Anyone use a HangTyte or Simular Device on a boat cover? What is your opinion?

[jonsquatch]

I would want to have some reinforcement on the fabric and some large washers. If you have an eyebolt that doesn't have a defined shoulder on it at the top to provide even clamping I would probably get 2 nuts and the largest fender washers you can find that are a snug fit on the bolt. If you can only find loose fitting washers I would probably get some with a smaller hole and drill it out to fit. I like to overkill things like this so I would cut a pair of circles of waterproof fabric a couple inches bigger than the washers and cut the hole in both of them and the cover that are a snug fit for the bolt. Then I would use some rubber cement to attach the them to the cover on each side with the washers clamped on either side with nuts. Should make a nice watertight assembly with no play so the hole in the cover shouldn't rip and the hard edge of the bottom washer should be supported by the material on both sides which should add strength to keep it from tearing through. I would make sure to put a rubber cover on the exposed tip of the bolt as well to make sure it doesn't do any damage while putting the cover on or taking it off.

[ericchile]

Here's a pic of my setup. Picked up a couple vents on eBay for cheap, then drilled a small hole in each for the braided line. I looped the line down into each one and tied a knot below a stainless washer to give more holding power. Then used a couple ratchets on the back two positions which pulls the front one tight also. Up top is just a loop to go over the tow point. My pole setup would still cause some pooling in the back which is why I went with two connection points. Works great, simple to use, and no pole marks in my SeaDek.

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I like this setup.. what kind of "vents" are those? Also do you guys have a cheap source for those pulleys?

[Woody_tobius_jr]

S_Kelly2000 -

Sorry, I didn't get home until late last night, I'll take some better pictures tonight when I get home. All I did was drill through the existing vent cap and ran the bolt through with SS washers, then tied it off. I had to use an awl to brace the nut while I tightened the eye. I'll post better pics tonight.

[bblueg]

I have not fabricated a "hangtyte" with these vents, but did install them on my pontoon a few years ago. I remember using a lighter to weld(slightly melt) the edges of the cover fabric, in order to stave off fraying. I am guessing that the fabric in the nautique fabric would appreciate the same treatment.

I will be measuring up for a similar install this weekend. Was thinking of using a single pole from underneath, then having the wife test for 'pooling areas' from above. Thinking that this would be a good method of testing-before-cutting. Thoughts?

nyryan2001- how is the bow area holding up to 'pooling'?

S_Kelly2000 -

Sorry, I didn't get home until late last night, I'll take some better pictures tonight when I get home. All I did was drill through the existing vent cap and ran the bolt through with SS washers, then tied it off. I had to use an awl to brace the nut while I tightened the eye. I'll post better pics tonight.

[Woody_tobius_jr]

Anyone use a HangTyte or Simular Device on a boat cover? What is your opinion?

Nice work! I'd love to see a clearer picture of your setup if you get a chance. Tough to tell what you did from that picture.

Sorry, still not the best quality, we're getting a pretty good shot of rain this evening. Hard to focus through my dive mask.

No leakage at the bolt to the inside, the nut and washer on each side seal it up nicely.

Sent from my iPad

[s_kelley2000]

Thanks Woody, I get it now and that looks great. Pretty sure I am going to do the same thing.

[cwindingland]

Do a quick search on eBay for boat cover vents. The ones I used are called Boat Vent II. They can be had for $7 - $10. Can't remember where I got my pulleys but again just search for ratcheting pulley. Once you locate the desired location for the vent and cut the hole, the Boat Vent II really does a nice job of 'clamping' the fabric for a secure hold. I maybe have $30 invested and that was for two vent covers and pulleys. On the tower, I just have a cheap caribiner clip that the rope can slide through. Works great!

[Miljack]

I have a HangTyte version, and it works great! The "washer" that comes with the unit is a large diameter to spread the load out on the cover, but reinforcing the area where you mount it is a good idea.
The only improvement I would suggest is having a built-in vent for the "washer" like those you see for the pole mounts on covers, probably an issue due to patent protection.

BTW, Cobe Mikakich (sp?) invented/developed the HangTyte product originally (he may have sold the rights), but FWIW, buying the original is only about ~$35 I think, and it's a no brainer to install...