How to deal with snow on boat?

[Miho]

Re: How to deal with snow on boat?

I had to make this two posts since the forum said sorry can't post more than 8 pics.

I see I never posed my outdrive/prop protection. A $5 trash can from walmart lol

So far working out OK. Ready for summer to come back around!

I have my boat winterized first time by the boat dealer, since it is still under warranty, they wrapped the the prop (to the lower unit so it doesn't spin at all) and the prop thru exhaust port with electrical tape. I read if the water collects in that area can freeze and cause problems.

 

[MalcolmV8]

Re: How to deal with snow on boat?

I have my boat winterized first time by the boat dealer, since it is still under warranty, they wrapped the the prop (to the lower unit so it doesn't spin at all) and the prop thru exhaust port with electrical tape. I read if the water collects in that area can freeze and cause problems.

Yeah some electrical tape would be a good idea. Thanks for the tip. I did go out and check on it a few times and nothing is getting anywhere near so I should be good. The tarp keeps everything way off and the trash can is snugged on really tight and keeps anything from getting into the prop and such.

This whole winterization process is a strong motivator to build a garage for next winter

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: How to deal with snow on boat?

Malcolm you did a good job. I doubt there will be any worries.

 

[Lone Duck]

Re: How to deal with snow on boat?

If you get a lot of snow and plan on being away for awhile. Block up the boat frame to take the weight off of the wheels and springs. You just need to take the weight don't have to lift the wheels off the ground.

 

[Moonstation2000]

Re: How to deal with snow on boat?

Mine is pretty simple - although I don't have pictures.

Lowes has 10' sections of electrical conduit, basically a metal pipe. I believe they were $3 each, I bought 8.

To make the A frame I drilled a hole inches from the top of two of the lengths, then stuck a bolt through to join them together. I made 3 frames, one for the front, one for the back, and one for the middle (inside the boat, I shortened the legs on this one). The two remaining pieces I joined together with a junction so it forms a long straight piece of pipe, and laid across the top of the 3 frames (the A-frames form an X shape because I made the joint (where the bolt goes through) inches from the top.

The front and rear frames are bungee corded to the boat. Obviously a tarp covers the whole thing. The nice thing is that the 10' lengths make a very steep angle to shed snow easily, and the conduit is very light (but strong) and I can fold them up to take up almost no storage room in the summer.

 

[tazrig]

Re: How to deal with snow on boat?

You can always just have the pros shrink wrap it for you. But if you're going to do it yourself you might want to put some rags or towels over the sharp edges so when the wind starts howling it doesn't scrape and tear. If you have a particularly heavy snow go out with a broom once or twice during the storm and knock off the mounting snow with a broom. Also a few of these to help prevent mildew will do wonders for you with spring clean up:

moisture - iboats