Covering a H23 for winter

[Josh]

I just picked up a used 1988 H23 and need to cover it for the winter. This is my first boat so most of these wuestions will probably seem silly. The previous owner couldn't provide much help since he used to keep it inside a warehouse in the winter.How do you who cover it do so? I tried draping a tarp over the top but noticed two things I didn't like. The first is that the tarp bunches up around all the stantions. I can cut the tarp to fit around the stantions but wanted to hear from others before I ruin the tarp.The second problem is that the pitch of the tarp doesn't seem big enough. Do others build braces of some kind to make the tarp higher? Should the mast crutch be up to tarp it?What do y'all tie the tarp to? There's no toe rail on this boat so it looks like I'd need to tie down to the trailer. Will this damage the hull having ropes rubbing all winter?

 

[Tom]

Cut around stantions

Hi Josh,What works best for me on my H260 is to drape a 30 by 20 blue tarp over the mast in its normal trailering position. To prevent the valleys caused by the stantions and life lines, I disconnect the lifelines at each end and let them drape down along the hull. Then I cut round holes about 4 inches in daimeter in the tarp to fit over the stantions and life lines so that the tarp rests at the base of the stantion. When cutting the holes, measure the distance from the mast to the stantion base, otherwise the fit will be too tight as the tarp slides down the stantion.I tie off to the trailer with 3/16 dacron line. Don't pull the cover too tight, or it will rip due to the wind.The tarp drapes down almost to the trailer, so the lines don't rub. I've not had any damage from tarp abrasion. They main thing to watch for is abrasion caused by the standing rigging (stainless steel cable). Tie them so that they don't touch fiberglass or ports or wrap them up in a rag where they do touch.Covering this way, water and snow roll right off. I usually get three winter seasons from a tarp before replacing it.  I notice that you are in the Boston area, as I am. Where do you sail from?Fair winds,Tom

 

[Bob Zanowicz]

boat cover for H23

I have the same boat (H23) and what I do is take a 12 x 25 tarp and coverthe whole boat, lifelines and all.I leave the mast, dismounted on the boat so that one end is on the bow pulpit and the other end is on the stern crutch. I use ropes and bungeecords to secure the tarp to the trailerand use rags around the ropes/cords asto prevent chafing the hull. The mast alongwith lifelines make a tent like structure. Not the best arrangementbut works for me.Good Luckand enjoy the boat next spring!You're in for a treat!Bob

 

[Jeff Davis]

ropes rubbing on hull

One thing to watch for I learned the hard way. Our bottom is painted and you do not want the ropes to come in contact with the bottom paint. It will be rubbed off for sure. Keep the ropes away from the bottom paint.

 

[Bill Krause]

PVC pipe

Try geting pvc, pipe seven 1-1/2" sections. Use three of them coupled together with a union (2) fittings as the backbone and bend the other three over the mast down to the base of the stantions, pulpit, and stern ral. You will have to cut the pipe for the forward sections because it is less beam there and the pipe comes in 8' sections. It is cheap and helps the snow and rain to roll off tarp and not pile or dam up. I also buy some T fittings for the base of the bent pvc pipe. I just use duct tape to tie together the pipe at the top of the back bone. You might want to check the archives I think that is where I heard about this method and there might be a better description.

 

[BART FORD]

cover like a wagon

I have a 240. With the mast in the trailering position, I use pvc pipe sch 40, either 3/4" or 1" and yellow plastic tent pegs, you may need a peice longer than 10'. If so, use couplings and another piece and cut to length. I cram the tent peg in the end of the pipe. This will give you a tie point. Secure the pipe to the mast to keep it from moving and throw the tarp over the mast. Use either foam pipe insulation or tennis balls over your lifeline post to protect your tarp. Usse rope or shock cord to tie to the trailer. When you are finished it should look like a old western wagon. I usually tie a small tarp to the opening in the back ti close off the stern. good luck