Basically, I stood 2 x 4s on edge and put them up against the side of the boat. I used nylon cable ties to fasten them to the stanchion bases. Then I built a pitched roof support structure out of 2 x 4s and connected them with 1 x 3 strapping. I also put a line of strapping around the frame level with the cove stripe on the boat and another even with the boot stripe. It is this strapping that protects the Awlgrip from tarp damage and provides the space between the tarp and the boat.I'm curious about the extra framework you built to give your ridgepole tarp more clearance on the sides. How was that set up?
This picture, taken during assembly, will show you what I'm talking about.
http://www.roundthecorner.com/blueteal/Frame.jpg
After this picture was taken I added vertical supports under the pitched roof supports (one at the mast step and another in the cockpit) and I also added braces under the boat to connect the vertical 2 x 4s. In addition, I also ran lines through the tarps from the winches and attached them to screw-in mobile home tie-downs as additional support against the wind.
I will use the same structure this winter, but I'll be increasing the angle of pitch on the roof. Increasing the pitch will cut down some of the work space under the cover, but will help shed the snow better. To be safe, last winter I went out and knocked the snow and ice off. I'll do the same this winter, but I still think the additional pitch is important.
The cost for materials was about $250. The tarps were another $150.00. This winter I'm thinking about covering the frame with shrink wrap instead of tarps. It would be more expensive, but an improvement.
I built this cover late last fall as a disposable, cheap and quick solution to the impending winter. It's far from being the last word in boat shelters, and I'm not sure whether I'd recommend it to others. But it protected the boat, provided very good ventilation, and made a decent shelter for working during the rainy spring weather. But some day I hope to have a boat barn!