Winter storage advice

[dlandersson]

It's getting to be that time of year again.

Any suggestions on tarps to use for outdoor winter storage? Last year I used PVC pipes to make a frame. Tied off the edges with line, thinking of using bungee cords this year.

Dave A

[beene]

Your pvc idea sounds good

Got any pics?

I use a tarp and new bungees every year as they don't last

I find when the bungee stays stretched out and then gets wet.... thats the end of it!

I think I will use rope from now on

G

[hschumac]

I ad the same problem with normal bungee cords. Hardware store has heavy duty rubber cords with metal hooks on each end. Not as stretchy but will last forever. Just like this: http://www.amazon.com/12pc-Rubber-Down- ... ber+bungee

[beene]

I tried the rubber ones also

They dried up and cracked, then split!

G

[Russ]

I've been doing the PVC pipe and tarp for years. Works very well.

I don't use bungies, as mentioned, the deteriorate. I use a lenght of line and lace up the tarp going under the boat and trailer back and forth like a shoelace. It will stretch out after a while, but everything holds.
We get some nasty winds (60mph+) and snow and this has never failed me. Sometimes the PVC poles will come out, but nothing major.




I've also got tired of removing the batteries each year, so I leave the solar panel connected and exposed. The controller will kick off when they are full and it keeps a trickle all winter.

[taime1]

I too went with a pvc frame and just regular tarps. The pvc is electrical conduit arranged in a series of 6 or 7 hoops and made fast to stanchions with rope or bungee or plastic ties. I used only 1/2 inch conduit last year and it did hold up fairly well. One of the hoops buckled during a heavy and wet snowfall. I'll beef it up with some 3/4 inch piping this time. I think i will also lay one piece of pvc across the top of all the hoops to help them stay upright and help shed the snow better. If you want to add extra hoops in between stanchions, you can give them the arc shape and hold the shape in place with some rope, similar to a bow and arrow and then tie off the standalone hoops to other hoops.

Someone also extended the hoops so that they would be supported by the ground instead of resting on the cabin top - I may do a couple of those as well.

For tarps, I just used two regular 30x50 tarps (I had an extra one) and that was enough material to cover the boat beyond the waterline and the trailer past the tounge. I used rope and laced the bottom which gave it a good look and was easy enough to do. I left a opening in the aft tethered with bungee so I could get to some mods in the spring and check things out every now and again over the winter.

I emptied the boat completely, cushions and all, and left a bunch of Bounce sheets scattered about to keep the critters. I also used some of that moisture absorption powder. I don't know if it was necessary, but the boat was dry and smelled nice in the spring.

[beene]

I too went with a pvc frame and just regular tarps. The pvc is electrical conduit arranged in a series of 6 or 7 hoops and made fast to stanchions with rope or bungee or plastic ties. I used only 1/2 inch conduit last year and it did hold up fairly well. One of the hoops buckled during a heavy and wet snowfall. I'll beef it up with some 3/4 inch piping this time. I think i will also lay one piece of pvc across the top of all the hoops to help them stay upright and help shed the snow better. If you want to add extra hoops in between stanchions, you can give them the arc shape and hold the shape in place with some rope, similar to a bow and arrow and then tie off the standalone hoops to other hoops.

Someone also extended the hoops so that they would be supported by the ground instead of resting on the cabin top - I may do a couple of those as well.

For tarps, I just used two regular 30x50 tarps (I had an extra one) and that was enough material to cover the boat beyond the waterline and the trailer past the tounge. I used rope and laced the bottom which gave it a good look and was easy enough to do. I left a opening in the aft tethered with bungee so I could get to some mods in the spring and check things out every now and again over the winter.

I emptied the boat completely, cushions and all, and left a bunch of Bounce sheets scattered about to keep the critters. I also used some of that moisture absorption powder. I don't know if it was necessary, but the boat was dry and smelled nice in the spring.

All of that sounds good to me

I had hidden trapped water one storage season and ended up with mould issues on the spring
Had to throw out the aft berth cushions

I am thinking the main area of concern for snow building up on top and then wrecking the tarp position would be the cabin top
Between the 4 stanchions
That are is a tough one
The angle from the mast to the top of the stanchions is too shallow
Allows for the snow to build, melt, build and then cause a pocket, then ice, then stretch, the riiiiiiiiip!

[dlandersson]

I'm pulling all my cushions, PDF's. etc. Storing them in the garage.

I had hidden trapped water one storage season and ended up with mould issues on the spring
Had to throw out the aft berth cushions.

[Azzarac]

I'm happy to report that my "boat house" is holding up to the midwest winds and weather nicely



The elevated "dock" at the stern of the boat was a fantastic idea! It makes access so much easier!



Fair Winds,
Capt. Azzarac
Chameleon
Follow Chameleon's travels at: http://svchameleon.weebly.com/

[Y.B.Normal]

I use CPVC pipe and bend them into bows at each stantion, and a 1.5" PVC pipe attached to the CPVC and the mast for a ridge pole. The CPVC is zip-tied to each stantion (last year I used duct tape with heavy paper wrapped around the stantions for protection from the tape; it didn't work as well.) This year I may use 1/8" nylon cord instead. I'll also disconnect the lifeline to see if it keeps pockets from forming in the tarp and trapping water. Periodically I knock the snow off the tarp if it needs it. The tarp is tied under the boat like a shoe lace. I leave openings in the fore and aft ends for ventilation and cover the protruding section of mast. I also stack the cushions on the dinette table and open all the storage covers for added ventilation Been working well for over 5 years in our Wisconsin winters.

[dlandersson]

Got room for one more?

I'm happy to report that my "boat house" is holding up to the midwest winds and weather nicely

The elevated "dock" at the stern of the boat was a fantastic idea! It makes access so much easier!

Fair Winds,
Capt. Azzarac
Chameleon
Follow Chameleon's travels at: http://svchameleon.weebly.com/

[Russ]

I place the PVC against the railings and pinch it on the deck. Originally I used wire ties, but they slid down and came off. So now I duct tape them to the stanchions. To keep the duct tape from getting sticky stuff on everything, I first wrap a paper towel around the stanchion/pipe and then tape it. You have to make it tight so they don't slip. Where possible, I'll tie the PVC to the mast to keep it from moving around.
I have pieces of carpet I tape to the tops of the stanchions to prevent wear.
Works well.

[taime1]

I have pieces of carpet I tape to the tops of the stanchions to prevent wear.
Works well.

That's a good idea - I use tennis balls, sliced open on one end and they fit nicely over the stanchions. Prevents the tarp from ripping - learned that the hard way.

[GrapeJuice]

The NAVIGLOO system works best for us in Ontario. Very sturdy & steep, quick to assemble, and the snow slides right off.

http://www.navigloo.com/

[dlandersson]

Not sold around Chicago.

The NAVIGLOO system works best for us in Ontario. Very sturdy & steep, quick to assemble, and the snow slides right off.