tarping the boat

[s2gots]

I need some advice on covering my boat from the elements. it doesnt really freeze here, so Im mainly just concerned about the rain. the cover I have isnt really waterproof, so I bought a nice heavyduty tarp thats big enough to fit over the tower. Should I leave the boat cover on while the tarp is covering the boat,or just have the tarp over it so the inside of the boat can get some air circulation?

 

[sharps45]

Re: tarping the boat

I'd keep the cover on, as any opening is an ideal entrance for neighborhood cats. I once found a dead one in my boat come springtime.
I also use bungee cords to hold my tarp down, as they will stretch when the wind kicks up, and not tear the grommets out.

 

[Paul Ryan]

Re: tarping the boat

I am using a Professional Grade Tarp from Lowes. They last's about two years then starts to degarde, but for 40$ it works great for me. Get a 5lb. bag of charcoal, sit it inside the boat and cut it open lenght wise then cover the boat snug. I also have run into the kitty cat issue. Close everything! I'm thinking about getting a bag of ceder chips to sit inside. I've read on here a few other peps are doing that for a fresh spring time smell. I don't know if there is any issue with leaving your cover on then tarp over it. I dont have a cover as of yet so I have been doing just the tarp for three years now. Is it spring yet

 

[nlain]

Re: tarping the boat

You need to put vents in the tarp, it will hold moisture and that = mold and mildew. Below is a pic of what I use.

 

[rokrau]

Re: tarping the boat

Get a 5lb. bag of charcoal, sit it inside the boat and cut it open lenght wise then cover the boat snug.

What's with the charcoal? Does that soak up the moisture then?

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: tarping the boat

OK - I'll bite - where did you get those duck head lookin' vent thingies

 

[nlain]

Re: tarping the boat

OK - I'll bite - where did you get those duck head lookin' vent thingies

Overtons

 

[scbackpacker]

Re: tarping the boat

When I first got my boat I covered it with the cover and we had several days of rain. The cover leaked. I bought a tarp and now I put the boat cover on and then the tarp. It stays dry now.

 

[Paul Ryan]

Re: tarping the boat

rokrau: Yes the charcoal soaks up the moisture.

 

[PolishPrince]

Re: tarping the boat

I just added 4 vents to my pontoon cover. When it was buttoned down, very little air circulated. Those vents cured that. An adjustable support rod holds the cover taut to shed water.
See www.boatvent.com

 

[AguaSki]

Re: tarping the boat

When I first got my boat I covered it with the cover and we had several days of rain. The cover leaked. I bought a tarp and now I put the boat cover on and then the tarp. It stays dry now.

I also cover then tarp. Never had a water leakage problem since. I live in AZ where the air is bone dry so I don't worry about ventilation.

 

[tallcanadian]

Re: tarping the boat

You need to put vents in the tarp, it will hold moisture and that = mold and mildew. Below is a pic of what I use.

I do this X 4 for our long, cold and snow filled winters.