How do you cover your boat for the winter?

[Van]

Originally Posted by macojoe

I go thur a tarp every 3 or 4 years, been doing it like this for 15 years!!

I run a 2X4 from the bow to the stern, (takes 3 bolted toghter) I stand them on end for extra strength!

Cover with tarp and tie tight as you can with out pulling the grommets out!

Most tarps give out cause they are left to lose and allowed to flap in the wind. And sharp points!

I cover any sharp corners like the windshield with pipe insulation

Always dry all the time. If you make it tight and a good angle, the snow will slide right off and no problems!

Almost what I do, 2x4 up high from bow to stern with 3 stands out of 2x3 to hold it up like tent poles. Then I just make kinda "ribs" with cheap poly line from side to side and over the 2x4, attached either to the boat railing or cleats or to the trailer. I bought a quality grey/black tarp from McMaster Carr. Going on its 13th season (NO HOLES)...Then lots of bungee cords from tarp to trailer. DONE....Tall tent with a bigger tarp so its steep and the snow never stays.

Add stabilizer first, then FILL the tank. Repeat FILL the tank.

[macojoe]

fish4striper Boat sees the worst weather on the water- saltwater/salt. It's all fiberglass, why cover it?

I jack it up, take off some electronics, everything else in the boat that might mold/corrode, check on it thru the winter, go clean it up in the spring. I don't see the reason to bother covering it.

The snow sitting on the deck and melting underneath that will soften the wood over time, also thye water that gets in areas and freeze's that expans and cracls things you needs to worry about/

Just a big blue tarp for me is fine I get about 3w years out of one.