what can I treat my tarp with?

[Steve375V]

I have an 89 ranger and the tarp leaks water. I was wondering what works best to waterproof the tarp.

Thanks Steve

[ProcraftMike]

Depending upon the cover material, you can buy the silicone spray stuff in a can and treat the cover. It seems to work pretty well. One of the manufacturers of the product is Camp Dry, but there are several that make it.

Here is a link I just looked up: http://www.shoetreemarketplace...0.htm

Welcome aboard....


Modified by ProcraftMike at 9:48 PM 10/21/2007


Modified by ProcraftMike at 9:49 PM 10/21/2007

[Steve375V]

That is exactly what I was planning to use but thought it would be a good idea to see what others used. Thanks for your reply and thanks for the warm welcome or should I say frosty welcome.

I must say this boat has been a learning experience for me so far. The first trip the steering cables were locked up so it was a fun first load onto the trailer. Replaced them the next weekend. I had to replace the trolling motor but knew that before I bought the boat. New batteries slated for next year. I had the tarp restiched. The live well fill and empty levers don't work. The rear live well aerator pump does not work. All of the wood on the trailer needs to be replaced. So I am sure you will be seeing a lot more post from me in the future. The few trips I made this summer to the lake with the boat make it all worth it. To all of you that are so willing to help us new guys

[ProcraftMike]

Now you've got something to do during the winter months...

[Trent_in_BG]

Sounds like you will spending alot of time in the man cave this Winter. Good luck with projects and post pictures. Just remember, if it's happening to you, someone else will be having or has had the same issues. Welcome aboard.

[Popeye]

I read somewhere that Thompsons water seal works great for fabric boat covers. Mine is stil brand new and water tight so I haven't tried it yet but hey, I'm all for it if it werks.

[Bca8ball]

About the live well pump (and other pumps for that matter);
I recommend using the Mayfair (I think) cartridge type pumps. I installed three new pumps with the replaceable cartridge type and now I simply keep a spare cartridge that can be used on any of them.

[Steve375V]

I wondered about that too as my dad has 3/4 of a gallon left from a wood floor replacement in an old pickup bed trailer. I might try it on a small corner of the tarp and see what happens.

[merklerob]

i've alway wondered how the rubberized floor coatings wold work. they're flexable/streachable. a little costly but ????

[Popeye]

Post your results if you try the Thompsons.

[Steve375V]

I used the kiwi camp dry stuff. It took 6 and a half cans to treat the entire thing with one good solid coat. Looks like it might work ok. When I pulled the tarp over the boat I noticed 2 small holes in it. I ripped 1 inch of the stiching on the front of the tarp. I guess I might have to invest in a new tarp I had this one stiched up for about a 100 bucks a few months ago there were several places it had came unstiched. I guess all the orignal stiching is rotted. I spent about 50 bucks on the camp dry. I might have been better off to have spent that 150 on a new tarp. Ranger quoted me around 500 for a new tarp. As long as this one makes it through the winter this year I will be happy.

[BigmouthSmallmouth]

Aurora Boat Covers!!!

[tomcat]

I use thompsons water seal on my boat cover works great. I layed it out in the driveway and used a pump up yard sprayer and gave it a couple of coats.

[Steve375V]

Well the tarp is working really well 2 snows this winter so far. I might have to do a little stiching next year and try that thompson water seal.