DIY Projects Using PVC for Boating Accessories



ocean scene with boats and city in background

PVC is inexpensive, lightweight, durable, and extremely versatile. All of which make it excellent to create boat accessories with. From canopies to ladder to anchors, PVC can be used to help with any of your boating needs. Its durability means it can withstand all the sunshine, the heat, and the saltwater. Keep reading to find out how to update your next lake day with PVC boat projects.

Stay Cool Under a DIY PVC Boat Canopy

Nothing ruins a day out on the water faster than sunburn. By erecting a DIY PVC canopy on your boat, you can prolong your fun in the sun. Building your canopy is going to depend on the size of your boat and how tall you want it to be.

You’ll need 4 poles to be the base of your canopy. We recommend that these are at least 6 feet long to allow people to walk under them. At the top of each pole you’ll place a 3-way tee. The rest is going to depend on the size of your boat. We recommend creating the canopy by making a checkerboard. Each square should be no bigger than 3-feet by 3-feet and use tees and 4-way tees to connect the squares. Once the canopy is complete use a tarp and Velcro to create the shade.

Want something cuter? Find your favorite fabric and use that to create your shade. Want it to be more permanent? You can sew the shade onto the pipes to create a permanent fixture. Making a boat canopy out of PVC is simple and easy and completely customizable.

Climb Aboard with a PVC Boat Ladder

A lake day is not complete without a good refreshing swim. Getting off the boat and into the water is the easy part – getting back on the boat not so much, especially if the ladder your boat came with has broken. Luckily for you, PVC can be used to make your own boat ladder! With just a few supplies and some simple steps you’ll have your very own boat ladder. Note: This plan if for a three-foot, three step ladder. If you need a bigger ladder add two extra tees, a 12” section of PVC, and an 18” section of PVC for each additional step.

Supplies

(12) 1-foot sections of 1 ¼” pipe
(3) 18” sections of 1 ¼” PVC pipe
(6) 1 ¼” 90° Elbows
(4) 1 ¼” Tees
(2) 1 ¼” 4-way elbows
Skateboard Tape

Directions

Step 1: Take an 18” length of PVC and place an elbow on each end. In each elbow place a 12” section of PVC placing a tee on the end of each.

Step 2: Connect the tees with an 18” PVC length, and then place a 12” section into the open top slips of both tees. Place your 4-way elbows on top of each 12” section.

Step 3: Connect the two 4-way elbows together with an 18” length of PVC and place a 12” section in the top slip of both.

Step 4: On top of the 12” sections place an elbow, inserting a 12” section into the elbow.

Step 5: Place an elbow on the other end of the 12” then insert a 12” section into the open slip. Place your final elbow on the end and connect it to the 4-way elbow with your remaining 12” sections of PVC.

Step 6: Once you’ve dry fitted everything use PVC primer and adhesive to hold it all together.

Step 7: We recommend using skateboard tape or something similar on the ladder to help provide grip.

Stay in Place with a PVC Boat Anchor

Nothing beats a day relaxing in the middle of the lake to fish. Except for finding your spot only to slowly drift away. Instead of spending tons of money on a fancy shallow water anchor, make one with PVC! Most boats come with rod holders and by simply turning those to face outwards you can use them to hold your anchor if you don’t want to build your own. Check out how to make this quick and easy DIY PVC boat anchor below.

Supplies

8-10 feet of 1 ¼” PVC
(1) 1 ¼” Tee
Rope
Skateboard Tape
PVC Adhesive and Primer

Directions

Step 1: Place the tee on the end of your PVC pipe. (Note: If you are unable to get one continuous length of PVC, you’ll need to use a coupling to attach the two lengths together.)

Step 2: Tie your rope at the joint of the tee and pipe, and place the skateboard tape just below the junction. These help you grip the anchor as you pull it out of the water.

Upgrade Your Boat with PVC

No matter your boating needs, there’s a DIY PVC boat project that can help. It can provide shade, help you climb back into the boat, and anchor your boat in place. With its durability and affordability, PVC is an investment that’s going to last for many years.

Need help finding anything? Give us a call at (866)777-7990 to talk to one of our Product Specialists.