I'm interested in hearing any good ideas about keeping water (ice and snow) from accumulating on the deck. We have experimented with tarps, lines, water bottles, etc. but every Winter destroys what we have assembled. Any photos would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
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Agree with Allen.
I think the only foolproof covering is shrinkwrap(see Related Link). An expensive custom cover, the kind you see on Island Packets, would be a close second. It would have to last eight to ten years to compete with the cost of shrinkwrap. Begs the question, why? When more than half of our marina boats go uncovered for the winter why do you want no snow or ice on your decks? Despite the question I do cover mine every winter.
I think the only foolproof covering is shrinkwrap(see Related Link). An expensive custom cover, the kind you see on Island Packets, would be a close second. It would have to last eight to ten years to compete with the cost of shrinkwrap. Begs the question, why? When more than half of our marina boats go uncovered for the winter why do you want no snow or ice on your decks? Despite the question I do cover mine every winter.
avoid the ice....
...sail south! They don't call 'em snowbirds for no better reason.. Life is good here in Jax for a transplanted yankee... got the best of three seasons and NO MORE shoveling.
...sail south! They don't call 'em snowbirds for no better reason.. Life is good here in Jax for a transplanted yankee... got the best of three seasons and NO MORE shoveling.
INEXPENSIVE TARP
In my opinion, you are still better off utilizing an inexpensive plastic tarp that you can then use to rake leaves after one or two winter seasons. If you remove the lifeline stanchions, and the mast is properly braced on the deck and extends over the bow and stern pulpits, you should not require any type of sophisticated framework. Yes, last winter was difficult, but I experienced no problems using a $36.00 blue tarp (West Marine on sale) to cover my 1985 O'Day 26, and I will get a second year out of the cover. Yes, the boat is in my yard where I was able to monitor smow and ice accumulation, but I have owned two other O'Days that I stored at a marina during the off season and also covered with an inexpensive blue tarp - not the more expensive Taylor made tarps (not necessary). As Ed suggested in his response, it is unlikely that an accumulation of snow would have any deteriorating effect on your boat; certainly nothing like the damage caused by the sun during the sailing season! However, a cover does keep leaves, etc. and ultralight rays (very few last winter)off the boat and makes for an easier spring commissioning. I would never consider shrink wrap due to what you can accomplish for significantly less cash each year. Boating is expensive enough without throwing money away! Good luck
In my opinion, you are still better off utilizing an inexpensive plastic tarp that you can then use to rake leaves after one or two winter seasons. If you remove the lifeline stanchions, and the mast is properly braced on the deck and extends over the bow and stern pulpits, you should not require any type of sophisticated framework. Yes, last winter was difficult, but I experienced no problems using a $36.00 blue tarp (West Marine on sale) to cover my 1985 O'Day 26, and I will get a second year out of the cover. Yes, the boat is in my yard where I was able to monitor smow and ice accumulation, but I have owned two other O'Days that I stored at a marina during the off season and also covered with an inexpensive blue tarp - not the more expensive Taylor made tarps (not necessary). As Ed suggested in his response, it is unlikely that an accumulation of snow would have any deteriorating effect on your boat; certainly nothing like the damage caused by the sun during the sailing season! However, a cover does keep leaves, etc. and ultralight rays (very few last winter)off the boat and makes for an easier spring commissioning. I would never consider shrink wrap due to what you can accomplish for significantly less cash each year. Boating is expensive enough without throwing money away! Good luck
PVC and Blue tarps...
have worked for me the last 2 years - tarps, PVC, Rubber ends, grommets, fittings and duct tape about $95 so far. Around here they get $17/ft for shrinkwrap, thats a little too steep to throw away in the spring. The tarps have been cut for best fit so I have patterns for next years coverwhen I buy new. Only seem to get about 2 years out of the blue tarps- maybe I'll upgrade to the brown tarp next year.
have worked for me the last 2 years - tarps, PVC, Rubber ends, grommets, fittings and duct tape about $95 so far. Around here they get $17/ft for shrinkwrap, thats a little too steep to throw away in the spring. The tarps have been cut for best fit so I have patterns for next years coverwhen I buy new. Only seem to get about 2 years out of the blue tarps- maybe I'll upgrade to the brown tarp next year.
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