Monica Schaefer's boat tent for the MK IV

From: Robert Mosher W3445
Sent: 03 March 2011 19:26
To: Monica Schaefer W10606
Subject: Wayfarer Vango Tent

Dear Monica:

I notice the Vango beta 350 tent on the Wayfarer in photos you sent to Uncle Al. Is this your tent and if so what kind of changes did you need to make to it. What is your opinion of this tent in heavy winds.

I did not see this tent on the Hartley site, but did find it on a UK camping site. It does not seem to be in the USA yet. http://www.vango.co.uk/tents/beta-350.html

If you could pass your comments thru Uncle Al, then we can all learn from you.

Thank you very much,

Robert
W3445

Hi Robert,

The Vango 350 tent used on my boat is a custom made prototype that I put together myself. Hartley boats have since used this prototype to make their own version. Basically, I took two Vango tents, took them apart and then re-assembled the tent to fit the Wayfarer by joining the back ends of both tents together so that the footprint of the tent resembled the hull shape.

I took out sections of all 4 roof panels to reduce the height, added a zip along the ride of the section over the bow and a “neck” wrap closure to allow the tent to fit securely around the mast, added straps and elastic around the “skirt” so that it fits snugly over and under the gunwales to keep rain water out. I added an extra flap at the bow fron the outside of the tent to cover the spinnaker chute but separate independent from the main living space to allow for adjustment of anchor lines, etc. The bow zip is double ended so you can get in and out that way and or adjust the dock lines or anchor rode more easily.

The main entrance is via the door flaps on the port and starboard sides. One of these flaps has a built in mosquito net. There are netted vents in all four corners for sleeping ventilation. There are side openings and closures to allow for the shrouds.

It packs up very neatly 6” x 6” x 22” and weighs very little, about 4-6 lbs, I think. Because it has modern fibreglass poles with elastic through, it is easy to erect and I can put it up afloat in less than 10 minutes. It ties to the mast, shrouds and with a couple of straps passed under the transom.

I have used it on land, too, with a cotton internal “bedroom” and groundsheet. The boom can go inside or be hoisted above the tent depending on the weather conditions.

The structure of the tent is quite flexible so this helps with the wind, but I wouldn’t want to be moored side on to a very strong wind as I think that it would be adversely affected. I have only used it in moderate winds against a pontoon where the wind was coming from the side and on a swinging mooring where it was pointing into the wind. In either case it was not a problem, but if it was really blowing stink, I think I would lower the canopy to make it more streamlined.

I showed the prototype tent to Richard and Mark Hartley, the boat builders, and they decided that it was good enough to warrant production and they are now producing them in a stronger material for their customers.

Hope that is helpful,

Regards,
Monica
W10606

Uncle Al (W3854)

----- Original Message -----

From: Monica Schaefer

To: 'Al Schonborn' ; Robert M

Sent: Monday, March 07, 2011 1:33 PM

Hi Al and Robert,

Using the hollow fibreglass poles with the elastic through them it is possible to lower the tent height by not using the end sections of the pole on each hoop, (double the last section back so that it lies against the second section) this has the effect of creating a lower dome, it is not quite as tidy around the edges but it is still effective and has less height and therefore less windage.

Regards,

Monica

Dear Monica and Al:

Thank you, Monica, for the reply. I am glad to see Hartley will be providing something similar to this. Right now Vango is in the spring sell-off-last-year's-models mode. So the be Vango beta 350 is discounted by most of the sellers, and most of the sellers are out of stock. Go figure.

Vango is still selling the tent at £110, or $180 US, plus $32.50 shipping. Now figure we would need to buy two tents. I am sure glad I asked Monica before I jumped and bought one thinking it will fit my boat!

This is a beautiful idea that Monica came up with; glad Hartley saw the light. Now I need to buy one from Hartley or figure out how to score a couple discounted tents for myself!

Robert
W3445