need to close in rear deck

[ticomic]

Yo! My boat is a 30 foot workboat type, the first 18 feet up front being closed in . But the rear 12 foot long by 8 foot wide area is vulnerable to being washed over by a rear sea, with ugly consequences, of course. The St Lawrence here N-E of Québec City generates high and short chop, especially when the wind is against the tide. Does anyone know if a good tarp with a brace every 2 feet and fastened with snaps would be strong enough to withstand a few waves while one turns, for example? I don't look for trouble, and only need to stay afloat long enough to head for cover behind the nearest island or protected wharf.
I would be willing to consider making plywood covers to lay down between the braces and cover with tarp if this solution makes sense.

Thanks for any advice.
Ze Landlubber
Gary C. Baie-Saint-Paul Qc.

[Tom Hunter]

You are describing a very serious problem with the sea worthiness of your vessel. But you are not giving us much information at all.

Can you post pictures? Also displacement? What kind of ballast and drainage does your boat have? What about pumps?

I hesitate to give any advice without knowing more about the boat.

[C. Ross]

Are you thinking of weather curtains like this? They are only good for spray, not green water, of course.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2286/2045069422_78799956e2.jpg

[redbopeep]

Those weather curtains will ensure that the stanchions they're attached to get bent or messed up IF you take a hit from a big wave. Don't ask me how I know this...:mad:

[C. Ross]

Yikes.

Here's a picture of the stanchions without weather curtains.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2040/2232354248_1bb868d223.jpg
They're t-shaped and stout. If I ever get hit by a wave big enough to bend 'em, that'll be the least of my worries. Especially since I boat on the Mississippi River!

So I'm asking. What happened?