Winter Projects

[Brian Schwerdt]

I bought an O'Day 22 this fall (upgrading from my venerable Hobie 16), and naturally there is a list of winter projects ranging from necessary to nicety that I would love to get done. Unfortunately, although my boat's sitting ride outside (on its trailer in my driveway), it is currently covered in 2 feet of snow, and it's below freezing out. I have a tarp thrown over a PVC frame I built myself. It's keeping the snow from accumulating in the cockpit, but it makes it awefully difficult to get inside. I know a lot of work gets done in the winter, but I was wondering what tips you all may have to make a boat more workable. How do you do it?

 

[J Page]

If you have the budget

For about $250.00 you can buy one of those portable PVC/tarp type garages and a heat buddy heater for on top of your propane grill tank. It's a one time investment that will keep you working on the boat over the next few winters, + heat while your ice fishin'. If its like it is around here(Michigan) ice fishing was just getting started until this weekends record heat and rain. Too bad too, i was looking forward to ice boat season early this year.

Lugeman

 

[BaySailerBill]

and a lp gas heater is the way to go. I purchased a tent and heater last year and I'm currently working on a 23' Oday tempest inside. This is my second year using this set-up and it sure beets the price of inside storage. (that's if you can find a storage facility that will let you do work on your boat.)

 

[Dan]

I use a hair dryer to warm the cabin. I find it can increase the temperature a good 10 - 20 degrees inside in about a half hour to an hour.

 

[Roger (Ninette Manitoba)]

It's really difficult to get any good quality fg work done when all the materials are cold. I try to bring home the parts I want to work on over the winter if they are removable. Right now in the basement workshop I have a few projects on the go, everything from sail repair cover, cushion modification, berth extension, and wiring a new electrical panel. As well, I have a list from the fall of all the things I have to order and usually do that in late winter so that they arrive in time for the first thaw.

 

[JerryA]

Congrats on your new boat Brian! I'm lucky enough to be able to store mine in my shop during the off season. If I didn't have the shop, I think I'd look at the tent ideas presented here by others. If you're working on a project in the cabin, a small electric heater will warm up that area within a half hour and not create a bunch of condensation.

JerryA

 

[Brian Schwerdt]

Thanks for all the ideas! The tent sounds like a great idea, but I'm not sure if it's worth that much money to me. I managed to rig the tarp in such a way that I can untie just the back section, and climb on board. I bought a small electric heater, and it really does warm up the cockpit area/cabin really well. I have removed everything I can from the boat (cushions, water jug, porta potty, etc) and will work on them inside. Thanks again for the input.

 

[captain cajun]

Brian, your boat is larger than my com-pac 16, however I keep mine in the backyard, and the mast lays down, but on my mast holders. I just throw a 25 foot tarp over it for the winter. I can get in it from the back, somedays I go in the boat to just get away.