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glivs
Admiral

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USA
836 Posts
Initially Posted - 09/25/2005 :  14:34:37  Show Profile
Looking for any suggestions on winter boat covers appropriate for a northern, i.e. VT, clime. I've only begun to look at custom covers but was shocked at list prices (~$2900 for cover and frame for C25 -- from ad in the Mainsheet). Still waiting on other estimates but I'm toying with the idea of building a frame using 1.5" plastic water pipe arched over the boom and covering it with tarps for now. Any thoughts/experience? Last year we had the boat yard shrink wrap our boat; easy on us but not the best use of boat $$$.
Gerry Livingston, Malletts Bay, VT
"Great Escape" 1989 C-25 SR/WK #5972
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Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1773 Posts
Response Posted - 09/25/2005 :  15:43:36  Show Profile
Hi Gerry,

I have a friend who used to own an outdoor advertising business. He let me have one of his old "vinyls" (from a billboard) to cover my boat, and that thing is practically bullet-proof. They can only be repainted a few times on each side, then they are discarded ... maybe you can find one in your area and use it over the frame you build. My friend let me have it at no cost ... you might be able to get one for free, or at a nominal cost.

I don't have a frame ... I simply support the mast on a crutch at the bow and at the stern, and use it as a ridge pole with the vinyl draped over it ... it is bungied to the trailer. If your crutches are high enough, you will get enough pitch for the snow to slide off, and if you remove the spreaders it will also help keep the snow from accumulating in any low spots (although I didn't bother to remove my spreaders). Here is a link to a photo that will give you an idea of how it looks: [url="http://www.catalina25-250.org/cruising/summer05/buzz05.htm"]boat cover[/url]

The vinyl over my boat is 25.5' x 13', and it is about perfect. Of course, sign companies can cut them to any size they need, but that size is pretty common. As for the paint on the vinyl ... you may or may not be able to get it off by pressure washing it; but, if it doesn't come off, it won't likely flake off on your boat either. One caveat ... the paint used on the sign might be lead-based, so be careful with it.

'Hope that helps ... good luck!
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aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts
Response Posted - 09/26/2005 :  11:01:22  Show Profile  Visit aeckhart's Homepage
Gerry,

This subject is covered in great detail every fall. Check the archives. You'll find a bunch of info.

As for me, I'm from Northern Michigan where we average 240 to 300 inches of snow per year. I build a frame made of 1x2" pine propped and tied to the mast which is used as the ridge pole. Each frame piece is tied to a stanchion base as well as the mast. I then use 1x1" pine to span horizontally between the 1x2's. I then cover the boat with 4x8' tarps.I use 6 tarps because I overlap them front to back and cross the boat. I also endure the boat faces the prevailing westerlies and overlap away from them. I do not cover the topsides, only the cabin, deck, and cockpit down to the edge of the deck. The tarps are held in place with bungee cord. I originally used rope but, in high wind it does not flex enough and the tarps tend to tear faster.

This system has held up for me for the last 16 years. Generally I have to scrape the snow off once or twice which not a hassle since I am generally doing my house roof at the same time.
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glivs
Admiral

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USA
836 Posts
Response Posted - 09/27/2005 :  19:25:07  Show Profile
Buzz, Al
Thanks for the tips. Al I did check the archives but I was fishing to see what had been done with the mast stepped. Your pine frame over a sturdy ridge pole sounds like a good way to go - light weight, low maintenance if sufficient slope and relatively easy to store during the sailing season.
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.