Getting to be that time of year...

[BlueRunner]

That time of year is just around the corner. Last year was the first year I had my 170 and I "chickened" out after reading some of the split/cracked hull stories here in subfreezing weather, opting for indoor storage @ $1,000 for 5 months.

This year I'm thinking of going "bareback" and just leaving the boat in my back yard. I seem to remember reading about dangers with covering the boat which might cause uneven heating/cooling which can cause cracks. Anything to this?

Those that do cover their boats, do you just drape a tarp over the boat or do you use a "frame" that keeps the tarp off the hull?

Any inputs or special winterizing techniques for outdoor storage would be appreciated. We do get days where the temperature is in the 25-32 degree F range with maybe 1 or 2 periods where we will see temperatures in the 15-20 degree F range.

I really don't want to cough up another $1000 if I can avoid it.

 

[Ed Schenck]

I have a similar albeit much older fiberglass boat, a 20 foot Highlander. It sat covered in someone's yard for seven years, 90 degree summers and 0 degree winters. He had old canvas tarps on it. It probably is as good as when he covered it, now ten years ago. Now I pay to keep it in the county fairground barn for the winter with a new custom cover. Pretty dumb of me.

I covered my H37C for eight winters with those big silver tarps and never saw a problem. If I had a boat that was light enough I would simply turn it over and forget it.

 

[BlueRunner]

Thanks for the reply Ed. However, the thrust of my question mainly concerned the Hunter 170 and the unique hull that at least in the past had problems with cracking in cold weather.

I just reread my manual and it talks about using about NOT covering the boat with a dark tarp to prevent overheating. In the winter conditions we have, that is NOT a factor and maybe a dark tarp would be better to keep the boat a little warmer.

So, I guess I will be parking it in my empty lot next door for this winter and using the $1000 I save for a trip to Hawaii or some other warm spot!

 

[Alan]

Just a quick question, if I may. Does the cracking problem stem from trapped water inside the hull that then freezes and expands? ...or is it from the thaw and freeze of external water/ice which would attack any boat?

 

[BlueRunner]

Just a quick question, if I may. Does the cracking problem stem from trapped water inside the hull that then freezes and expands? ...or is it from the thaw and freeze of external water/ice which would attack any boat?

I don't know what causes this problem with SOME of the 170's out there. There are numerous threads here describing the problem, one of which follows.

http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=110535

I like my 170, but probably would not have bought it if I had been aware of this problem. Unless I get some feedback on storage, maybe I'll chicken out again and go for indoor storage.