Winter frame made from PVC conduit.
Winter storage is over and it's time to unwrap the sailboat for this year's sailing. Over winter, PERFECTION, a Starwind 223, has been protected from the elements by being under a heavy duty poly tarp which was supported by a light weight framework made from 10 foot lengths of PVC conduit (not PVC waterline). PVC conduit is malleable yet very strong. The frame supported the winter winds, snow and the spring rains. The framework is made from two sizes of PVC conduit. The outer perimeter of the framework is made from 3/4" PVC conduit. Two 3/4" PVC 90 degree elbows are used at the corners of the stern. The 1/2" PVC conduit cross members, beginning at the stern, are two feet apart. The two center line sections are also made from 1/2" PVC conduit. Beginning at the stern, they run parallel with the mast and are 2 foot on either side and narrow at the bow. All piece parts are held together by drilling 1/4" holes, fastened with 1/4" plastic ties pulled through and covered with PVC electrical tape. The tape protects the tarp from wearing out before its time. The complete framework assembly is fastened to the life lines and stanchions by the same electrical tape. Each PVC conduit section comes with its own molded male female couplings which allows for breaking it down for summer storage.
Installed with inner poly tarp.
Another view installed.
Bow view of PVC conduit winter frame.
Stern view.
View of cross member joints
Center line and cross member joint.
Stern with 3/4" 90 degree elbow.
Separation of sections.
Sections stored.
