How do you cover your boat for the winter?

[PRBuzz]

Originally Posted by nightfighter

Found this doing a search....

Cost to shrinkwrap my boat went up a buck a foot, to 15/ft. $300.00 for my twenty foot Grady. Looked at Boatcoversdirect.com and for my specific model it was $370 for a custom cover with a 5 year warranty. Seemed like a no brainer. We'll see when it arrives Thursday. (No shipping if you order over the phone.

I did the custom cover from here and has only gone through a single winter but no problems with the snow etc. The snow slides right off and with any sun the heat builds up under the cover to melt the remainder. This is a breathable cover so no moisture buildup inside however in a pounding downpour water will penetrate as with any water-resistant synthetic. I can easily put on/off by myself. My cover has a zipper on either side so as to permit easy access into the boat whenever I want.

I also attached a couple small solar panels (one to each battery) to keep batteries charged throughout winter (I don't remove from boat nor did I disconnect).

[nightfighter]

Originally Posted by ProfessorM

I would still build a pvc frame under it. I have a custom cover that came with boat but if I just put it on it would get full of snow in low spots and rip sure than sh((*^&*t. With snow I need the extra support. Mine is a walk around though.

Originally Posted by PRBuzz

I did the custom cover from here and has only gone through a single winter but no problems with the snow etc. The snow slides right off and with any sun the heat builds up under the cover to melt the remainder. This is a breathable cover so no moisture buildup inside however in a pounding downpour water will penetrate as with any water-resistant synthetic. I can easily put on/off by myself. My cover has a zipper on either side so as to permit easy access into the boat whenever I want.

I also attached a couple small solar panels (one to each battery) to keep batteries charged throughout winter (I don't remove from boat nor did I disconnect).

Paul, I saved the 1X3 ridge pole and supports from last year to support the new cover. Hopefully the most I would have to do is shorten the supports to fit the cover.

Buzz, did you get your cover from the same outfit I mentioned? Which material did you opt for? I like the solar panel idea. Where did you get them?

[PRBuzz]

Originally Posted by nightfighter

Buzz, did you get your cover from the same outfit I mentioned? Which material did you opt for? I like the solar panel idea. Where did you get them?

Yes same outfit, went with the 8 oz. Performance Poly-Guard.

Solar panels:
Northern Industrial Solar-Powered Battery Maintainer — 1.8 Watt | Amorphous Solar Panels | Northern Tool + Equipment

You can search and find other place but this is about the lowest pricing $20/ea (less shipping)

[smac]

Is it possible to shrink wrap a center console with a T-top?

Last winter I used a large , heavy duty dumpster tarp the was held to the ground with cinder blocks. Easy enough to get inside and play around.

[nightfighter]

Originally Posted by smac

Is it possible to shrink wrap a center console with a T-top?

Last winter I used a large , heavy duty dumpster tarp the was held to the ground with cinder blocks. Easy enough to get inside and play around.

Yep. Done around here all the time. They offer a door with a zipper for around 50 bucks so you can get into it during the winter.

[RIJIMMY]

yup, MTC has done mine the last 2 years with no problems!

[striperman36]

I shrinkwrap my own, every year. I am done with tarps