CP16s had  lifelines.  This is an addition I would love to have.  How many stanchions and how high are the lifelines off the deck?  Do you find them in the way when boarding or disembarking?  What about when trying to operate the outboard or climbing the swim ladder? 

Sorry idouglas, lots of questions but these are the things that I have been curious about when considering lifelines.

[idouglas]

Hi Troy:

My CP 16XL is wrapped for the winter and stored on Martha's Vineyard so I cannot give you exact measurements and details at this time.  Looking at the brochure that came with the boat, I see that there is only one stanchion just forward of the comings.  The height appears to be about 18 inches, or the same height as the railings on the pulpit. 

There is no lifeline across the stern as the lines end in railings mounted on the aft corners of the boat.  Thus there is no difficulty getting to the swim ladder or the outboard.  Sometimes it's a bit difficult to board over the sides of the boat with the lifelines, so we tend to board across the transom.

I rather like the lifelines for a variety of reasons.  First, we sail in Nantucket Sound and sometimes the swells/waves can get a bit much.  The added security is good.  Second, we do not have a furler on the forestay so it is good to have the protection when we go forward to rig the jib or genoa.  Third, the lines are nice to lean on when we are lounging in the cockpit.  Finally, I rather like the looks of the lifelines, quite salty; they give the CP16 a real big boat look and feel.

I'll try and take a few pictures of the brochure and post them in the Gallery.  Next summer, when the boat is back in the water, I'll be sure to take a few pictures and post them too.

idouglas