Anyone store their boat in/under a car/boat/RV port such as this (see thread)

[Philster]

Does anyone have experience with these types of structures (middle pic below)? Are they durable? With some serious hunting, I can get one a few pennies under 1,000 bucks. If you can see from the pic, I live where it snows, and we get winds, but the structure would be buffered by all the arborvitae trees (if that matters).

I was going to build a traditional structured garage w/ framed A roof just for my new boat, but I am thinking the best use of my time might be something along these lines (pictured). Also, costs tend to creep up with windows, doors, etc.

I would be setting it up on an asphalt driveway, which has an small section reserved for a boat.

Currently, my Scarab occupies the spot, but when I take delivery of the new Checkmate, I am intent on having it covered at all times when not in use, and I don't want to pull the bow-to-stern cover on/off constantly.

This is the covered port I am interested in @ 14' w x 32' deep x 12' h:

http://www.canopy-company.com/html/Peak-Style-Boat-and-RV-Canopy-Carport-VC-003.html

It would cover this boat:

 

[lncoop]

Re: Anyone store their boat in/under a car/boat/RV port such as this (see thread)

Can't imagine the fabric lasting more than a few years when subjected to any significant wind and/or snow. Have you looked into a metal carport? I would think you'd be able to find a decent looking one in that price range.

 

[sqbtr]

Re: Anyone store their boat in/under a car/boat/RV port such as this (see thread)

I used to keep mine at my dad's house under one, had a 3 ft snow and couldn't get to it for a week and it collapsed.

The company I work for was gettin rid of this and it weathered the storms from last year, no problem.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Anyone store their boat in/under a car/boat/RV port such as this (see thread)

It should be fine, but it will only be good for 2 years, then the fabric will start to fail. Also, it will be necessary to clear off any snow buildup after every snowfall. There are other structures around that are metal, with a metal roof that are also closed in for the top 3 ft. on the sides. They are not considered a "permanent" structure so zoning isn't an issue in most places. Around here, they are marketed by Xtreme Steel Structures. They are on the web. Also, check out Carports.com

 

[Philster]

Re: Anyone store their boat in/under a car/boat/RV port such as this (see thread)

Daggumit, I was hoping to hear better.

I few years ago I got such a headache pricing out the metal car/boat ports. That industry and the sales people in it are leftovers from the old aluminum siding salesman. There is more double talk, specials, one-time offers and other nonsense than I can even convey. They make the stereotypical plaid-jacket-wearing used car salesmen look like church ladies.

If the metal structure is the way to go, I've got to figure out how to actually not kill one of the salesmen.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Anyone store their boat in/under a car/boat/RV port such as this (see thread)

The aluminum carports are really not that bad for cost when compared to the fabric shelters.

There is a guy with a 25+/- foot baja he stores in a round top shelter but he has also made it stronger by adding more metal http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200471150_200471150 and I know he has replaced the fabric about every 5 years.

 

[JDA1975]

Re: Anyone store their boat in/under a car/boat/RV port such as this (see thread)

Snow and fabric don't mix, its really easy to see a couple foot drop over night while your asleep and wake up to a caved in cover, and out some cash! You can buy an aluminum one standard sizes and set it up yourself without ever talking to a salesman, the kits are sold online in several places. In my area, I see alot sold on craigs list as well so that could always be a cheaper option too

 

[dlngr]

Re: Anyone store their boat in/under a car/boat/RV port such as this (see thread)

I remember a story from a few years ago where a guy tried to knock the snow off one of those cloth enclosures and was somehow smothered to death by the snow.

 

[DaNinja]

Re: Anyone store their boat in/under a car/boat/RV port such as this (see thread)

I was looking at shelters recently and found some good ones from Shelter Logic at a couple of stores.

Talking to a customer at Tractor Supply, he said his has been up for eight years with no issue. That's five or six more years than I had figured their lifespan would be, but these aren't little picnic shelters either.

Granted this is Texas where most snow events are short lived, but we do get some violent storms and winds.

13'x24'x10'
15'x28'x12'

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Anyone store their boat in/under a car/boat/RV port such as this (see thread)

I have had this one for years and on my 2nd cover. 12 x 24 Paid $189 . new cover is $130 and last 2-3 years. it held 12" of snow. Need to anchor well so high winds don't blow it away.
I have often thought about screwing 1x6 boards to the fram and puting light aluminun roof on it next time I need a new one.
The steel frame seems sturdy enought but the fabric is the weak link.

