Camper Canvas and Isinglass Storage Idea

[Alex F]

Storing canvas and isinglass has been always been a bit of a hassle. I also had to replace my front 5 pannels last year, but I keep the older pannels to be used in early spring while I'm getting the boat ready for the season, but it gives me a chance to take the shrinkwrap down earlier and keep the new isinglass pannels safe a little longer. So, after trying couple of different ways I've decided to do a little re-org in my storage room in the basement and have the camper store up in the ceiling "flex shelf". The idea to have shelf up by the ceiling is good, but it has a problem. If it's a fixed shelf then it creates a problem laying the pannels neatly, it's not possible to reach to the furthest corner while laying the them. So, I thought that if I make this shelf flexible enough to go down when I lay down the pannels and canvas and then go up to the ceiling when I'm done, it could work. So, here's my first draft.

I'm using lines to adjust the hight of the shelf providing plenty room to lay the canvas down. The shelf has carpet so, I don't scratch anything against the plywood.

As you can see I lay the first pannel and then put commercial quality paper before laying second pannel on top of the first one. So, I use this paper to protect every layer.

When all pannels and canvas are layed on the shelf I pull the lines to raise the shelf to the desired level and secure the lines to the wooden cleats (I was actually lazy enough to run to WM to purchase cleats, it took only 5 min to make them from some wood I had).

It's not perfect, but it got me what I wanted in the pretty quick time I wanted to invest in this little project. The canvas and isinglass is stored neatly and use no space in my storage room. so, I just wanted to share this quick idea for someone who's got space issue and this might be a possible solution.

 

[gerryb]

This year, they are all laying on the bed we have in a spare bedroom In years past I've carefully rolled them up (with towels in between) and stored in a dry box. I've always wanted to set-up my garage to be able to hang them from one of the ceiling beams. Saw a picture on csr of someone who did this. I would just buy a bunch of plastic clamps (dollar store brand would be fine) and attach them a 2x4(s) suspended from the ceiling. Clamp the glass and cover to the 2x4 and cover them with some old cotton sheets. BTW...when driving past your local goodwill, stop in and stock-up on used sheets or soft towels to use between the glass when storing them. Best $15 you can spend for storage of eglass.

 

[Alex F]

I would just buy a bunch of plastic clamps (dollar store brand would be fine) and attach them a 2x4(s) suspended from the ceiling. Clamp the glass and cover to the 2x4 and cover them with some old cotton sheets. BTW...when driving past your local goodwill, stop in and stock-up on used sheets or soft towels to use between the glass when storing them. Best $15 you can spend for storage of eglass.

Gerry,
Hanging them vertically was my initial thought. I also remember a thread where someone had suggested to use extra set of clips. But, that meant I had to use 6'x7' (size of my largest curtain) space against a wall. Having them up by the ceiling keeps my walls free to be used for other items. We've got too much junk, so any space I can safe helps. Thanks for a good tip on used soft sheets/towels from goodwill (I just googled them and found couple near by, will stop by later).

 

[Lazy Daze]

Good idea Alex! I keep mine rolled around a 4" piece of PVC tube, with sheets in between - and inside the original storage bag. You've probably seen the many threads about people using "pool noodles" for this, too.

But, I never thought about storing them flat hanging from the ceiling! Funny thing is, I store lot's of things on the ceiling in my garage, but it never occurred to me to put the glass there!

As you're working on your "final draft", just a couple of thoughts I'll pass along:

One, using some cheap pulleys from Home Depot might make things easier than the eye-hooks.

Two, have you ever seen those garage-storage-systems that are designed to allow the storage "floor" to be raised up and down while remaining level? Here, check this out - it might give you some more ideas (there might be better links, this was just the first good one I found):

http://www.garagestoragepro.com/Garage_Overhead_Storage.html

I think you can rig your set-up in a way where one rope lowers and raises the whole thing. With pulleys in the right spots and using the right amount for the necessary mechanical advantage needed, it shouldn't be too difficult to figure out.



