|
boat-wrap for Winter ?
Last year most of the sailboats [fiberglass] I personally saw [on the hard]
in eastern Canada were not plastic wrapped, polyethylene I guess, for Winter, but most I saw in Maine were. Granted, I didn't see any large number in either area, but what are the possible perceptions and motives in each case ? Thank you, Courtney |
boat-wrap for Winter ?
In article k.net,
Courtney Thomas wrote: Last year most of the sailboats [fiberglass] I personally saw [on the hard] in eastern Canada were not plastic wrapped, polyethylene I guess, for Winter, but most I saw in Maine were. Granted, I didn't see any large number in either area, but what are the possible perceptions and motives in each case ? Thank you, Courtney Courtney, the joys of shrink wrapping a boat are that almost always it is done by a yard (one less cold weather project), it holds up great, looks good, and keeps rain, ice, snow, debris and everything else off one's boat. OTOH, at $20+ a foot it can be expensive and poly is not good for the environment. The benefit of the alternative of using poly tarps is that it is cheaper to buy the plastic once -- at least for as long as they last. The downsides are that if it deforms or rips (which it will sooner or later) during the season, you have no protection, it creates a storage issue, and seams can leak no matter how well overlapped (especially in conjunction with the first downside) and poly is still bad for the environment when it is eventually disposed of. This year, I opted for a frame and canvas cover. The idea being that storage would be easier (more durable and easier to put away then the poly that often ripped in my basement) and that over four or five seasons it would pay for itself. The downsides are the upfront costs, having to store and build the frame each year oneself (to save on installation to warrant the initial cost). If I remember, no sure things these days, eventually I will post a follow-up as to whether I think the canvas is better not only from an ecological perspective, but from performance and cost. harlan |
boat-wrap for Winter ?
Harlan Lachman wrote:
Courtney, the joys of shrink wrapping a boat are that almost always it is done by a yard (one less cold weather project), it holds up great, looks good, and keeps rain, ice, snow, debris and everything else off one's boat. OTOH, at $20+ a foot it can be expensive and poly is not good for the environment. A couple more downsides to shrink wrap: there's no ventilation in a shrink-wrapped boat..it traps and holds humidity, resulting in moldy musty interiors next spring. You can't go aboard on any of those occasional amazing days in the middle of winter to open it up to let it air out, or check on anything--like finding out whether any critters have decided to homestead your cabin--or do any of those little projects you should do this fall, but didn't and COULD do if you could go aboard for a day. IMO, you're a lot better off giving your hull and deck a heavy coat of wax to protect the fiberglass...and then cover it instead of shrinkwrapping it. -- Peggie ---------- Peggie Hall Specializing in marine sanitation since 1987 Author "Get Rid of Boat Odors - A Guide To Marine Sanitation Systems and Other Sources of Aggravation and Odor" http://www.seaworthy.com/store/custo...0&cat=6&page=1 http://shop.sailboatowners.com/detai...=400&group=327 |
boat-wrap for Winter ?
In article ,
Peggie Hall wrote: Harlan Lachman wrote: Courtney, the joys of shrink wrapping a boat are that almost always it is done by a yard (one less cold weather project), it holds up great, looks good, and keeps rain, ice, snow, debris and everything else off one's boat. OTOH, at $20+ a foot it can be expensive and poly is not good for the environment. A couple more downsides to shrink wrap: there's no ventilation in a shrink-wrapped boat..it traps and holds humidity, resulting in moldy musty interiors next spring. You can't go aboard on any of those occasional amazing days in the middle of winter to open it up to let it air out, or check on anything--like finding out whether any critters have decided to homestead your cabin--or do any of those little projects you should do this fall, but didn't and COULD do if you could go aboard for a day. IMO, you're a lot better off giving your hull and deck a heavy coat of wax to protect the fiberglass...and then cover it instead of shrinkwrapping it. Actually Peggy, up here in Vermont, they now build in vents for the boats, usually one at each end or one on the stern and one on either side by the mast. Years ago, as one of the people in charge of VT's energy efficiency programs, I had to learn a lot about ventilation. My guess is most of the vents in most of the boat covers don't work real well. Effective ventilation requires low intakes and high exhausts and a lot more free vent area than anyone is going to put on a boat. Some say canvas is porous enough to allow moisture to migrate. My guess it is best to keep boats in climates where covers are unnecessary. harlan |
boat-wrap for Winter ?
