When a tarp or boat cover is exposed to wind, keeping it properly tensioned can be a challenge. One common solution is to add weight around the edges of the tarp. Traditionally, sandbags, bricks, plastic containers and other heavy objects have been used for this purpose.
But there is another option: water-filled tarp weights.
Both sandbags and water weight bags can provide the weight needed to help secure a tarp, but there are important differences in how they are transported, used and stored.
Why use weights on a tarp?
Wind can make a loose tarp flap and move. Over time, this movement can put additional stress on the tarp, eyelets and attachment points.
Adding weight around the edges helps maintain tension and reduce movement. This is particularly useful for winter boat covers, outdoor storage covers and other temporary installations where permanent attachment points may not be available.
Sandbags – simple but heavy
Sandbags are a traditional way to weigh down tarps and covers. They are inexpensive, simple and can provide substantial weight.
Their biggest disadvantage is also obvious: sand is heavy.
A filled sandbag has to be transported to the location, moved into position and eventually moved again when the tarp is removed. Sandbags can also take up considerable storage space between seasons.
For permanent or semi-permanent installations, this may not matter. For seasonal applications such as winter boat storage, however, it can mean moving a lot of unnecessary weight.
Water weight bags – carry them empty, fill them on site
Water-filled tarp weights work differently.
The bags are transported and stored empty. Once they are in position, they are filled with water to create the required weight.
The Hippo Marine 6310 Water Weight Bag has a 5-liter capacity and is designed to be filled with approximately 4.5 liters of water, providing around 4.5 kg / 10 lbs of weight per bag.
An 8-pack therefore provides approximately 36 kg / 80 lbs of distributed weight when all bags are filled.
After use, simply empty the bags, fold them flat and store them in the included mesh bag.
What about freezing temperatures?
For winter use, a water weight bag needs room for the water to expand if it freezes.
The Hippo Marine bag has a capacity of 5 liters but should normally be filled with a maximum of approximately 4.5 liters. The remaining space allows for expansion when the water freezes.
This makes the system particularly useful for winter boat storage and other cold-weather applications.
Water weight bags vs sandbags
The best solution depends on how and where the tarp is being used.
Sandbags are simple and can be a good choice when the weights will remain in one place for a long time and storage or transport is not important.
Water weight bags are particularly practical when the weights need to be transported, installed and removed seasonally. Instead of carrying heavy weights to the site, the bags can be carried empty and filled with water where they are needed.
They also take up very little space once emptied.
How do you attach water weights to a tarp?
Water weights should be distributed around the tarp rather than concentrating all the weight in one location.
Depending on the tarp, they can be connected to existing eyelets or suitable attachment points using rope or elastic bungee cords.
For an adjustable solution, the Hippo Marine 6620 Bungee Cord with Cord Lock can be used between the tarp and water weight. The elastic cord helps maintain tension while allowing some movement as wind and weather conditions change.
How do I keep a tarp from blowing away?
There is no single solution for every installation. A well-secured tarp normally combines suitable attachment points, correct tension and evenly distributed forces.
For many temporary installations, adding weights around the perimeter is a practical way to reduce movement without drilling holes or creating permanent fixing points.
For winter boat covers in particular, water-filled tarp weights provide an interesting combination: heavy when you need them, light when you don't.
