winter lay-up

[RichJ]

This O'Day is my first venture into thefiner art & lifestyle of sailing (recovering from powerboating) so I hope you all can put up with a dumb question now and again. Todays question is "covering the boat for the winter" or"tarp vs shrinkwrap" we built a framework of pvc tubing on her deck (as did her previous owner) and after @ 3hrsof wrestling with and becoming fustratedwith a very large tarp, called it a day.outside of the $$ of shrinkwrap is it better? at this point I'm leaning towardit. the boat in question is a O'Day 27.HELP.............also, my neighbor in the yard (42' c&c)told me that he almost lost his boat last year due to strong winds getting up & under his tarp, so he's going shrinkwrap. possible???so at this point I'm counting on the experence of you long time sailors to help out this novice......thanks.....

 

[Don Evans]

My Budget Doesn't Allow Shrink Wrapping

So I do the best I can with poly tarps. I store the boat at home so I can keep an eye on the snow load, and reposition the tarp if needed. I also have a network of plumbing pipes, hanging over the spine of the mast. I tie these on to the toe rail and at the mast. I have never had a problem with blue poly, other than I only get about 5 seasons out of it. I think it shreds from UV damage and whipping winds. These are not a major concern where I store it, as its sheltered by pines, and the direct sun never reaches the boat due to the sun angle and shade from those trees. I think shrink wrapping is a great option for some.DonDon