Courtney Thomas wrote:
Last year most of the sailboats [fiberglass] I personally saw [on the hard] in eastern Canada were not plastic wrapped, polyethylene I guess, for Winter, but most I saw in Maine were. Granted, I didn't see any large number in either area, but what are the possible perceptions and motives in each case ? Thank you, Courtney If you go to the Royal NS Yacht Squadron, most boats will be shrink wrapped. Some covered with tarps. Up here shrink wrap is a bit expensive for something that you toss in the spring. |
boat-wrap for Winter ?
Harlan Lachman wrote:
In article , Peggie Hall wrote: Harlan Lachman wrote: Courtney, the joys of shrink wrapping a boat are that almost always it is done by a yard (one less cold weather project), it holds up great, looks good, and keeps rain, ice, snow, debris and everything else off one's boat. OTOH, at $20+ a foot it can be expensive and poly is not good for the environment. A couple more downsides to shrink wrap: there's no ventilation in a shrink-wrapped boat..it traps and holds humidity, resulting in moldy musty interiors next spring. You can't go aboard on any of those occasional amazing days in the middle of winter to open it up to let it air out, or check on anything--like finding out whether any critters have decided to homestead your cabin--or do any of those little projects you should do this fall, but didn't and COULD do if you could go aboard for a day. IMO, you're a lot better off giving your hull and deck a heavy coat of wax to protect the fiberglass...and then cover it instead of shrinkwrapping it. Actually Peggy, up here in Vermont, they now build in vents for the boats, usually one at each end or one on the stern and one on either side by the mast. Years ago, as one of the people in charge of VT's energy efficiency programs, I had to learn a lot about ventilation. My guess is most of the vents in most of the boat covers don't work real well. Effective ventilation requires low intakes and high exhausts and a lot more free vent area than anyone is going to put on a boat. Some say canvas is porous enough to allow moisture to migrate. My guess it is best to keep boats in climates where covers are unnecessary. harlan Apparently, there are many who regard covers as unnecessary, which is the main idea I'm probing with this query. That is, I see quite a few boats in the New England area, and north, that do not use a cover at all. I can certainly see that if you're storing in an area with significant air pollution that a cover would possibly be wise but if that's not the case, why cover, other than maybe something like a boom tent to shed the snow should the snow load become excessive. When is the snow load excessive ? Is it due to melt/freeze cycle that results in possible ice damage, or what ? Thanks again, Courtney |
boat-wrap for Winter ?
Peggie Hall wrote:
A couple more downsides to shrink wrap: there's no ventilation in a shrink-wrapped boat..it traps and holds humidity, resulting in moldy musty interiors next spring. You can't go aboard on any of those occasional amazing days in the middle of winter to open it up to let it air out, or check on anything--like finding out whether any critters have decided to homestead your cabin--or do any of those little projects you should do this fall, but didn't and COULD do if you could go aboard for a day. IMO, you're a lot better off giving your hull and deck a heavy coat of wax to protect the fiberglass...and then cover it instead of shrinkwrapping it. A couple of winters ago, when the guy I crew with used shrink wrap on his Mirage 33, he had at least two vents and a zippered access door taped in. It worked great...but is a bit expensive. |
boat-wrap for Winter ?
Harlan Lachman wrote:
Actually Peggy, up here in Vermont, they now build in vents for the boats, usually one at each end or one on the stern and one on either side by the mast. Years ago, as one of the people in charge of VT's energy efficiency programs, I had to learn a lot about ventilation. My guess is most of the vents in most of the boat covers don't work real well. Effective ventilation requires low intakes and high exhausts and a lot more free vent area than anyone is going to put on a boat. Some say canvas is porous enough to allow moisture to migrate. My guess it is best to keep boats in climates where covers are unnecessary. harlan I'll have to use my heavy canvas tarp again this winter for my trailerable mini-cruiser sailboat, but next spring, I'll add an additional couple of feet to my garage so the boat can be snug and dry for the five months of Nov-March. |
boat-wrap for Winter ?
