Ok, so looking ahead now, if someone was to prepare to store a boat outdoors
for winter in conditions where the snow was 3 feet plus during the winter,
and the boat couldn't be examined regularly then could any of the following
ideas work? (runabout storage)
Solution 1: - the tent
- using 2x4's try and build a steep roof-like structure to go over the
boat. Simple framing followed by a tarp that would extend right to the
ground on both ends. The boat could be covered with a mooring cover, and
then covered with the tent frame, followed by the large tarp. Snow
shouldn't be able to stay on the tarp due to the steep angle or at least not
too much snow.
- alternatives here, the tent frame either goes over the whole boat from the
ground up, or the frame is built to sit on the top of the boat where there
isn't already a top cover ( seating areas, etc.) Space between tent joists
maybe every 24 inches for a 16ft boat?
Solution 2: - the rope
- using one, or several ropes, tie from the front and extend to the back
tying them to the centre, and then back corners. Put one support midway
under each rope. Put mooring cover on, and then a large tarp to go the
ground all the way around.
Solution 3: - the hard top.
- using 2x4 construction, build a top that covers the boat from the
windshield back to the start of the top cover in the rear. This ensures the
seating area (open area) is covered where no top cover exists. Put thin
plywood on this 2x4 construction to create the hard top. cover the entire
boat with either the mooring cover if it will still fit, then the tarp, or
just the tarp.
Solution 4: - the mix
- using a 4x4 on each end, create a pole just outside the front of the boat,
and a pole just outside the back of the boat. Run a 2x4 or 2x6 between at
the top, or a heavy tight rope. Secure the 4x4's to the trailer someone so
they are fairly solid. These poles should likely be 10-12 feet high. Cover
boat with mooring cover (fitting inside between the poles), then put a tarp
over the entire thing which should create a steep tent like structure. If
the tarp doesn't rip, then the snow should fall off...
My guess right now is that a rope could break far easier than a wooden
structure. As well, ensuring there isn't snow buildup on the tarp isn't a
guarantee until the tent structure was 20 feet high. Ultimately, the
important thing would be to keep the snow out of the topless portion of the
boat. The bow has a fiberglass top, so 3 feet of snow shouldn't hurt it...
Comments?
C.
"Don White" wrote in message
...
Chris wrote:
Ok, I know this is kinda early still, but the thought did cross my mind
now. How to go about storing a boat outdoors for the winter in an area
that has lots of snow (hence heavy weight).... What I'm talking about is
sometimes 3 feet of snow.
If you've got a boat on a trailer, then I clearly see the first step is
to tarp it, however something wooden covering the seating area would be
required to keep it elevated and strong... from there????
Does anyone have experience here? I did the covering before with 1 foot
of snow max.. but not with 3+ feet of snow.. I figure it would take much
more to keep it safe...
C.
Some people make a rounded framework from 1" pvc pipe. (easier with
sailboats if mast stored on top as ridge pole).
Over this framework goes a large tarp. Some look a bit like the old
'covered wagons' of western movie fame.
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