Outside in the winter?

[ricohman]

I was planning on storing my boat outside this winter.
Beyond the usual winterizing and cover/tarps ect do I need to be concerned about the cold damaging the boat?
I live in Saskatchewan so it gets pretty cold here.

 

[mpdive]

Re: Outside in the winter?

I wouldn't think so. As long as it's properly winterized it shouldn't be a problem. Some drain all the water out while some take the extra peotection of adding antifreeze. I prefer the antifreeze with corrosion protection. You can always stick a little lightbulb is a safe place and leave it on at night. It actually generates some heat under the tarp.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Outside in the winter?

I was planning on storing my boat outside this winter.
Beyond the usual winterizing and cover/tarps ect do I need to be concerned about the cold damaging the boat?
I live in Saskatchewan so it gets pretty cold here.

It would help to know what kind of boat you have.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Outside in the winter?

I was planning on storing my boat outside this winter.
Beyond the usual winterizing and cover/tarps ect do I need to be concerned about the cold damaging the boat?
I live in Saskatchewan so it gets pretty cold here.

Oh cold is horrible for the boat........ you need to arrange that the boat spends it's winter season in a nice warm climate!

Since that is a luxury I would never pay for........ I too live in a very cold area. In the past I have stored a few of my boats in the weather and I always DOUBLE tarped them I keep the bow high, plugs out, wheels off the bare ground and also used a frame under the tarps to keep them strong against the snow loads.

I keep my batteries inside and charge them monthly.

Yes, you do live in a cold area

 

[gt]

Re: Outside in the winter?

if outboard or sterndrive, make sure outdrive is trimmed WAY down, to allow water to drain. Ice WILL split a lower unit housing. Been there, done that..

 

[ricohman]

Re: Outside in the winter?

It would help to know what kind of boat you have.

I have an old Starcraft trihull with a 80hp merc.
But I have a new Starcraft Islander 221 with a 4.3 coming soon. I will most likely have to store both outside.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Outside in the winter?

I have an old Starcraft trull with a 80hp merc.
But I have a new Starcraft Islander 221 with a 4.3 coming soon. I will most likely have to store both outside.

I'll PM you my address and you can ship them down here to Alabama and I'll keep them nice and warm for you all winter.

I know quite a few Canucks that go the shrink wrap route every year after they get everything winterized, the shrink wrap really helps with the snow load.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Outside in the winter?

I wouldn't think so. As long as it's properly winterized it shouldn't be a problem. Some drain all the water out while some take the extra peotection of adding antifreeze. I prefer the antifreeze with corrosion protection. You can always stick a little lightbulb is a safe place and leave it on at night. It actually generates some heat under the tarp.

A lightbulb for winter storage is a very bad idea... It will do next to nothing at -40, and poses a huge fire risk. (in more temperate climates a lightbulb can protect an engine when it drops just a little below freezing at night.)

Anyway, my current boat is probably going to spend its first winter outside this year. It will have a quick and dirty 2x4 structure built under the tarp to hold it up, followed by the form fitted factory cover, followed by a cheap plastic tarp. (those usually only last one winter, but help protect the expensive factory cover)

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Outside in the winter?

I'll PM you my address and you can ship them down here to Alabama and I'll keep them nice and warm for you all winter.

I know quite a few Canucks that go the shrink wrap route every year after they get everything winterized, the shrink wrap really helps with the snow load.

Wow!!! Aren't iboat-er's nice!! A free offer!! Problem solved

 

[ricohman]

Re: Outside in the winter?

I'll PM you my address and you can ship them down here to Alabama and I'll keep them nice and warm for you all winter.

I guess you could work all the new boat bugs out of the Islander and have the motor broken in nicely when I come to get it!

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Outside in the winter?

I'll PM you my address and you can ship them down here to Alabama and I'll keep them nice and warm for you all winter.

I guess you could work all the new boat bugs out of the Islander and have the motor broken in nicely when I come to get it!

It would be the neighborly thing to do eh?!