In article k.net,
Courtney Thomas wrote: Harlan Lachman wrote: In article , Peggie Hall wrote: Harlan Lachman wrote: Courtney, the joys of shrink wrapping a boat are that almost always it is done by a yard (one less cold weather project), it holds up great, looks good, and keeps rain, ice, snow, debris and everything else off one's boat. OTOH, at $20+ a foot it can be expensive and poly is not good for the environment. A couple more downsides to shrink wrap: there's no ventilation in a shrink-wrapped boat..it traps and holds humidity, resulting in moldy musty interiors next spring. You can't go aboard on any of those occasional amazing days in the middle of winter to open it up to let it air out, or check on anything--like finding out whether any critters have decided to homestead your cabin--or do any of those little projects you should do this fall, but didn't and COULD do if you could go aboard for a day. IMO, you're a lot better off giving your hull and deck a heavy coat of wax to protect the fiberglass...and then cover it instead of shrinkwrapping it. Actually Peggy, up here in Vermont, they now build in vents for the boats, usually one at each end or one on the stern and one on either side by the mast. Years ago, as one of the people in charge of VT's energy efficiency programs, I had to learn a lot about ventilation. My guess is most of the vents in most of the boat covers don't work real well. Effective ventilation requires low intakes and high exhausts and a lot more free vent area than anyone is going to put on a boat. Some say canvas is porous enough to allow moisture to migrate. My guess it is best to keep boats in climates where covers are unnecessary. harlan Apparently, there are many who regard covers as unnecessary, which is the main idea I'm probing with this query. That is, I see quite a few boats in the New England area, and north, that do not use a cover at all. I can certainly see that if you're storing in an area with significant air pollution that a cover would possibly be wise but if that's not the case, why cover, other than maybe something like a boom tent to shed the snow should the snow load become excessive. When is the snow load excessive ? Is it due to melt/freeze cycle that results in possible ice damage, or what ? Thanks again, Courtney Courtney, no one up here worries about too much snow. The weight is not going to cause a problem. It is the ability of water to penetrate and expand through seams and around hardware that is chilling (sorry about the pun) and the freezing and thawing action that is so common especially on those cold days when the sun comes out and then the temp drops way below zero on cool nites. Some of the new boats at our yard remain uncovered so they can be shown all year. I doubt this is a good thing, at least some years where the freezing and thawing cycles are worser. The poor workers get to shovel them off. harlan |
boat-wrap for Winter ?
Harlan Lachman wrote:
In article k.net, Courtney Thomas wrote: Harlan Lachman wrote: In article , Peggie Hall wrote: Harlan Lachman wrote: Courtney, the joys of shrink wrapping a boat are that almost always it is done by a yard (one less cold weather project), it holds up great, looks good, and keeps rain, ice, snow, debris and everything else off one's boat. OTOH, at $20+ a foot it can be expensive and poly is not good for the environment. A couple more downsides to shrink wrap: there's no ventilation in a shrink-wrapped boat..it traps and holds humidity, resulting in moldy musty interiors next spring. You can't go aboard on any of those occasional amazing days in the middle of winter to open it up to let it air out, or check on anything--like finding out whether any critters have decided to homestead your cabin--or do any of those little projects you should do this fall, but didn't and COULD do if you could go aboard for a day. IMO, you're a lot better off giving your hull and deck a heavy coat of wax to protect the fiberglass...and then cover it instead of shrinkwrapping it. Actually Peggy, up here in Vermont, they now build in vents for the boats, usually one at each end or one on the stern and one on either side by the mast. Years ago, as one of the people in charge of VT's energy efficiency programs, I had to learn a lot about ventilation. My guess is most of the vents in most of the boat covers don't work real well. Effective ventilation requires low intakes and high exhausts and a lot more free vent area than anyone is going to put on a boat. Some say canvas is porous enough to allow moisture to migrate. My guess it is best to keep boats in climates where covers are unnecessary. harlan Apparently, there are many who regard covers as unnecessary, which is the main idea I'm probing with this query. That is, I see quite a few boats in the New England area, and north, that do not use a cover at all. I can certainly see that if you're storing in an area with significant air pollution that a cover would possibly be wise but if that's not the case, why cover, other than maybe something like a boom tent to shed the snow should the snow load become excessive. When is the snow load excessive ? Is it due to melt/freeze cycle that results in possible ice damage, or what ? Thanks again, Courtney Courtney, no one up here worries about too much snow. The weight is not going to cause a problem. It is the ability of water to penetrate and expand through seams and around hardware that is chilling (sorry about the pun) and the freezing and thawing action that is so common especially on those cold days when the sun comes out and then the temp drops way below zero on cool nites. Some of the new boats at our yard remain uncovered so they can be shown all year. I doubt this is a good thing, at least some years where the freezing and thawing cycles are worser. The poor workers get to shovel them off. harlan Thanks Harlan. That's what I was looking for....i.e. the reason that some/most boatowners decide to cover, i.e. the destructive potential of the thaw/freeze cycle of the encumbent precipitation. What'd the old-timers do ? Cordially, Courtney |
boat-wrap for Winter ?