Great thinking! :grin:

 

[Alex F]

Thanks Dennis,

I was looking at the pulleys at HD, but they had some plastic versions that didn't look strong enough and also I would need an extra hook or a S to connect them to the ceiling hooks. BTW, my hooks are not "S" they have "O" ring at the ends. So, the line slides very easy in the "O", works just like with pullyes. You can see little better in this picture.

I did see those setups, but for the storage room I just wanted something fast and simple. After $25 for material and couple of hours of work I was done. Only after I find the time to come up with complete storage solution in this room, then I would invest more $$$ in something that's functional and looks better. That's why I had mentioned that this was my first draft. I was thinking to hang my new dinghy there as well. If it'll fit and I decide to do it I'll post some pictures. I was thinking about hanging the dinghy in the garage, but if it'll fit in that storage room why not keep the garage clean.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Thanks Dennis,

I was looking at the pulleys at HD, but they had some plastic versions that didn't look strong enough and also I would need an extra hook or a S to connect them to the ceiling hooks. BTW, my hooks are not "S" they have "O" ring at the ends. So, the line slides very easy in the "O", works just like with pullyes. You can see little better in this picture.


I did see those setups, but for the storage room I just wanted something fast and simple. After $25 for material and couple of hours of work I was done. Only after I find the time to come up with complete storage solution in this room, then I would invest more $$$ in something that's functional and looks better. That's why I had mentioned that this was my first draft. I was thinking to hang my new dinghy there as well. If it'll fit and I decide to do it I'll post some pictures. I was thinking about hanging the dinghy in the garage, but if it'll fit in that storage room why not keep the garage clean.

Yup, totally understand. I think you made a great post that can certainly help some others out, as well. That's good "Boater's Ingenuity"! :thumbsup:

(Oh, my mistake on the s-ring - I went back and edited it, but I must have been editing at the same time you were typing your reply). Sorry, I misunderstood - I thought you were raising both the back and the front of the wood.

 

[Alex F]

I thought you were raising both the back and the front of the wood.

Your understanding was correct. I initially thought on having the back part secured on hinges, but then figured that if I make the back go down it'll make the packing process even easier. So, I lower the back about 1'-1.5' down while front goes down 2'-3' or more. Then I pull all 4 lines (back goes up first, followed by front) and secure them on two wooden cleats.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Gotcha. I like the wooden cleats! Using the poly line was a good call with the eye-bolts since it will go through easier than nylon.

Hmmm... you got me thinking, now. My clear vinyl is good inside the bag, but.... I've got to do something with the cockpit carpet. Right now it's just sitting on the bar in the basement. I may just steal your idea a bit for my carpet - thanks for posting your project! :thumbsup:

 

[Alex F]

I'm alsway glad to help when I can. :thumbsup:

 

[Lazy Daze]

Thanks again, Alex! I just built a shelf for my carpets. I've got about 10" of space above my garage door (when it's opened, between it and the ceiling). Perfect spot!

Great idea, Alex! :thumbsup:

 

[Alex F]

Great! I'm glad you were able to use my idea and the thread wasn't for nothing, LOL.

 

[Uplate]

I have a large storage area above my garage. One of those fold down ladder access areas.

I bought quite a few small spring clamps that I nail to the studs, and then attach the windows hanging vertically from the spring clamps.

I did find out due to the extreme temps that happen in the summer above garage space it is best not to nest the windows together as they can "fuse" somewhat. A sheet between would work, but I just hang them all separately as I have the space to do so.

I store my aft curtain under a spare bedroom bed with the glass laying flat.

 

[270SLX]

Very nice. I just roll mine around a swim noodle. Storing flat would be a lot better.

 

[marks737]

Those are all great ideas for off season storage, but where do you guys store your vinyl on the boat when you go out?

 

[Alex F]

Mine stay up all season long. So, I don't have to find place storing them. I've had my canvas always up on my 240DA (except when trailering on a long distance trips) and 320DA.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Those are all great ideas for off season storage, but where do you guys store your vinyl on the boat when you go out?

See the post above you, or post #4. We keep it in the storage bag.