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Covering for the winter

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existentialsailor
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1180 Posts

Initially Posted - 11/10/2004 : 15:59:38

For those who have to do so, are there any clear advantages to shrink wrap over a tarp, or even a custom cover? I don't mind spending the money on the shrink wrap if there is a valid reason to do so. I'm assuming it's a little late in the season to get a custom canvas cover made for the boat.

Thanks.

Rick

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 11/10/2004 : 20:21:19

Moisture can trap and cause blisters on the topsides! I would not use shrink wrap!

Edited by - on

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 11/10/2004 : 21:06:53

Priced a custom cover with aluminum bows once..........only once. Have used blue poly tarps and bungees ever since. They work fine even with the 250+ inches of snow we get in the Northern UP of Michigan. If you get lots of snow make sure you have a decent pitch and adequate support under the tarp(s) you use.

Al
GALLIVANT #5801

Edited by - on

Jeff McK
Captain

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USA
389 Posts

Response Posted - 11/10/2004 : 21:35:30

Frank: along the same line as your comment, somone told me the condensation belowdecks can get pretty bad with shrinkwrap unless there are vents built in.

Al: What size tarp have you been using? Someone offered me an 8 X 10. I figured lay it over the boom (minus the sail of course), lash the center grommet to the mast & then hook it to the aft & midship pulpits + lifelines.

Edited by - on

bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 11/11/2004 : 07:48:34

I have used a 25x18 blue tarp on my C250 for three winters now in upstate N.Y. It is lashed down with bungee cords and a 50ft 1" rope over the top of the tarp back down under the trailer to keep the tarp from ripping in high winds. I also use a "snow rake" to keep the top clear of major snow. The tarp concept also allows you access to the cockpit and the cabin from the swim ladder in favorable weather. "Bear" on the hard in upstate N.Y.

Edited by - on

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 11/11/2004 : 08:22:03

Jeff,

I use a series of tarps starting with two 4x8 tarps over the stern - overlapped on each side of the mast and bungeed to the trailer. I have an 8x10 over the center section, which overlaps the two 4x10 tarps. Single 4x8 tarps cover the bow section and overlap the 8x10 tarp laid behind it.

The critical factor for me is the "roof pitch". The angle from the mast to the gunwale must be steep enough so that snow will come off easily and not place a lot of weight on the frame structure. Thus, the tarps vary in size to accomodate the varied width of the boat. To attain the correct pitch, the tarps are secured inside the stanchions and bungeed to the trailer.

The frame structure is made of 1x2 pine lumber which is tied together and to the mast. They are tied so that there are no screws which might mar the mast or boat finish. Where the frames rest against a stanchion, they are notched then tied.

As mentioned earlier, I do not bother covering the topsides since snow does not lay on them and are relatively easy to clean.

Al
GALLIVANT #5801

Edited by - on

tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts

Response Posted - 11/11/2004 : 08:43:07

I think I've run the gamut of covers...one of the best was a canvas painters drop cloth...lasted several years and never ripped...then a few years ago someone had a Fairclough custom cover for the C-25 at a price that couldn't be passed up. Cost $1200 from the manufacturer but I think I picked it up under $300 hardly used. It was listed in our swap meet section of the forum.

It's really the only way to go.

Val on the hard DAGNABIT

Edited by - on

Jeff McK
Captain

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USA
389 Posts

Response Posted - 11/11/2004 : 16:21:51

You folks are certainly creative & clever. Lots of good ideas to keep our boats protected from old man winter.

As a followup to Val's mention of Fairclough covers: He truly made out like a bandit!! Their quote to make one of their "sunbrella-like fabric" boom-tents for a 250: $1275. I'm waiting on a projected delivery time.

A guy I know has one for an Erickson 30 & says it's been worth having. Pros:durability (helps spread out the cash flow misery), breathability, no frame to wrestle, easy to set up & store, repairable, you can go below to do work.

Cons: initial cost.

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5902 Posts

Response Posted - 11/11/2004 : 16:43:12

I had my boat shrink wrapped one year for $125.00. It was applied over the mast (which was resting on the bow and stern pulpits), so it wasn't really so close-fitting that air couldn't get under it. When I removed it, I was careful not to damage it, and was able to re-use it for about three years. It's much more durable than blue plastic tarps, and it kept my boat cleaner and drier than any other covering. It isn't convenient to partially remove it and work under it.