Courtney Thomas wrote:
That's what I was looking for....i.e. the reason that some/most boatowners decide to cover, i.e. the destructive potential of the thaw/freeze cycle of the encumbent precipitation. What'd the old-timers do ? Cordially, Courtney Here on the Atlantic Coast of Canada, I'd recommend a cover. We usually get a lot of freeze/thaw cycles and the prevaling winds make us the tailpipe of North America. That is...most of our pollution originates in central Canada or the US. |
boat-wrap for Winter ?
"Harlan Lachman" wrote in message ... In article k.net, Courtney Thomas wrote: Last year most of the sailboats [fiberglass] I personally saw [on the hard] in eastern Canada were not plastic wrapped, polyethylene I guess, for Winter, but most I saw in Maine were. Granted, I didn't see any large number in either area, but what are the possible perceptions and motives in each case ? Thank you, Courtney Courtney, the joys of shrink wrapping a boat are that almost always it is done by a yard (one less cold weather project), it holds up great, looks good, and keeps rain, ice, snow, debris and everything else off one's boat. OTOH, at $20+ a foot it can be expensive and poly is not good for the environment. That's why around here the outfit that intalled the stuff is required to remove it in the spring and recycle it. Never ends up in the landfill. The benefit of the alternative of using poly tarps is that it is cheaper to buy the plastic once -- at least for as long as they last. The downsides are that if it deforms or rips (which it will sooner or later) during the season, you have no protection, it creates a storage issue, and seams can leak no matter how well overlapped (especially in conjunction with the first downside) and poly is still bad for the environment when it is eventually disposed of. This year, I opted for a frame and canvas cover. The idea being that storage would be easier (more durable and easier to put away then the poly that often ripped in my basement) and that over four or five seasons it would pay for itself. The downsides are the upfront costs, having to store and build the frame each year oneself (to save on installation to warrant the initial cost). Up front costs are not a problem. Oops! I almost forgot, we fabricate them so we like upfront costs :) If I remember, no sure things these days, eventually I will post a follow-up as to whether I think the canvas is better not only from an ecological perspective, but from performance and cost. We never use canvas per se. Ecologically, better to recycle of course. Performance is better, but cost may be a toss up. Probably better in the long run depending on longevity. harlan |
boat-wrap for Winter ?
"Peggie Hall" wrote in message ... Harlan Lachman wrote: Courtney, the joys of shrink wrapping a boat are that almost always it is done by a yard (one less cold weather project), it holds up great, looks good, and keeps rain, ice, snow, debris and everything else off one's boat. OTOH, at $20+ a foot it can be expensive and poly is not good for the environment. A couple more downsides to shrink wrap: there's no ventilation in a shrink-wrapped boat..it traps and holds humidity, resulting in moldy musty interiors next spring. You can't go aboard on any of those occasional amazing days in the middle of winter to open it up to let it air out, or check on anything--like finding out whether any critters have decided to homestead your cabin--or do any of those little projects you should do this fall, but didn't and COULD do if you could go aboard for a day. IMO, you're a lot better off giving your hull and deck a heavy coat of wax to protect the fiberglass...and then cover it instead of shrinkwrapping it. Yards around here put vents in the shrinkwrap. Rarely heard anybody make mention about mildew problems. One must open some hatches or something to let the boat itself breath. Even a cover will not prevent mildew if the boat is left buttoned up. -- Peggie ---------- Peggie Hall Specializing in marine sanitation since 1987 Author "Get Rid of Boat Odors - A Guide To Marine Sanitation Systems and Other Sources of Aggravation and Odor" http://www.seaworthy.com/store/custo...0&cat=6&page=1 http://shop.sailboatowners.com/detai...=400&group=327 |
boat-wrap for Winter ?
