so does anyone still winter outside without using that white plastic shrink covering

[frantically relaxing]

Re: so does anyone still winter outside without using that white plastic shrink cover

you can keep tarps from flapping by adding a few tarp clamps between grommets and at any loose places, filling a few empty pink anti-freeze jugs or milk bottles 3/4 full of water, then tying them to the tarp clamps and let the weight of the water do its thing. And the tarps don't tear at the clamps like they do at the grommets. I also use jugs to keep my car covers on, I've had the wind rip out those grommets too, but with a jug under both doors and under the trunk and hood, I've never had the wind remove or damage a cover yet...

And get THESE types of clamps, with a pair of pliers you can cinch these up way tight. Walmart has 'em. Harbor Freight used to, but they went back to the 'slider' type of clamp, and you can't get those tight enough...

 

[frantically relaxing]

Re: so does anyone still winter outside without using that white plastic shrink cover

...

 

[JimS123]

Re: so does anyone still winter outside without using that white plastic shrink cover

To everyone except the neighbors :laugh:

I meant with regard to getting the job done.

Even a boat with the most expensive shrink wrap sitting in the driveway (or in the backyard, or next to the house, etc.) is an eyesore.

I just don't get it....LOL. In my neck of the woods a dry secure indoor storage costs about $250, while the same size boat a shrink wrap is $253 (for a 23 footer). Why in the world woulkd you shrink wrap? You must like to clean mold in the Spring.

 

[ricohman]

Re: so does anyone still winter outside without using that white plastic shrink cover

you mean one of these . I just put the tarp over the whole thing tonight.



Note: the whole back is just loosely hanging so there is ventilation under the tarp.

Mt brother did that years ago.
And in the spring he has mold growing on top of his engine. It looked like the cushions had been tie died. Better make sure its well vented.

 

[dan t.]

Re: so does anyone still winter outside without using that white plastic shrink cover

Tarp with a ridge pole, thats all I do, worked fot the last 20 years and we get lots of wet heavey snow.

 

[Mule Laker]

Re: so does anyone still winter outside without using that white plastic shrink cover

You missed the + sign.

Don't listen to him. I think Victoria is in southern Minnesota. Winter is pretty tame down there. Actually, it doesn't snow much in Minnesota like people think.

Anyway, we've done a canvas cover and a tarp before. The bow had a plywood cutout over it and then a piece of aluminum from the windshield to the stern. Worked okay. Now we store indoors. It's $125 for October 'til May. Not bad.

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: so does anyone still winter outside without using that white plastic shrink cover

You will be fine with the tarp over her. I'm glad I have a hardtop, makes shedding snow and water a breeze in the winter. I find that most tarp failures are from poor tying, not weight from snow or rain. I do hope you put a 3/4 inch or thicker bottom plate under that center 2X4.

 

[ssobol]

Re: so does anyone still winter outside without using that white plastic shrink cover

You will be fine with the tarp over her. I'm glad I have a hardtop, makes shedding snow and water a breeze in the winter. I find that most tarp failures are from poor tying, not weight from snow or rain. I do hope you put a 3/4 inch or thicker bottom plate under that center 2X4.

My n-1 boat was a 16 RIB was covered with HD heavy duty tarps each winter I had it. The tarps last about a year for year round use. I tailor the tarp to fit better. Last winter I double tarped it.

My current boat uses a pool cover as a boat cover. The previous owner set this up by trimming the pool cover and used it for a couple of years. The pool cover works well, but is pretty heavy and bulky.

 

[Jonnybbad]

Re: so does anyone still winter outside without using that white plastic shrink cover

Don't listen to him. I think Victoria is in southern Minnesota. Winter is pretty tame down there. Actually, it doesn't snow much in Minnesota like people think.

Victoria is only about 20 miles southwest of Minneapolis. Pfff... and I call BS, Some years are different then others, but I've lived here all my life and its snows plenty. If you live here, you must be one of those privileged folks that sit inside while someone else clears your snow for you.

On another note, you'd be amazed at how well my Menards special strap on cover and a prop rod handled a foot or two of snow at a time and for the last couple years with no mustyness or mold whatsoever. Not gonna say its a great idea, buuuut... Sometime we just gotta make due as they say.

P.S. If you do something like that, be careful with the cover. Mine got a little brittle when real cold at year two after being used all summer also and got a rip in it that winter.