Building a frame for my winter cover

[Pensker]

I inherited a metal frame (looks like 3/4") when I bought my beloved 26' 1979 Pearson One-design a few years back. I'm trying to sort out the pieces, figure out how to put it together, and install it this year (or probably next!). Can anyone help? Some of the pieces are bent and I'm thinking that if I can figure out where they belong I can have them refabricated. Or should I just start over with pvc? I basically need a map! Thanks.

[TrueBlue]

Pensker

Your metal frame is probably constructed with 3/4" EMT (electrical mechanical tubing), otherwise known as electrical conduit. There are several dedicated connector designs available, but when designing and building my frame last year, I used FrameMakerClamps. You might get some clues as to how your frame goes together, by checking out the details on this website (I'm not affiliated in any way, other than being a happy customer) - http://www.framemakerclamps.com/

If you click on Examples, then click Page 1, you will be directed to photos I had taken of my boat and frame. Hopefully this will be enough for you to figure it out.

[Pensker]

True Blue, this link is wonderfully helpful. Thank you. The shape of my ribs is somewhat different with another bend toward the top and a center piece. But your attachments to stanchions, bow, and stern, plus the vertical supports for ridgepole are good to see. Also, Framemaker's instructions are useful. If you know of any other websites I could study, I'd appreciate knowing about them. Have a good winter.