Storage of my O' Day 23

[twocreeks]

Hello! Now that I have the purchase decision behind me, my thoughts turn to how to store the boat properly. The previous owner had the boat stored inside. I'm trying to keep costs down yet maintain the boat well. The marina in town will rent a slip to me or I could store the boat on the premises for $250 a year including launching privileges anytime. Also they said for $17.75 a foot they would shrink wrap it for winter storage in the parking lot. A zippered door would be an additonal $40. Is shrink wrapping a good alternative to inside storage? This might make life alot easier if I don't need to trailer the boat too often. I don't own a vehicle that can trailer the boat. I'll need to ask for help to get the boat from the owners storage to the marina. I will have a garage available in the fall but I think the height of the boat and trailer would be too tall. The conventional garage door height is around 7 feet. Thank in advance for any feedback!

Stan

 

[RichBone]

No need for added expense of inside storage. There's different strategies for covering for winter storage. Check the archives since this is a topic that arises most summers. I like shrink wrapping-

This keeps the deck dry and allows me to do projects in the off season. With solar heating, inside temps are 20 to 30 degrees above outside. It doesn't have to be this elaborate of course. Framework of 2" pvc pipe that can be used year to year. With the framework it can be covered with shrink wrap, poly or canvas tarps (with their own unique problems- covering a pointed, curved object with an uneven top and then having to secure it) or a fitted canvas cover (one time expense). Storage with the mast down makes it easier.
Rich

 

[twocreeks]

Thanks Rbone for the response! I'm stilll learning my way around the website. I did find the archieves after I read your comments. I'm curious though, is your setup using canvas? I read that you like shrink wrap. What are the blue patches I see in the picture? How is the PCV anchored to the pavement? Have you experienced any pest problems getting onboard the boat? Is moisture a problem? Thanks, Stan

 

[RichBone]

The blue patches is blue masking tape that I put over the vent holes when it gets cold and windy. The pvc just slips over the lifeline stanchions and the shrink wrap holds the framework in compression. Another thing about keeping the deck dry is so you don't get moisture in the checks and cracks and then freeze and cause more damage.

$250 a year to store and launch is cheap. I had my boats in a dry sail facility for 30 yrs where I could keep the boat rigged and then launch it at their ramp with my car. Now I keep Pronto in the water at a dock. I couldn't justify the extra expense to rent a dock- $1200 to $1400 a season compared to $350 for dry sailing. My situation has improved.

Rich