In article .net,
Courtney Thomas wrote: Harlan Lachman wrote: In article k.net, Courtney Thomas wrote: Harlan Lachman wrote: In article , Peggie Hall wrote: Harlan Lachman wrote: Courtney, the joys of shrink wrapping a boat are that almost always it is done by a yard (one less cold weather project), it holds up great, looks good, and keeps rain, ice, snow, debris and everything else off one's boat. OTOH, at $20+ a foot it can be expensive and poly is not good for the environment. A couple more downsides to shrink wrap: there's no ventilation in a shrink-wrapped boat..it traps and holds humidity, resulting in moldy musty interiors next spring. You can't go aboard on any of those occasional amazing days in the middle of winter to open it up to let it air out, or check on anything--like finding out whether any critters have decided to homestead your cabin--or do any of those little projects you should do this fall, but didn't and COULD do if you could go aboard for a day. IMO, you're a lot better off giving your hull and deck a heavy coat of wax to protect the fiberglass...and then cover it instead of shrinkwrapping it. Actually Peggy, up here in Vermont, they now build in vents for the boats, usually one at each end or one on the stern and one on either side by the mast. Years ago, as one of the people in charge of VT's energy efficiency programs, I had to learn a lot about ventilation. My guess is most of the vents in most of the boat covers don't work real well. Effective ventilation requires low intakes and high exhausts and a lot more free vent area than anyone is going to put on a boat. Some say canvas is porous enough to allow moisture to migrate. My guess it is best to keep boats in climates where covers are unnecessary. harlan Apparently, there are many who regard covers as unnecessary, which is the main idea I'm probing with this query. That is, I see quite a few boats in the New England area, and north, that do not use a cover at all. I can certainly see that if you're storing in an area with significant air pollution that a cover would possibly be wise but if that's not the case, why cover, other than maybe something like a boom tent to shed the snow should the snow load become excessive. When is the snow load excessive ? Is it due to melt/freeze cycle that results in possible ice damage, or what ? Thanks again, Courtney Courtney, no one up here worries about too much snow. The weight is not going to cause a problem. It is the ability of water to penetrate and expand through seams and around hardware that is chilling (sorry about the pun) and the freezing and thawing action that is so common especially on those cold days when the sun comes out and then the temp drops way below zero on cool nites. Some of the new boats at our yard remain uncovered so they can be shown all year. I doubt this is a good thing, at least some years where the freezing and thawing cycles are worser. The poor workers get to shovel them off. harlan Thanks Harlan. That's what I was looking for....i.e. the reason that some/most boatowners decide to cover, i.e. the destructive potential of the thaw/freeze cycle of the encumbent precipitation. What'd the old-timers do ? Cordially, Courtney Courtney, my dad is now in his 80s. I remember some years (or all for that matter) he had inside storage (land costs were low and it allowed the yards to work on boats during the off season and since many were wooden boats....) But if I can remember, I will ask what he used to do and post. h |
boat-wrap for Winter ?
On Sun, 23 Oct 2005 09:14:16 -0400, Harlan Lachman
wrote: Effective ventilation requires low intakes and high exhausts and a lot more free vent area than anyone is going to put on a boat. Some say canvas is porous enough to allow moisture to migrate. I use aluminum frames and canvas (it will likely go up this week as we hauled on Friday. I find that if I leave a couple of fenders from the lifelines to the toerail, I get a few inches of "stand-off" even with the canvas properly lashed, but I get proper ventilation. The boat still stays pretty warm on sunny days, even when it's below freezing. This year for the first time the starboard length of the boat is facing south and is unobstructed. I'll note if this makes a difference...I hope so, as I am considering replacing the port lights and a little warmth on deck would help matters immensely! R. |
boat-wrap for Winter ?
On Sun, 23 Oct 2005 03:07:15 GMT,
Peggie Hall wrote: Harlan Lachman wrote: Courtney, the joys of shrink wrapping a boat are that almost always it is done by a yard (one less cold weather project), it holds up great, looks good, and keeps rain, ice, snow, debris and everything else off one's boat. OTOH, at $20+ a foot it can be expensive and poly is not good for the environment. A couple more downsides to shrink wrap: there's no ventilation in a shrink-wrapped boat..it traps and holds humidity, resulting in moldy musty interiors next spring. You can't go aboard on any of those occasional amazing days in the middle of winter to open it up to let it air out, or check on anything--like finding out whether any critters have decided to homestead your cabin--or do any of those little projects you should do this fall, but didn't and COULD do if you could go aboard for a day. IMO, you're a lot better off giving your hull and deck a heavy coat of wax to protect the fiberglass...and then cover it instead of shrinkwrapping it. one of my neighbours in the marina had his boat shrink wrapped last year. They put a zippered door in the side of the wrapping, and there was a vent with a fan running all the time. He said he had no problems with condensation. -- Jim Richardson http://www.eskimo.com/~warlock Homo sapiens, isn't |
boat-wrap for Winter ?
Don White wrote:
Courtney Thomas wrote: That's what I was looking for....i.e. the reason that some/most boatowners decide to cover, i.e. the destructive potential of the thaw/freeze cycle of the encumbent precipitation. What'd the old-timers do ? Cordially, Courtney Here on the Atlantic Coast of Canada, I'd recommend a cover. We usually get a lot of freeze/thaw cycles and the prevaling winds make us the tailpipe of North America. That is...most of our pollution originates in central Canada or the US. Don, Is poly wrap OK to get through a first season in your area, later building a cover since no time to do it now for me, or is the venting such a problem that one would be better off leaving uncovered ? How have you observed venting to be adequately done or is it considered inconsequential in your area ? Cordially, Courtney |
boat-wrap for Winter ?
