Building a Cradle for Outside Storage

[soak 'n fused]

Hi boaters- it is so sad that we must (at least up north) put our boats away again... I am this year forced with outdoor storage for my '79 Searay 240 SRV. Does anybody have any suggestions for building a cradle so I can tarp my boat? I considered shrink wrap at my :devil: marina but we all know what that costs psf. I bought a 32x19 tarp and have an idea using sawhorses but there has to be a better way.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Building a Cradle for Outside Storage

I used saw horse brackets inside my old boat (23' cuddy) and ran a ridge beam, used 2 tarps and tied it down tight but left an opening for air to travel through from front to rear. It allowed things to stay dry and not accumulate condensation.

This season I have a bass boat 18' and I am going to make a frame from pvc and use the pedestal seat sockets for the upright support but once again I will use 2 tarps.

 

[soak 'n fused]

Re: Building a Cradle for Outside Storage

I used saw horse brackets inside my old boat (23' cuddy) and ran a ridge beam, used 2 tarps and tied it down tight but left an opening for air to travel through from front to rear. It allowed things to stay dry and not accumulate condensation.

This season I have a bass boat 18' and I am going to make a frame from pvc and use the pedestal seat sockets for the upright support but once again I will use 2 tarps.

Thanks Bob the ridge beam is exactly what I had in mind but had not thought about holes for air travel. Thanks for the info

 

[Esqcaliber]

Re: Building a Cradle for Outside Storage

Lived on a lake for 22 years. Next door neighbor did the saw horse-ridge pole and flow thru air thing, but added moth balls inside to keep the criters out. Worked well for him for over 10 years.