Winter Storage - Is a tarp a good idea if done right??

[sinnettc]

Hey oldiesrocker2001

I'm pretty sure I got mine from West Marine: http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...toreNum=10118&subdeptNum=10836&classNum=10839

I have the 19x24. Looks like the price has gone up about $5 or so.

 

[pogo2]

Tarps to custom

for the first 5 years that I owned my Newport 30 I made a frame out of 2" pvc pipe and plastic electric conduet which I would connect to the rails while bending over the 2" pvc pipe that ran down the center of the boat. Now I own a custom cover that takes about 30 minutes to set the fframe and about 1 hour to install the cover. it works great here just north of Buffalo, Ny where the winter winds can blow up to 90+ and we can get up tp 3' of snow in one storm. The new cover was a big investment but the fact that its dry inside and with a ceramic heaters I can get it to 60F in the cabin on a cold January day. I've had it for 3 years and love it, the mast can be either up or down.

 

[OldCat]

I'm pretty sure I got mine from West Marine: http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...toreNum=10118&subdeptNum=10836&classNum=10839

I have the 19x24. Looks like the price has gone up about $5 or so.

Chris,
Thanks for that link. I have been thinking about what to do for a winter cover, this looks like it will do a great job.

OC

 

[Ducati]

Pay Now Or Pay Later

Is this a good idea? Should I pay extra to drop the mast and store it inside? Should I suck it up and get the darn thing shrink-wrapped each winter? Should I drop $1200-1800 on a custom boat cover? What do you all do with your boats for the winter?? If you have pictures,

You can save alot now if you go for the cheap cover however you will eventually pay the price in damaged caused once the water gets in, freezes and damages your boat.

I do my own shrink wrapping. A few of my boat associates chipped in and bought the heat gun (very cool toy, but be careful) and the annual bulk shrink-wrap purchase. Your boat would cost probably $100 per year if you did it yourself.

 

[Pat T]

Winter Storage

I have owned 3 boats. I have done the shrink wrap and built my own PVC cage and covered myself (PITA). The bigger the boat the harder to do, obviously. Finally broke down and spent the bucks for a custom cover -they came out to make measurements and installed the 1st time. Be cautious of covers said to fit your boat as I did this with my Catalina 30 and found it was 1 foot too short. Ended up sending it back and got into a pissing contest with the owner of a well know east coast outfit. Used this present cover on my 36 now for 2 years and am happy. I need 3 more years I think to break even with shrink wrap cost. By the way, zipper on aft end for access. Company that made cover is near Milwaukee.

 

[sinnettc]

Chris,
Thanks for that link. I have been thinking about what to do for a winter cover, this looks like it will do a great job.

OC

Just be sure you make a frame for your cockpit - I didn't the first year and when I checked on it after the first big rain storm one side was sagging into the cockpit filled with about 30-40 gallons of water! I managed to climb aboard to drain it despite not having a ladder; getting down required a phone call to have my son-in-law bring me a ladder. The next day I went to home despot, bought PVC pipe and made a frame.

 

[druid]

Of course, up here in the Land of Ice and Snow we sail year-round

I do put tarps on, though: I use the boom as a tent, and just use a cheap CanTy tarp cuz it usually flogs itself to death in a year anyway. I have a light heater (either a small AC heater on "low" (500W) or just a few light bulbs) to keep the interior from freezing, and the tarps keeps (most) of the rain and snow off. I've never had water freeze in the cockpit - why doesn't the water drain out the cockpit drains when it's still water?

I've never used shrink-wrap, since I don't see the logic of throwing $2000 worth of plastic away every year...

druid

 

[Bob S]

I know custom covers are expensive but at the same time they can be a selling feature when that time comes. If taken care of I expect to get many years from it. A $2500.00 cover lasting ten years minimum is a lot cheaper than shrink wrap and much better for the environment. Add to that the ability to work comfortably through the winter with just a small heater. I was sold. :dance: