Quality Canvas Tarps

[farwesthoops]

I would appreciate some sources for quality canvas tarps from members who have purchased one. I need a small Fall/Winter cover and don't want a blue poly one this year. Thanks in advance.

[Bobcat]

www.mytarp.com

[Jay Greer]

Seattle Canvas
Jay

[Captain Blight]

Grainger and Tractor Supply Co. Both carry good canvas tarps, at reasonable prices.

[Canoeyawl]

Good choice, I have seen a number of boats mildewed and even rotted from poly tarps.

I like these guys
http://www.jcgoss.com/images/frontlogo.gif (http://www.jcgoss.com/)

[Bobcat]

Good choice, I have seen a number of boats mildewed and even rotted from poly tarps.

I like these guys
http://www.jcgoss.com/images/frontlogo.gif (http://www.jcgoss.com/)


Rotted because polytarps don't breath or another reason?

[outofthenorm]

As it happens, I spent part of the day researching exactly this question. Looks to me that www.mytarp.com (mentioned above) has the widest range of ready-made canvas tarps on the net. They seem to be properly done with well sewn edges and brass grommets every 2 feet. The natural white ones are on sale for very low prices ie: 10 ounce 12 x 25 for $140.00. Even the heavy duty and fire-treated ones are a good price.

BTW, I wouldn't use anything but real canvas. I'm shopping for a new one because the last one kept the Canadian Winter at bay for more than 30 years and it's finally done!

- Norm

[Canoeyawl]

Rotted because polytarps don't breath or another reason?

Not only do they not breathe,
Yes, they actually make moisture in your boat.
BAD, REALLY BAD
At best when you uncover your boat in the spring you will have little black spots on everything and that horrific smell sort of like cat piss.
At worst, the moisture will collect in a vulnerable little unlimbered spot (perhaps because the boat is not "on it's lines") and the bugs will sit down for a feast and start eating your boat. I can see them now, little napkins pulled up to their chins, Mmmm - It's a perfect environment. Warm, wet, covered, hidden ...
Did I mention that they reproduce while they are eating?

[banjoman]

As strange as it may sound, the best canvas tarps I have ever purchased were at Harbor Freight. Thick, water tight, strong grommets.

[Bobcat]

Not only do they not breathe,
Yes, they actually make moisture in your boat.
BAD, REALLY BAD
At best when you uncover your boat in the spring you will have little black spots on everything and that horrific smell sort of like cat piss.
At worst, the moisture will collect in a vulnerable little unlimbered spot (perhaps because the boat is not "on it's lines") and the bugs will sit down for a feast and start eating your boat. I can see them now, little napkins pulled up to their chins, Mmmm - It's a perfect environment. Warm, wet, covered, hidden ...
Did I mention that they reproduce while they are eating?

I have used a poly tarp, but it's ventilated because it's open at the ends and covers an open boat. That being said, I will be using a canvas tarp this winter.

[farwesthoops]

Thanks again to all that posted replies. I appreciate it.

[Ted Chism]

Are you folks talking just plain old tarps or waterproofed ones to use as boat covers?

[outofthenorm]

Waterproof and mildew resistant. And heavy.

[Dan McCosh]

Good choice, I have seen a number of boats mildewed and even rotted from poly tarps.

I like these guys
http://www.jcgoss.com/images/frontlogo.gif (http://www.jcgoss.com/)

How did you find Goss?--they are a Detroit company, about a half a mile from here. Ddn't know they were national/

[Canoeyawl]

I have been buying tarps from them for thirty years...

[Dan McCosh]

I have been buying tarps from them for thirty years...

Do they have other stores? Or do you have the work shipped?

[Canoeyawl]

They ship...
It was always very reasonable, and they are pleasant folks to talk to. They will explain the "differences" in canvas. With canvas you don't always get what you pay for, as most of it is made offshore these days. More than once I have bought tarps that were already past their half-life. (Made with marginal or already rotten thread).
My first experience with Goss was for large truck tarpaulins, and it was probably closer to forty years ago - sheese!

I have some old hemp canvas that is some the best, there was a resurgence during the second world war and hemp for canvas and rope was grown all over the country for the US Navy.

[MissHailey]

my source for tarps is tarpsplus.com (http://www.tarpsplus.com)

[jalmberg]

I have a couple of these American Canvas tarps:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004HIXJ7W/ref=sc_pgp__m_A21QSQ9BMRB4AE_11?ie=UTF8&m=A21QSQ9BMRB4AE&n=&s=&v=glance

Heavy, coated canvas with good stitching and grommets. American made, too!