Boat on trailer over the winter

[jd0uglas30]

Another newbie question here....

I got the motor winterized and everything is ready to go for another wonderful Minnesota winter. My question seems rather silly, but I would rather be safe that sorry next spring.

The boat is an 84 Larson Runabout, and will be sitting on the trailer inside an unheated storage shed. Should I loosen the tie-downs and straps? I am wondering about expansion/contraction of the straps, the rollers on the trailer and of the fiberglass hull itself.

Thanks

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Boat on trailer over the winter

it won't hurt to release them, I personally backed off my winch a little. I would also pull up a corner of the tarp if possible. (dirty/dusty barn with mice, leave the tarp on, but if it is a decent garage somewhere, best to let the boat breath)

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Boat on trailer over the winter

Should I loosen the tie-downs and straps? I am wondering about expansion/contraction of the straps, the rollers on the trailer and of the fiberglass hull itself.

That's a great question and one I would not have thought about. Thinking about it now....you should definitely loosen them. And the winch too as smokingcrater suggested. I would think the constant pressure would prematurely age everything you mentioned (rollers, straps, etc). Just don't forget to tighten everything next Spring!!

By the way, welcome to iboats!

 

[robert graham]

Re: Boat on trailer over the winter

Probably a good idea to jack/set your trailer up on blocks to prevent flat-spotting your tires. Easy to do and good insurance against tread seperation in the spring-time. Put pine boughs/branches in floor of boat to help keep it smelling fresh... Good Luck

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Boat on trailer over the winter

Probably a good idea to jack/set your trailer up on blocks to prevent flat-spotting your tires. Easy to do and good insurance against tread seperation in the spring-time. Put pine boughs/branches in floor of boat to help keep it smelling fresh... Good Luck

so that explains why i've been cleaning pine needles out of my boat for 2 years, but it has yet to come close to a pine tree! I had figured the previous owner might have stored it under a pine tree, but if people actually put them in intentionally...

not sure if that is good idea, pine needs burn like gas and tend to dry up fairly quickly, falling off the branch and leaving a mess behind.

 

[Paul Ryan]

Re: Boat on trailer over the winter

Lossen straps. Yes! Like everyone else it releaves the stress. I tighten mine only when I tansport. The last two winters and again this year I put the trailer on blocks getting the stress of the tires. In the spring they roll just like new. I've never heard of the pine tree thing. Sounds like a great idea but I grew up in eastern NC. I hate pine trees!!!...lol...I'm thinking maybe the fir or ceder chips. I have also seen on here that some peps will open a full bag of charcoal "length wise" to draw moisture. I thinking yes on that one as well.

 

[fixb52s]

Re: Boat on trailer over the winter

Moth balls will keep the critters out. It takes a few days to air it all out in the spring, but that sure beats sending the cats in and replacing vinal.

Good advice here about jacking the trailer and loose straps. Charcoal or dessicant bags will keep it good and dry.

Might be a good idea to remove the batteries and keep them at home. Throw the charger on them a few times during the winter to keep them up.​