Hi all - Here is the story - Long Story, I have never in 20+ years of boat ownership covered my boats in the winter.
Thinking is that what ever happens in the winter (short of freezing) happens all summer also. Sun, rain, wind .... I've seen blue / silver tarps rip off and mark up a boat, fitted covers get weighed down and bend stanchions and such, and shrink wrap come off to reveal dirt and mold on deck and below. As long as I have the boat blocked with a pretty good drainage angle and an open transom to keep water / ice out of the cockpit I have been in good shape. Granted, my 310 is one of the newer boats I have owner, even if some have been larger and more $$$$ but I kind of am thinking of babying here a bit. Last year she was inside for some mast work, and I got pretty much free inside storage, but not going through that again. I am in WI, right on Green Bay. I am just getting all sorts of grief from all sides, "you have to cover your boat or you will have leaks in the spring" or "Your finish will chalk up all winter and a mess to clean", "you need to shrink wrap only way to go", "you need a custom cover and frame, only way to go", or the most pressing comment "you have never covered a boat before :naughty: why do you need the expense for this one" (Oh, that came from the wife)
So have it - open target here
let me know what you would do :stirthepot: or your thoughts on the subject. Oh, and for you warm weather people, yes it's Sept 20 th and we pull out this weekend. Night time frost and low water levels on Lake Mich.Could be interesting :cussing:
Russ
