THE CANVAS WINDMILL
Dinghy Boat Tent (illustrated using Wayfarer dinghy)
Two designs of boat tent are available, the simple boom tent (Mark I) and framed box tent (Mark III). Headroom in the Mark I is much more limited than the Mark III but it is cheaper and simpler to erect. Which type of tent you choose depends on the use you wish to make of it and especially the length of time you will be in it. It might be a good idea to experience the different shapes on a boat before you decide which to order. Members of the Wayfarer Association may hire a tent.
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Mark I Tent This is a simple inverted vee over the boom which is supported on a stern crutch and gooseneck. The bow and stern are closed by flaps and access is over the stern. The tent is held in position by velcro straps sewn to the inside of the tent which attach to a rope harness. Weight 5 kg. Packed size 800 by 300 |
| Mark III Tent and Frame This tent is given its shape by a frame at the stern of the boat from which poles run forward to the shrouds. The boom is supported on the stern frame and on the gooseneck. The bow section can be either short (fitting around the washboard) or extended, to provide extra storage space. The tent is usually supplied with a door either side, two side windows and one at the bow. Access is also available through the stern flaps. The windows have velcroed blinds. Tent without poles 7 kg. Packed size 800 by 300 Poles and frame 4 kg |
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| Materials and Harness In order to keep costs to a minimum, Canvas Windmill boat tents are made from 300 gram cotton proofed canvas. The Mark III has a choice of roof materials: PVA/polyester (light grey) or polyester cotton (blue). The PVA/polyester is 100% waterproof while the polycotton is more breathable and akin to cotton canvas. Samples are available on request. (We will be pleased to quote for making tents using alternative materials.) The tent is attached to the boat by a rope harness around the gunwale which can either be semi-permanently fixed or detachable, in which case ties are provided which pass under the boat. The poles and frame can also be supplied. |
 Frame and poles |
The above designs can be adapted for most classes of dinghy
