Boat cover frame project

[tennidea]

hello!!!

I am trying to fabricate a boat cover frame that would allow the boat to be lifted straight up into the cover... anyway my drawings estimate that I would need to have approx 290 ft of metal and the fabric cover would weigh about 30 lbs or so. I was planning on using square tubing for the frame and was wondering if I should use aluminum or steel? also what would be an ideal tube size to keep weight low and still have enough support? would the pipe be to expensize to even bother witht the project? I am new to all of this and I am just trying to make sure I dont get in over my head! Thanks!

[nadogail]

Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. Take a good hard look at a boat cover frame like you want; then reverse engineer it. Let someone else do the research and development.