Harry Krause wrote:
Peggie Hall wrote: Harlan Lachman wrote: Courtney, the joys of shrink wrapping a boat are that almost always it is done by a yard (one less cold weather project), it holds up great, looks good, and keeps rain, ice, snow, debris and everything else off one's boat. OTOH, at $20+ a foot it can be expensive and poly is not good for the environment. A couple more downsides to shrink wrap: there's no ventilation in a shrink-wrapped boat..it traps and holds humidity, resulting in moldy musty interiors next spring. You can't go aboard on any of those occasional amazing days in the middle of winter to open it up to let it air out, or check on anything--like finding out whether any critters have decided to homestead your cabin--or do any of those little projects you should do this fall, but didn't and COULD do if you could go aboard for a day. My yard puts vents in the shrinkwrap. We leave the deck hatches and side ports open, with the screens in place. When we unwrap in spring, everything is just about as clean as when we stored, and there's no weather deterioration. But it certainly is true you cannot get inside...unless your yard works a door into the shrinkwrap, which I have seen done. Harry, Are the vents bought or made ? If bought, where and price; if made, how, please ? Thanks again, Courtney |
boat-wrap for Winter ?
One reason to cover is so you do not end up with snow in the cockpit, later
turning to ice, later blocking the cockpit drains, later flooding the interior. I do like the idea of a year round season but the earning potential off a deserted Caribbean island is not the same as a the midwest. But our day is coming..... B "Courtney Thomas" wrote in message link.net... Harlan Lachman wrote: In article k.net, Courtney Thomas wrote: Harlan Lachman wrote: In article , Peggie Hall wrote: Harlan Lachman wrote: Courtney, the joys of shrink wrapping a boat are that almost always it is done by a yard (one less cold weather project), it holds up great, looks good, and keeps rain, ice, snow, debris and everything else off one's boat. OTOH, at $20+ a foot it can be expensive and poly is not good for the environment. A couple more downsides to shrink wrap: there's no ventilation in a shrink-wrapped boat..it traps and holds humidity, resulting in moldy musty interiors next spring. You can't go aboard on any of those occasional amazing days in the middle of winter to open it up to let it air out, or check on anything--like finding out whether any critters have decided to homestead your cabin--or do any of those little projects you should do this fall, but didn't and COULD do if you could go aboard for a day. IMO, you're a lot better off giving your hull and deck a heavy coat of wax to protect the fiberglass...and then cover it instead of shrinkwrapping it. Actually Peggy, up here in Vermont, they now build in vents for the boats, usually one at each end or one on the stern and one on either side by the mast. Years ago, as one of the people in charge of VT's energy efficiency programs, I had to learn a lot about ventilation. My guess is most of the vents in most of the boat covers don't work real well. Effective ventilation requires low intakes and high exhausts and a lot more free vent area than anyone is going to put on a boat. Some say canvas is porous enough to allow moisture to migrate. My guess it is best to keep boats in climates where covers are unnecessary. harlan Apparently, there are many who regard covers as unnecessary, which is the main idea I'm probing with this query. That is, I see quite a few boats in the New England area, and north, that do not use a cover at all. I can certainly see that if you're storing in an area with significant air pollution that a cover would possibly be wise but if that's not the case, why cover, other than maybe something like a boom tent to shed the snow should the snow load become excessive. When is the snow load excessive ? Is it due to melt/freeze cycle that results in possible ice damage, or what ? Thanks again, Courtney Courtney, no one up here worries about too much snow. The weight is not going to cause a problem. It is the ability of water to penetrate and expand through seams and around hardware that is chilling (sorry about the pun) and the freezing and thawing action that is so common especially on those cold days when the sun comes out and then the temp drops way below zero on cool nites. Some of the new boats at our yard remain uncovered so they can be shown all year. I doubt this is a good thing, at least some years where the freezing and thawing cycles are worser. The poor workers get to shovel them off. harlan Thanks Harlan. That's what I was looking for....i.e. the reason that some/most boatowners decide to cover, i.e. the destructive potential of the thaw/freeze cycle of the encumbent precipitation. What'd the old-timers do ? Cordially, Courtney |
boat-wrap for Winter ?
