First PNW Winter

Da Nag · Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2018 4:49 pm Post subject:

Not mentioned above, but you would be wise to keep an eye out for critters.

Covering a boat over winter provides a wonderful shelter for mice, rats, squirrels, weasels, etc. If they come aboard, there's a better than even chance they'll discover the cable runs leading under the gunwales into the cabin. Given many owners don't remove the cover until Spring...the chance for extensive damage is real.

You really, really don't want that. <----- Words of experience

Check often.

Moxieabs · Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2018 6:26 pm Post subject:

Ah, the critters.

Since Widget sits covered near wooded area, I initially had lots of trouble with the critters. Tried moth balls, they built nests on top of them! I hand nests in the starboard lazarette, on top of the fuel tanks and in the frame rails of the trailer(where they chewed the wires). I did have bronze wool stuffed in the cable run so fortunately no issues in the cabin. I have since found that bounce dryer sheets stuffed in strategic areas work quite well.

Created quite the scene at the launch ramp when dozens of mice escaped out the frame rails near the tongue as the water came in while backing down the ramp.

PeteSharp · Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2018 9:05 pm Post subject:

Chad, We just bought a 22' Cruiser and are having the same winter questions. What did you buy from Angola? Sunbrella full boat cover? How much did it cost? Pete

thechadmiller · Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2018 9:40 pm Post subject:

Hey Pete, we actually went with the Aqualon (?) material. Angola actually talked me out of the more expensive Sunbrella as they said for mainly rainy weather, it would be better. More waterproof and the breathability wouldn't matter quite so much since we wouldn't be baking the boat in the sun up here in Portland.

I haven't got the total yet, still going back and forth a bit with measurements, but it'll be about $950 shipped I think. Including motor cover and extending it down past the side stripe.