Winter Frame

[Dana M26D]

Covered stanchions catch wind.

I used plastic pipe similar to the pic posted by Richard. However, this year I removed the guardrail stanchions and just stuck the pipe in the stanchion base. Last year the wind blew hard enough, against a winter cover, to bend two of the stanchions on a boat in our marina. By using 3/4 inch pipe I could shove two ends in each base and let them spread fwd and aft as they crossed the mast. It doesn't take long to remove the stanchions and you should consider it if your boat could be exposed to winter winds.

 

[Eric, Sandpiper 565]

Wonder why there's so many Canadians responding;D

Not to be out done by my western brothers in Alta, I'll chime in with my "Ontario" cover;D.I live in the lee of Georgian Bay, and we get plenty of snow! In fact, I shoveled today, some of the water I sailed on this summer!!Instead of rewriting my story, I'll give you the link to my post on the TrailerSailor Forum! I posted several pics on my winter cover!

 

[Bob Schmit]

Do It yourselfers caution

You may want to check with your marina before any do it yourself shrink wrapping. A boater last year did over $1.5 million of damage at a marina up the river in Hastings last year when he caught his boat on fire along with most of the boats around him. A friend of mine showed me pictures of what was left of his 32' Cruiser that was near this guys boat- the stem and stern pulpits and the engines.... When the marinas and insurance agents get together after one of these the word spreads real fast to other marinas.