Winter Storage framework

[Claire]

I just posted 5 new pictures in the Elbereth album, on album page 6, showing my winter storage frame. It works well and the 20' x 30' tarps keep the sun off her. I use a push broom to remove the snow that doesn't slide off and have no problems. The ratcheting straps not only keep the tarp fitting better at the bow taper, but allow me to pull the cover open from the stern without worrying about the wind taking it. then I can light my Force 10 stove, have a candlelight dinner, and plan summer voyages!

I didn't get out much this year, but I did build an inexpensive A.C. electrical system that I will post later. I never had time to mount it, and that is why I didn't post it last spring when I built it.

Happy, safe voyages to those of you in warmer climates!

Claire

[TyBoo]

I looked at those pics. That's a nifty, inexpensive solution. I like it. Thanks!

One of these days soon I have to get my boat under cover. Maybe I'll post a picture of the get-up I use.

That boat of yours looks great. Lots of care goes into the gelcoat finish, I bet.

Have a great winter.

[Claire]

Hi Mike,

Yes, my framework is simple and works well. We get lots of snow here, so I wanted her under a sturdy cover. Dave Miller, that great dealer at Northwest Outlet in Superior Wisconsin, told me that I could leave her outside if the tarps covered her completely. I figured most of the frame out the first year and have been refining it, and the tarp size. By all means post what you do for your shelter. Maybe we'll inspire someone else who hasn't figured out a good way yet. The top of my camper top is my design, and uses 1" stainless tubing so it provides support too, but another set of foam on the after cabin top would work just as well.

As for Elbereth's gel coat, I didn't do anything with it this year - too busy to even polish. I usually use a small 10 x 16' tarp to cover her top and teak grab rails and radar plank, and that protects her a little from the sun. Her only other owner had left her in the summer sun for 6 years with no maintenance, and the surface was dull and chalky and stained easily. I tried polishing and then buffing. Nothing worked. When I removed the old name, it was *raised* underneath! You could actually feel the difference So I started sanding with 600 grit. Then 400, then 300, then 150. Finally I got the raised letters down and found that was the only way to restore the rest of the finish. (Working my way back through the sandpaper grades)! I don't know if anyone else got desperate enough to try that, but it works. The gelcoat must be nice and thick!

Claire

[New Hampshire Guy]

Great Winter wrap Job!
We use the same model when storing boats for the winter at our Marina in New Hampshire. Most boats here don't have a hard top to rest on so we have to fabricate 2 or 3 of the vertical supports you have on the aft end and make a sort of tent. Otherwise the cross beam and the notched top of the uprights are the same. We found it cheaper (after the initial framing), faster and better than shrinkwrap. No special skills needed or special tools and material, and since its not air tight you get some air circulating and avoid the musty smell. We get to re-use the tarp for 1 season (usually) and then give the tarps away for people's woodpiles, etc. We've been doing this for over 18 years. Great minds...
The only thing we do differently that somebody might consider is that we use the smallest tarp possible (the tarp edge is just beyond the railing edge) and string a line from grommet (under the boat) to opposite grommet and make it as tight as possible. This looks like some extra work and doesn't completely cover the bottom of the boat but its very tight. We have found any slack requires attention because of the snow building up and possibly ripping the tarp if left un-attended. (with 200 boats wrapped and high snow we can't get to every boat every day). You sound like you keep a sharp eye out and have a broom at the ready, but if you remotely store your boat it might be a thought.
That and throwing a handful of mothballs throughout the boat (and obviously taking out the cushions) keeps the critters at bay.
Might be another string, but please keep security in mind if your boat's on a trailer for a long time.
Great subject for the season!
Fair winds...
John