New Tent Update

I set my tent up again yesterday hoping to see how it would perform in the rain. It rained twice. I wasn't able to get in it during those rains but afterwards it seemed ok. There was one very small puddle (maybe 1"x3") but that may have been from a very light shower that caught me off guard and the tent was all open. 

I took the time to figure out my tie-down/strap-down plan. I added four eye straps for points to attach the stern guy lines. All total I have 9 attachment points: 5 forward and 4 aft. Here are a few more pics. They will look very similar to the first ones posted but those had the temporary tie-downs.

From the side you can see the tent is fairly taught.

I did get in it and it is very roomy. This view may give you an idea of the space inside. The tent is 8-1/2' front to back and 42" tall at the tallest point. I guess I have 4-1/2' width. The side windows open from the inside. A big plus!

Here are my attachment points forward. I bought small carabiners. It may make it a little simpler and quicker to set up. The forward lines are attached to a line that I ran under my inwale. The bottom is attached with a piece of 3/4" velcro run through little blocks that I included in my build for just such purposes. A little later I stretched a loop on the leading edge of the tent over the daggerboard blank. Worked nicely.

I added the eye straps in the stern. Two on the edge of my seat and two on the transom. They're all out of the way and small. I added a little 4200 to each one. I'll be able to attach these from inside the tent since it has a door at both ends. Very convenient.

With the two showers we had today, I saw just how much water the boat is going to collect with any substantial rain. I have a decent hand pump but it will take some doing even with that. Makes you appreciate self-draining cockpits!

The setup and takedown is going to be fairly straightforward and easy. I got in the boat to put the tent away. No issues.

Can't wait to "field" test it.