Things You'll Need:
- Tarp
- Canvas snap kit
- Pliers
- Scissors
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Step 1
Measure your kayak's length, width and height. Add 4 feet to the length measurement. Multiply both your width and height by two, add 2 feet and total the numbers. Multiply (length + 4 feet) by (2 x width + 2 feet x height + 2 feet) to determine your tarp's minimum size.
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Step 2
A complete tarp snap kit.If your kayak will be frequently exposed to the sun, purchase a heavy-duty silver tarp for increased UV protection. If your kayak will be mostly in the shade, a standard blue tarp will work.
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Step 3
Blue tarps are available at Tarp.com.Mark your tarp for cutting. Lay out the tarp on a flat surface. Starting at the corner, measure and mark the other three corners, based on your previous calculations. Fold and crease the tarp between the left marked outer corner and the marked inner corner. Draw a cut line along the crease with a permanent marker. Repeat the procedure with the right outer corner and marked inner corner. Unfold the tarp.
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Step 4
Silver, UV tarps are available at Tarp.com.Cut the tarp with scissors or a utility blade. Cut a continuous line, as frays or strands encourage tearing. Seal frayed edges with a lighter flame.
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Step 5
Place the button snaps. Fold 2 inches of tarp inward along one long side. Starting 2 feet from the edge, place button snaps and eyelets centered within the 2-inch fold. Space buttons every 1 to 2 feet, depending on the length of your kayak. Place the last button 2 feet from the tarp's far end. Fold the edge with button snaps toward the opposite long edge, leaving 2 feet of unmodified long-edge exposed.
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Step 6
Fold 1 foot of tarp along the unmodified long-edge inward. This extra foot of tarp will fold inside the tarp enclosure for additional protection. Mark the locations for the sockets with a permanent marker. Mark 1 inch inside the exposed edge, aligned with the installed buttons. This will leave 11 inches of tarp between the buttons and outer edge. Install sockets in the marked locations with the snaps on the bottom of the tarp.
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Step 7
Wrap and secure your kayak. Flip your kayak upside down and center it on the tarp. Fold the socket-edge until it is centered on the kayak's hull. Fold the button-edge and secure the center snaps, making sure the 1-foot extension is tucked inside. Fold the extra 2 feet at each end of the kayak inside the folded tarp. Secure all buttons and snaps.
