Winter Cover on a H-240

[keel_haul]

Now is the time to put on a Winter Cover. This is my first year with this boat. Is there a simple system to get a support "ridge pole" high enough so the stanchions will not poke holes in the cover and the New England snows will slide off?On prior boat which was a lot larger I built a rack out of PVC pipe. I thought there might be simpler solutions for this boat. Thank you for any thoughts.

 

[Russ20634]

An inexpensive cover.

In the snowy Rochester, NY area, I cover my H240 with a framework of 2X4s. I built a 3' triangle to set in the bow area, and joined two long 2X4s end to end, to rest on the triangle at the bow, and the other end on the mast near the companionway. I also placed a couple 2X4s on top of the stanchions, one board on each side running fore and aft, with a partial hole in each one to set on the stanchion pipe. I then cover this framework with a 20'X30" tarp I bought at Harbor Freight, and lash the tarp to the trailer. Any snow or water runs off. There are no pockets that rain can set. Hope this gives you some ideas.Russ

 

[Bart15842]

cover

I have a 240 and have used the same frame ever since I bought the boat in 1999. With the mast down, I use several pvc pipes. I use 3/4" and put it together with couplings. In the ends, I use plastic tent stakes. I had to trim the width some, but they can be hammered home. It gives you a place to anchor your tarp to. I use cheap tarps that are 24' long and 16' across that usually get 3 years use. Walmart or Norhtern Handyman.Across the mast, I will have about 4 cross pipes,tied to the mast and will put the tarp over this. With heavy snow loads, you would probally want more. This all looks like a big Conestoga wagon. I'll finish it off with a smaller tarp to close off the back. You can still get on the boat thru the back.Hint: Make sure you empty all your water lines and tanks.Come spring, go to the hardware store and get some wood bleach that contains Oxalic acid. It has the same ingredients that Star Brite hull wash has and is a lot cheaper. About a tablesoon to a gallon of hot water. Put on gloves and clean with a sponge +/- brush. Takes leave scum and pollution grays off like magic.