What will happen if I don't cover my boat?

[bzajdek]

I just bought a 16' bowrider that needs floors and upolstery next spring. I wasn't planning on covering because of the condition. The bow is high and water can drain out the back. Will water in the bilge area expand and crack the hull? I live in Rhode Island and we had our first snow today and would like to know what type of damage 3 months of winter will do to my boat?

 

[Bondo]

Re: What will happen if I don't cover my boat?

Ayuh,... As long as it's Drainable,...

Don't worry about it....

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: What will happen if I don't cover my boat?

As Bond-o says, if it's truly draining out the back, you are okay.
If that hole gets plugged up, you are not.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: What will happen if I don't cover my boat?

My little whaler is open most of the time, but there is no upholstery to worry about. The front end is up, and I fabricated some screening to keep the drain holes clear of leaves.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: What will happen if I don't cover my boat?

The problem with an uncovered boat, even if the plug is left out, is that snow melts and refreezes which eventually builds up and can plug the drain. Now you have a problem. Tarps at any farm store are dirt cheap. Build a frame to "tent" the tarp so snow and rain slide off. Never let the snow or rain puddle on the tarp as the tarp/cover will tear or collapse dumping the contents into the boat. If you want more work than you already have, leave it uncovered. If you want to protect what's good, (instruments and wiring) you are wise to cover the boat.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: What will happen if I don't cover my boat?

just build a tent frame out of pvc, and a cheap tarp.

 

[bzajdek]

Re: What will happen if I don't cover my boat?

Thanks, the pvc idea sounds good, what size 1 1/2, or 2" pvc?

 

[Aviator5]

Re: What will happen if I don't cover my boat?

If you want your boat to be nice to you, be nice to her.
Cover it, I would if it was mine. And I did when I brought my first project in, few winters ago.

 

[rbh]

Re: What will happen if I don't cover my boat?

Yes definetly cover it, as was said you get a ice dam buildup and things start to pop

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: What will happen if I don't cover my boat?

Thanks, the pvc idea sounds good, what size 1 1/2, or 2" pvc?

I used 1" for my 18 footer. I ran two seperate sections for and aft. One piece from the bow rail to the windshiels and another from the windshield back to the bow. Also added three "ribs" for the back half to keep the tarp supported. For setting them against the sides, got some t's and cut the ends laterally to make little holders at the ends of the tubing. Just make sure you leave the tubing long enough so that it has some spring in it to stay tight, it'll eventually conform pretty close to the shape in which you leave it.

 

[Robbabob]

Re: What will happen if I don't cover my boat?

Thanks, the pvc idea sounds good, what size 1 1/2, or 2" pvc?

Yes, cover it!

We took the idea from our cuddy cover (snaps tightly in place over entire open area). There is an expandable post to elevate the canvas keeping water from pooling.

With this idea, we did similar for our 87 bowrider, first covered with tarp and set up bungee-cords to keep taut. Then wiggled my head and arms into the bow and stuck a 2" PVC tightly vertical to create a rise. Did same thing for the stern. There are now 3 high spots, fore, windshield and aft, so everything will drain over the sides. For the little bit that seeps through, the bilge plug is removed.

We had sever storms last night, with wind gusts to 20+. All is well with the setup.

Good luck with your direction

 

[Texasmark]

Re: What will happen if I don't cover my boat?

Thanks, the pvc idea sounds good, what size 1 1/2, or 2" pvc?

You are talking pennies per ft man. The weight carrying capacity of the difference (of the same schedule) is in the order of 2:1 and the cost is just a few more pennies per foot.

Water laden snow is heavy and like the folks said, you want the snow off the boat, not collapsing your cover and dumping all that stuff in your boat.

My 2c,

Mark

 

[boat1010]

Re: What will happen if I don't cover my boat?

If you leave it uncovered you will have twice the work when you start. If you are going to get a cover for it after you work on it why not get the cover now then you will have it when you have restored it?

 

[JaSla74]

Re: What will happen if I don't cover my boat?

If it needs a new deck, stingers, upholstery, etc. then 3 more months won't do much harm. Just make sure it drains & have after you refinish the boat definitely cover it.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: What will happen if I don't cover my boat?

The entire jist of this thread was to cover it to avoid freeze/thaw cycles that will cause the drain to plug up and break things like bilge/livewell pumps, and I've even seen transoms split open by a boat full of ice. If you lived in Minnesota as I do and have just removed a foot of snow from my driveway, you would understand this. Ice dams are a constant problem where it regularly freezes.

 

[bzajdek]

Re: What will happen if I don't cover my boat?

I don't have any bilge or livewell pumps so I'm not worried about that, I am worried the drain plug might cover with ice and the hull would BUST is that possible?

 

[cribber]

Re: What will happen if I don't cover my boat?

The freeze thaw cycle of winter will allow water and snow to accumulate to the point that you're causing more damage than what needs to be repaired. Water expands when frozen and contracts when thawed causing more damage over the winter. Spend the 30-50 bucks for some PVC pipe and a cheep tarp to keep the snow out and you'll save yourself $100s later down the road.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: What will happen if I don't cover my boat?

Thanks, the pvc idea sounds good, what size 1 1/2, or 2" pvc?

I used 1 1/2" on my 20' pontoon, with 3 vertical supports.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: What will happen if I don't cover my boat?

Cover it.

 

[pmillar]

Re: What will happen if I don't cover my boat?

Cover it. What others have pointed out, I experienced first hand with a small day sailor last winter. The hull ended up cracked in a few places. It wasn't a huge deal to repair but I didn't want to take the time. Fortunately, I just gave the boat/trailer to a friend for free. He repaired it, stores it at his house and I get to use it anytime. While I wouldn't do it again it actually worked out great for me since it's stored nearby but not at my house, lol. Anyhow, store it. It's a sick feeling seeing your boat hull split by ice.