Tarping or Not for the winter

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Jul 9, 2006
22
Oday 28 Whiby
I live in Canada and sail on lake Ontario. There is a debate as to whether or not to tarp your boat for the winter. What do you recommend and do you recommend any specific type of tarp?
 
C

Chuck R

Why not tarp??

I guess I'm looking to see why you would not put a winter tarp on your boat especially if you live in Ontario..
 
B

bob

chafe

A tarp may keep some of the dirt and the such off of the deck, however after 3 days of 25 mph winds (our winters there are weeks of that) if the tarp has any ill fit the movement can wear the gel coat off. Plus the later in the season the worse it will get because of traped dirt under the cover that becomes very sand paper like. bob
 
C

Chuck R

I have not experienced chafe

Intresting thought. We have basically the same climate, and you may even get more snow then we.. So not only would you deal with the dirt from winds,and snow but the freezing and thawing issues at all the nooks and cranny's on deck. And then there is unnecessary exposure to the sun's UV's all winter. Can't argue about chafe but I do keep a good wax job on top sides and freeboard.If I see chafe I'd rub it with compound and wax. Use a good wax with all the oils that fiberglass likes and there are now some great waxes out there. I also spread moth balls around inside the cabin. Had squirrels damage wiring on a boat years ago. Varmints don't like mothballs.
 
Jan 22, 2008
117
Oday 23 Winnisquam lake
agree with bob

..those "eyelets" on tarps can cause a lot of stracthing for sure, and since I spent 100's of hours this past sping painting, I don't want one of those flipping around for sure. What I do with my 22 and 23 is just to make sure they are not stored under trees (falling branches), make sure all openings are tightly closed, and the biggest part, make sure the bow is raised so any water in the cockpit can drain out. I normally check a few times a season to make sure nothing is clogging the drain.
 
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