Courtney Thomas wrote:
Don White wrote: Courtney Thomas wrote: That's what I was looking for....i.e. the reason that some/most boatowners decide to cover, i.e. the destructive potential of the thaw/freeze cycle of the encumbent precipitation. What'd the old-timers do ? Cordially, Courtney Here on the Atlantic Coast of Canada, I'd recommend a cover. We usually get a lot of freeze/thaw cycles and the prevaling winds make us the tailpipe of North America. That is...most of our pollution originates in central Canada or the US. Don, Is poly wrap OK to get through a first season in your area, later building a cover since no time to do it now for me, or is the venting such a problem that one would be better off leaving uncovered ? How have you observed venting to be adequately done or is it considered inconsequential in your area ? Cordially, Courtney Venting very important in this damp climate. With my mini-cruiser sailboat, the canvas cover stretched over the mast (acting like ridge pole,) and open at the bow pulpit and at stern rail for flow through ventilation, was good enough. Poly (5 mil builders vapor barrier) does tend to form condensation, so the venting might be even more important. This area can be windy through fall/winter/spring so the poly will have to be reinforced somehow. I went over to a commercial fishers supply company last year and bought fishnet (size that's not used much anymore) dirt cheap. I had planned to throw this over the heavy canvas, but it wasn't really needed. If I was using poly, or the blue/green/silver tarps available at most hardware stores, I would throw the net over all and secure. You've got me thinking...I wonder what they do each spring with all the little white vents while removing shrinkwrap. |
boat-wrap for Winter ?
Dave wrote:
On Sun, 23 Oct 2005 18:22:58 GMT, Courtney Thomas said: That's what I was looking for....i.e. the reason that some/most boatowners decide to cover, i.e. the destructive potential of the thaw/freeze cycle of the encumbent precipitation. Yes. One problem, of course, is that unless you shrink-wrap it's nearly impossible to keep out every bit of snow and rain. And if it's there, it's going to freeze, with the results described. This becomes a particular problem when you store with the mast in, as about half of the owners do around here. How do you get a decent seal around the mast, and where the two tarps come together? At my YC it's a Do It Yourself project for them who want to participate. Cost of wrapping a 25' boat is about $100. We bought the torch, and help each other rig the support webbing. To keep things dry here's a low cost Dehumidifier. Get 2 milk carton things of the non sidewalk salt (Calcium Chloride) And dump 1 into each leg of a pair of pantyhose. Hang the pantyhose over a driveway sealer bucket. The Calcium Chloride is hygroscopic and will absorb moisture, and the water will drip into the bucket. Come spring, dump the bucket, toss the pantyhose, and you're done. Should be enough to keep a well sealed up 25' boat dry for a season -- if you have a bigger boat, scale up accordingly. |
boat-wrap for Winter ?
Hi, I just bought my 25' cruiser and I hope to store it in my back yard
(alot of space) for winter. I need your help on deciding whether to shrink wrap or not. Marina's around here asks for around $200.00. Even if I shrink wrap it, my village requires the boat to be totally enclosed. In order to enclose, I have decided to buy a shelter that comes with a metal frame and tarps that closes from all sides for around $700.00. This looks great and it comes with a warranty. I was thinking this will save me money on the long run. The shelter will remain permanently. The floor ofcourse will be my yard (grass). Since I have a shelter that covers the boat from all sides do I still need to shrink wrap? Some one mentioned about moisture problems and shrink wrap is the best and my shelter will not work for this. Any words of wisdom is greatly appreciated. I was hoping the shelter will be sufficient and save the $200 annual cost. Thanks, RD |
boat-wrap for Winter ?
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boat-wrap for Winter ?
Shrink wrap is the cause of moisture problems. The boat is so tight
it can't ventilate. Leave all the ports and hatches open under your shelter. -- Roger Long wrote in message oups.com... Hi, I just bought my 25' cruiser and I hope to store it in my back yard (alot of space) for winter. I need your help on deciding whether to shrink wrap or not. Marina's around here asks for around $200.00. Even if I shrink wrap it, my village requires the boat to be totally enclosed. In order to enclose, I have decided to buy a shelter that comes with a metal frame and tarps that closes from all sides for around $700.00. This looks great and it comes with a warranty. I was thinking this will save me money on the long run. The shelter will remain permanently. The floor ofcourse will be my yard (grass). Since I have a shelter that covers the boat from all sides do I still need to shrink wrap? Some one mentioned about moisture problems and shrink wrap is the best and my shelter will not work for this. Any words of wisdom is greatly appreciated. I was hoping the shelter will be sufficient and save the $200 annual cost. Thanks, RD |
boat-wrap for Winter ?
