Winterizing & winter Storage
 

I posted a question in the "October Already" thread about mildew bags, basically carbon bags for hanging in boats to suck the moisture out of compartments during the winter. Was wondering if anyone used them? Probably some spring cleaning regardless...

I saw some great ideas for storage. The shelter logic sheds are great and USA made, but won't work for me with my small yard and already having a shed where I would put one. I do believe there are no permits needed for the shelter logic sheds as they are considered temporary (without foundations), although some towns have new zoning stipulations to size, including the town I live in. Mostly, believe it or not, due to children's play ground sets.

anyhow I am using a cover, purchased thru empire covers, it has a 7 year warrantee and fits my boat well.

I plan to winterize my boat, full fluid change, however not fully stored. I am looking for Jan / Feb super calm days to just get out off block or where-ever and look for Cod, maybe just to say I did it. I do think Jan & Feb this year we will experience much milder temps. So even a local northern pike trip is not out of the question.

I would prefer full on winter, hard freeze, break out the tip ups and keep that gear working til spring but I just have a feeling I'll get more boating opportunities than ice, unless I travel for ice.

The mariner I used past couple yrs for the wrap included one,,,, was full this past spring…. Ummm 1/2 gal. in bag , like the idea

My initial reaction is; NO WAY. Your boat is not big enough for Jan/February, the water is too cold, and there are not enough other boats operating if you do need assistance. Go find a head boat.

Because storage is my issue as well,

I made a "snug "fitted cover from shrink wrap 25 years ago, the first one lasted 22 years before I could no longer patch it...I used tarp hold downs to tie it down, the frame is held together via dove tails.. no screws needed.. main rail is collapsible/folds, secured with a small dead bolt it is 1x6" lumber there are fore and aft supports made from 2x4's that support the main beam, the side ribs are strapping, that slide into place via the dove tail.. I formed the cover around the bow,stern and engine, and shrink it just enough to fit snug, patching is easy with a heat gun and scraps of shrink wrap...

hopefully the picture is right side up.

I had a few of my tie down hem tabs blow out in the noreaster. Just going to use the tie down twine wrapped around a golfball under the cover material to make up new tie down point.

I like hearing that Ross, easy enough to jump on a headboat. Appreciate it.
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Going today… it’s friggin in the 30’s …… brrrrrrr

But the water is still "warm" compared to Jan-March

I buy those moisture absorbing plastic cup things Job lot sells them a 2 pack for like 4 bucks by spring the are like half filled with water . But I still get some mildew, and I have a vented fitted cover .. when I was parked on just stone or grass the inside was always damp . I had the same area paved last year , that alone cut the dampness inside by 3/4
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https://transhield-usa.com/industries/marine/

I bought one of these a number of years ago for my old Welcraft walkaround 23' I think I paid $240 for it? It lasted me three seasons. Fit it once, shrink it then remove it in the spring. If you reinstall the supports the way you had it the first time it will come out close to the original install. Nice thing you are not throwing it away like you would with a regular shrink job. I would buy a roll of tape from wherever you buy shrink wrap stuff and you should be good to go. You can vent it if you want, and it's plastic so the snow slides right off.

Or you can do the tarp which is economical but depending on the bride you may be limited to the "look" of it which may be unpleasant.
sol...

I cleaned out my boat but looks like Sunday (although cold might be nice) I did order (3) carbon bags for moisture which should keep the boat dry and some mice deterrent things which reviews swear by... But I'm also not keeping anything in the boat that would be eaten so probably better for my shed. In and around things like the bean bags etc.
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First boat in years and didn't get it in till August - short season for me. Today's the day to take everything out of boat and top off tank. Going to add Sta-bil and Yami additive. Thx wdmso for Job Lot moisture absorbing cup idea. Shrink wrapper coming soon.

Don, google damprid. Hanging bags are same as cups, just a better package IMHO. Wife has them in every closet and storage area, including my basement shop.

FWIW, I have never used or found a need for this in my center console. Cover allows enough air to pass through and I leave hatches and doors open

Hi Ross, going to put them in bilge area, anchor locker, and in console. Good idea leaving all hatches and doors open.