How to protect boat while working on brightwork

[Joe Myerson]

Here's the deal (to quote somebody famous):

Crème Brûlée is in my yard, covered with a Fairclough canvas cover. I would like to start work on the brightwork, as well as dealing with interior mildew.

The boat sits close to an oak tree, which will soon begin to shed all sorts of disgusting brown pollen and blossoms.

I plan to leave the framework up until just before launch date on June 10.

Is there a way to roll up the sides of the cover (which weights a ton) so I can work on the boat, get ventilation and keep out rain and oak junk?

Or, should I try to find an el-cheapo tarp that would cover the deck and cockpit? If so, any suggestions on dimensions?

Thanks to all--and let's get sailing!

--Joe

[Jim Walsh]

I’ve had my Fairclough cover in place when I’ve been working on the bottom. The method I employed was to fasten a line to the cover on one side and toss the line over the top to the opposite side. I was able to “lift Orion’s skirt” as needed by pulling the line, then just let it back down into position when through for the day.
I wanted the cover in place before a heavy snow hit and protecting the topsides from dust was a secondary consideration.
I used this technique when I fully stripped the bottom in December of 2015, and when I was sanding the bottom in November of 2018. These two photos may be helpful.