Edited by - on

existentialsailor
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1180 Posts

Response Posted - 11/11/2004 : 18:02:07

Thanks for the many sugestions!
Currently, my mast is up and I had planned to leave it up, is it safe to use the boom to support the braces under the tarps should I decide to go that route? Or do I risk damaging the bom and/or mast? I was thinking a 2x6 with a v notch in the top to add support to the free end of the boom. Any comments on this scenario?

Edited by - on

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 11/11/2004 : 18:42:06

Hey, I wish I had a mast up storage option that was cheaper than "free"

. Your idea is probably a good one with adequate spar support.

Al
GALLIVANT #5801

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existentialsailor
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1180 Posts

Response Posted - 11/27/2004 : 04:45:14

Thanks very much for all the great ideas about covering. I think in the long run taking the mast down and having a custom cover is the way to go, but Swimmer is now covered. If interested in how I ended up doing it:
[url="http://www.y44.com/ims/pic.php?u=1533EK6c6&i=9751"]covered aft[/url]
[url="http://www.y44.com/ims/pic.php?u=1533EK6c6&i=9752"]covered bow[/url]

Edited by - on

bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 11/27/2004 : 08:09:19

Rick, I couldn't tell if where the safety line verticle attachment poles are covered or not so if you want to save the cover you should think about wrapping the points of cover contact with something or they will chafe through. Been there, done that. C250WB #089

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5902 Posts

Response Posted - 11/27/2004 : 08:56:45

I attach pvc pipe to my lifelines with electrical ties so that the the pvc rests on top of the stanchions. The pvc is inexpensive, and is quick and easy to attach & remove, and it prevents the tops of the stanchions from punching holes in the tarp.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 11/27/2004 : 10:22:17

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by existentialsailor
 Thanks very much for all the great ideas about covering. I think in the long run taking the mast down and having a custom cover is the way to go, but Swimmer is now covered. If interested in how I ended up doing it:
[url="http://www.y44.com/ims/pic.php?u=1533EK6c6&i=9751"]covered aft[/url]
[url="http://www.y44.com/ims/pic.php?u=1533EK6c6&i=9752"]covered bow[/url]

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
You did a super job, it looks like you are ready for Santa's sleigh to land on there. Thanks for the picts, they explain very well what several posters have described. Is that your spin pole doing double duty on the bow?

Edited by - Frank Hopper on 11/27/2004 10:24:08

existentialsailor
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1180 Posts

Response Posted - 11/27/2004 : 17:50:40

Bear & Steve,

Thanks for pointing that out, I hadn't thought about that. I'll fix that oversight ASAP.

Frank,

That front pole you see is actually a piece of PVC. I did not think of using the spiniker pole, I wonder if it would get damaged...

Here's a look at it before it was completely tied in and it doesn't have all the support I put in:

[url="http://www.y44.com/ims/pic.php?u=1533EK6c6&i=9804"]Foward Support Detail[/url]

Edited by - on

Jeff McK
Captain

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USA
389 Posts

Response Posted - 11/27/2004 : 23:14:10

Follow up on my message from 11/11:

Never got a reply from Fairclough as to a delivery date for a "Boom-tent", so fear it's too late.

Oh well, time to have a tarp party & save up BU's for next year.

Edited by - on

existentialsailor
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1180 Posts

Response Posted - 02/11/2005 : 10:07:36

I'm sorry to report that my cover has not held up too well to the onslaught of heavy snow we received here yesterday. The ropes stretched and a couple of places the tarp either caved in or came apart where I had joined it. Next year I will definately be unstepping the mast and using more sturdy support material for the covering.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 02/11/2005 : 11:18:49

Rick, you are probably not an association member and as such probably did not just recieve you Mainsheet magazine. If you had you would see your tarp in the tech tips, let's keep it a secret that it didn't work!!

Edited by - on

bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 02/11/2005 : 11:55:48

Rick, Buy a snow rake and use as needed. My wife has pictures of me pulling snow off the tarp in the middle of one of our infamous snowstorms here in the Northeast. Says she can use the picture to help prove I'm *****.

Edited by - on

existentialsailor
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1180 Posts

Response Posted - 02/11/2005 : 13:16:47

Frank,

I am and I did.

Bear,

Got one, but can't make a 2 hour trip (that's in good driving) everytime it snows. Thanks for the suggestion though.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 02/11/2005 : 14:46:30

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by existentialsailor
 Frank,

I am and I did.