To be safe, I would only crack the ports and hatches. You don't need a huge amount
of air circulation to keep mold from forming. I would however add some of these anti-mold packets (available at West Marine) scattered through the boat, especially if you are in a mild winter zone. Sherwin D. Roger Long wrote: Shrink wrap is the cause of moisture problems. The boat is so tight it can't ventilate. Leave all the ports and hatches open under your shelter. -- Roger Long wrote in message oups.com... Hi, I just bought my 25' cruiser and I hope to store it in my back yard (alot of space) for winter. I need your help on deciding whether to shrink wrap or not. Marina's around here asks for around $200.00. Even if I shrink wrap it, my village requires the boat to be totally enclosed. In order to enclose, I have decided to buy a shelter that comes with a metal frame and tarps that closes from all sides for around $700.00. This looks great and it comes with a warranty. I was thinking this will save me money on the long run. The shelter will remain permanently. The floor ofcourse will be my yard (grass). Since I have a shelter that covers the boat from all sides do I still need to shrink wrap? Some one mentioned about moisture problems and shrink wrap is the best and my shelter will not work for this. Any words of wisdom is greatly appreciated. I was hoping the shelter will be sufficient and save the $200 annual cost. Thanks, RD |
boat-wrap for Winter ?
I wonder where can we buy the material to shrink wrap boats for the winter.
"sherwindu" wrote in message ... To be safe, I would only crack the ports and hatches. You don't need a huge amount of air circulation to keep mold from forming. I would however add some of these anti-mold packets (available at West Marine) scattered through the boat, especially if you are in a mild winter zone. Sherwin D. Roger Long wrote: Shrink wrap is the cause of moisture problems. The boat is so tight it can't ventilate. Leave all the ports and hatches open under your shelter. -- Roger Long wrote in message oups.com... Hi, I just bought my 25' cruiser and I hope to store it in my back yard (alot of space) for winter. I need your help on deciding whether to shrink wrap or not. Marina's around here asks for around $200.00. Even if I shrink wrap it, my village requires the boat to be totally enclosed. In order to enclose, I have decided to buy a shelter that comes with a metal frame and tarps that closes from all sides for around $700.00. This looks great and it comes with a warranty. I was thinking this will save me money on the long run. The shelter will remain permanently. The floor ofcourse will be my yard (grass). Since I have a shelter that covers the boat from all sides do I still need to shrink wrap? Some one mentioned about moisture problems and shrink wrap is the best and my shelter will not work for this. Any words of wisdom is greatly appreciated. I was hoping the shelter will be sufficient and save the $200 annual cost. Thanks, RD |
boat-wrap for Winter ?
"Jere Lull" wrote Some one mentioned about moisture problems and shrink wrap is the best Read some more. Shrink wrap usually causes the moisture problems, when it's not 'vented' properly. Think condensation - mildew. Your boat needs to breathe. Your portable garage should be just fine. Do you have vents? SBV |
boat-wrap for Winter ?
In article ,
"Scotty" wrote: "Jere Lull" wrote Some one mentioned about moisture problems and shrink wrap is the best Read some more. Shrink wrap usually causes the moisture problems, when it's not 'vented' properly. Think condensation - mildew. Your boat needs to breathe. Your portable garage should be just fine. Do you have vents? SBV You snipped me too early or included another's post as mine, as I am NOT a proponent of shrink wrap. I like the idea of a portable garage, since the boat in my back yard is getting that treatment this winter. -- Jere Lull Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD) Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/ |
boat-wrap for Winter ?
"Jere Lull" wrote in message ... In article , "Scotty" wrote: "Jere Lull" wrote Some one mentioned about moisture problems and shrink wrap is the best Read some more. Shrink wrap usually causes the moisture problems, when it's not 'vented' properly. Think condensation - mildew. Your boat needs to breathe. Your portable garage should be just fine. Do you have vents? SBV You snipped me too early or included another's post as mine, as I am NOT a proponent of shrink wrap. I like the idea of a portable garage, since the boat in my back yard is getting that treatment this winter. Yup, I used to winter the Mac 26 in my barn. SBV |
boat-wrap for Winter ?
Check out 1-3/8" Fencing Pipe canopies from this place (or others). You
buy the fittings from them (or others) via the web, and buy all the galvanized fence pipe locally at Home Depot, Lowes, etc. I have two of the high pitch (snow) canpoies. One is 30 by 15 (for my Marinette 28 Sedan Cruiser (the bow sticks out a bit), and anoter 15x10 for our hot tub. I've had both up for over 2 years year round. http://www.canopymasters.com/index.html |
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