 

[DaNinja]

Re: Anyone store their boat in/under a car/boat/RV port such as this (see thread)

View attachment 126790 The steel frame seems sturdy enought but the fabric is the weak link.

That's what was drawing me to the Logic Shelters. They look to have a solid steel frame and a double fabric cover.
They are pricey, though. I think the one with a semi in it was $1600.

 

[minuteman62-64]

Re: Anyone store their boat in/under a car/boat/RV port such as this (see thread)

I have a 10 ft. w X 20 ft. long fabric one I got at Costco. Got it to be able to work on my boat during the Summer, when the sun beats down on the storage area. Similar one at Harbor Freight. You see quite a few of them in side yards here in San Diego - expect maybe 3 years tops for the fabric with that So. Cal. sun beating down. Obviously snow load not an issue here - but it seems to be sturdy and well made with good anchoring provisions.

 

[Part-time]

Re: Anyone store their boat in/under a car/boat/RV port such as this (see thread)

I have a 12'x20' thats been around for 4 or 5 years now... it stays up year round.
The other day there was a bit of ice on the zipper and the little metal tab broke off, so I guess all those people are right, those shelters ARE junk!
But here in northern Ontario it's not like we get alot of snow or extreme weather either...

Keep 'em well anchored down and keep the fabric streched tight over the frame and they will be fine.
Snow and bad weather is what those shelters are made for, however, they are not 'stupid proof'.

 

[3rdtimesthecharm]

Re: Anyone store their boat in/under a car/boat/RV port such as this (see thread)

Sounds like Herb Tarlek found a new job.Can you waterproof the fabric to make it last longer?

Daggumit, I was hoping to hear better.

I few years ago I got such a headache pricing out the metal car/boat ports. That industry and the sales people in it are leftovers from the old aluminum siding salesman. There is more double talk, specials, one-time offers and other nonsense than I can even convey. They make the stereotypical plaid-jacket-wearing used car salesmen look like church ladies.

If the metal structure is the way to go, I've got to figure out how to actually not kill one of the salesmen.

 

[Part-time]

Re: Anyone store their boat in/under a car/boat/RV port such as this (see thread)

Sounds like Herb Tarlek found a new job.Can you waterproof the fabric to make it last longer?

portable shelters generaly have a two layer woven polypropylene tarp that is very durable and weather resistant.

 

[Philster]

Re: Anyone store their boat in/under a car/boat/RV port such as this (see thread)

Do you think 8' in height will cut it ?

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Anyone store their boat in/under a car/boat/RV port such as this (see thread)

No offense, but can't you build one for less than $1K...or are the building codes restrictive? Down here in Tejas those self-contained metal carports work just fine and can be stationary or portable, if done right. If you go with just a boat shed, think Quonset Hut...they shed water and snow the best.

 

[Philster]

Re: Anyone store their boat in/under a car/boat/RV port such as this (see thread)

I plan on building one -- eventually.

I just got done building a finished basement (2000' worth of it, with full bath, bedrooms, etc) and an additional bedroom add-on to the upper house, in addition to a kitchen remodel.

What I am considering is something to tide me over until Fall -- when I might dig my teeth into an all out wood frame car/boat port garage. I know me; if I am building something, it's going to grow in scale and quality (cost, time, etc).

I think I might go with the fabric/tube frame type for now through Fall, then re-purpose it later and put it next to my shed to provide cover for the 17' Alumacraft.

 

[gtochris]

Re: Anyone store their boat in/under a car/boat/RV port such as this (see thread)

We get more snow then you and 2 people in my neighborhood use them and have so for multiple years. Both units look to be very high quality canvas so I wouldnt group them all together quite yet. Both boats are in georgious condition!

Always consider the lower quality unit could cause more damage if it falls on your boat. you will probably want to put some kind of cockpit cover on your boat still for dust/ critters.

 

[pootnic]

Re: Anyone store their boat in/under a car/boat/RV port such as this (see thread)

I tried one of those sheds(fabric) acouple years ago.
It lasted a week,actually one day shy of a week.
I'm pretty much on the ocean and we get some good "breezes".To be fair I think a tail end of a hurricane came through,it split the front zipper and once the wind entered inside,it was all over.I had to go out in the wind/dark and cut the seems where the pipe goes through the tent because it was pulling the 14" pegs out the ground...didn't want it to blow out on the road.
It was a pretty expensive kite,traded to a guy down the road for an undercoating of my truck.
It might work if your in a sheltered area but not in the open...
Heres an after shot,the only one I have left...