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
So was it fun to see your picture in the mag?

Edited by - Frank Hopper on 02/11/2005 14:47:15

existentialsailor
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1180 Posts

Response Posted - 02/11/2005 : 15:16:32

Frank,

I was surprised of course. I haven't read the article yet, so I'm not sure what purpose the picture was serving. Hopefully it will be of help to someone.

Edited by - on

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 02/12/2005 : 09:21:24

Rick,

I would not give up on storing your boat with the mast raised. I am coming to the opinion that the only part of the boat that needs a cover is the cockpit and that mainly to keep excess snow load from building up in the boat. Two years ago I left the bow area uncovered all winter with no ill effects to the deck appearance. If you wax every year and cover the plexiglass windows and fore hatch I don't see a problem. You just need to reinforce your cockpit framework a bit. I never liked the rope idea in a heavy snow load area. As mentioned earlier, I use 1x2 and 1x1 pine tied into a framework. You will also need to adequately support the boom. I don't think the backstay bridle will work because you will also need to stabilize it from side-to-side motion as well. The 1x2 frame work tied to the boom will do this. Your only problem then is framing the area from the boom-end to the stern pulpit. Your call on that one.

I've been wanting to store my boat wioth the mast raised for years. Don't give up on this. It's a great convenience.

Al
GALLIANT #5801

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 02/12/2005 : 10:52:41

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by existentialsailor
 I'm sorry to report that my cover has not held up too well to the onslaught of heavy snow we received here yesterday. The ropes stretched and a couple of places the tarp either caved in or came apart where I had joined it. Next year I will definately be unstepping the mast and using more sturdy support material for the covering.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Rick,

I stopped trying to totally cover my boat a few years ago and for me it has worked out better.

Formerly, I would drop the mast, suspend it a few feet above the cabintop, then create a support structure by weaving my 250ft anchor line over the mast from lifeline to lifeline. I'd carefully pad all chafe points, place the tarps over the boat, then sprial wrap a line over the whole thing.

All this took considerable time and effort, but my results were similar to yours in that I'd end up with torn tarps, blown grommets, and hundreds of pounds of ice resting on the tarp straining the lifelines. Additionally, it seemed that no matter how carefully I covered the boat, dirt and dust would still find its way all over the boat and, due to the buffeting winds, I would get black marks on the hull wherever the tarps/ropes made contact which resulted in extra work to remove them.

Now, with the mast still stepped, I simply lay a tarp directly on the raised portion of the cabintop (with numerous swim noodles separating the cabintop and tarp) to protect all the teak, and fashion a boom tent with an 11' x 11' foot tarp bungeed to the lifelines to keep the majority of the snowfall out of the cockpit.

With this easy setup, the exterior teak and hatchboards are covered, I seem to have less dirt build up on the decks, no torn tarps, no black marks to remove, and it is sooooo much easier to put up and take down.

Edited by - on

existentialsailor
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1180 Posts

Response Posted - 02/12/2005 : 12:21:09

Al,
Part of the issue here is the pine trees in the yard where the boat is stored. These cause 2 problems, any part of the boat that isn't covered will require the removal of pine pitch deposited by the falling pine needles. No doubt something removes this stuff easily, but I haven't found it yet. The second issue the pines cause is, well, snow bombing. When the accomulated snow slides off the pine boughs, especially those up higher, they hit the boat cover like a giant avalanche. I had not considered this when I covered Swimmer. There is no way a poly tarp is going to survive that onslaught, regardless of how it is supported. The supports may survive, but the tarp is still going to come apart. The only solution to the snow bombing is getting the yard to put my cradle elsewhere next year. As to boom support, I thought my 2 x 6 with the v groove was doing pretty good. I'm not using the backstay bridle to support or stabalize it. I simply peaked the tarp above the bridle to keep it out of the weather.

Don,
I may do as you and Al recommend next year if I can get out from under the pines. My original intention was to be able to work under these tarps, but the temperatures and work demands have not made that much of a reality. Essentially, I'm going to do what is needed to the hull this spring before launching and all other topside projects will have to be done while she is in her slip.

Frank,
I read the article in Mainsheet and that's exactly why I covered her, to be able to work under the cover, though as I just said, I haven't accomplished much. Thanks for using my picture as an example.

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