just wondering, cover or no cover for winter

[Mike 1]

I am preparing to store my 1982 H27 for the next lovely Ohio winter. Last season I covered the entire boat with a canvas cover the PO had made. I was shocked when I opened it up at how dirty the boat was. I am wondering if anyone covers just the cockpit area and leaves the foredeck exposed. Thoughts on either?

Thanks!

 

[Ed Schenck]

I have done just about every variation. My main concerns are the cockpit and snow/water in the portlights. Last year and this winter will be the same as seen in the second picture.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Dirt doesn't do damage; ice does. I'd be more concerned, especially with an older boat, of ice entering all the unseen subtle cracks and crevices in the uncovered portion than any amount of dirt. Why not cover it to ensure you preclude ice damage as much as practicable as any boat requires cleaning in the Spring?

Or, looking at it differently, as most boats aren't perfectly level when blocked, all the precipitation fwd on the uncovered portion can and will go under the covered portion making the whole exercise futile.

 

[Mike 1]

Very good points! Sometimes all it takes is an outside opinion to put it into prospective! I think I will modify the original cover to fit the boat with the mast up.