We’ve enjoyed a few days of spring-like weather, but it looks like high winds tomorrow and then back to winter for a while. I checked the boat a week ago and everything looked great; shrink-wrap was tight, boat was dry and I saw no signs of condensation. I seem to have found the right combination of ventilation and DampRid buckets. We’ll see what the next three months bring, but so far, so good. Knock on wood, I’ve never had any winter wind, freezing or ice damage.
My biggest winter worry in the past was actually the cradle. It used to have just two jack pads per side and I always felt there was more movement on windy days than there should be. It never did any damage, but a couple years ago, to be cautious, I had a midship jack pad welded to each side of the cradle frame. Six points of support to the hull rather than just four. The boat is much better supported in the cradle now and I sleep better knowing that. Not sure if “jack pad” is the right term, but I think you get the idea.
