Boat storage?

[BHOFM]

My wife as a kitty for every occasion and if I don't use one
now and then, well you married guys know what I mean

OK, the boat is under the roof out of the weather. All the
stuff is out, tires are off the ground. It has a custom fitted
cover, not water proof, water resistant. I plan on covering
one side with a tarp. All the lines, tie downs, rigging is
off and inside. Battery is hooked in with the back up for
the house, solar set up. There are no leaves or dirt in
the boat.

What have I forgotten?

I took the pictures before I took the standing rigging off.

[marshmat]

Can't quite read the licence plate- where in the US are you? If you're in an area that gets a lot of snow, I might add a way to keep the snowbanks from building up against the trailer. I don't see an engine; about 3/4 of my winterizing time is spent fiddling with the outboard, taking care of the hull is easy. No cover will keep ALL the water out, so if there's a drain plug, open it; if not, you might have to check under the cover now and then to make sure no ice is building up in bad places.

She looks nice.... if a bit sad to be away from her natural, watery home....

[BHOFM]

Arkansas, we get some snow. The motor is electric and is
in the house. No plug, the name of the boat is:

Unnecessary Complications

I plan on covering the back and starboard side to keep out
blowing rain and snow.

Plan on doing the wheel bearing ASAP!

Thanks for the reply.

B

[missinginaction]

I really think you have it covered (pardon the pun). Over the years I've seen people spend all sorts of money on storage systems. I've found a simple a-frame over the boat with open ends for good air circulation works best for me. I've a friend who's stored in one of those portable quanset huts. He closes it up tight and it sweats inside. He's had quite a few issues with mildew and rot over the years. I keep telling him that air circulation is key, but some people just refuse to listen.

Love the kitty,

MIA

[PAR]

Pick up a few of those silver tarps (they're the heaviest) and tack them as curtains on the posts to keep out the weather. Clear plastic sheeting will offer some advantages, durability isn't one of them, but you can see through it and light passes though. Both the tarps or plastic sheeting can be rolled up and pinned out of the way so you can work on it if desired.

Considering the weight of the boat/trailer combo, you don't need the amount of prep on the trailer that you've employed. It could easily just sit on it's wheels. You'll loose a pound or two of air pressure each month, which isn't a big deal over a normal winter, just re-inflate in the spring.

Spray some WD-40 on bare metals, like bolts, springs, etc., wash it off in the spring.

Open all hatches, covers, deck access plates, etc. so air can circulate around everything and you're good to go.

If you don't want your transom or other varnished areas to darken, then keep UV (sunlight) off them.

[gonzo]

I usually keep my small boats upside down. It keeps mildew from building up.

[PAR]

That looks a little big to easily flip. I'm guessing about 17' and 400+ pounds. A few well fed friends could handle her with a little beer and bratwurst waiting as a reward (hey, it works for me).

[BHOFM]

Par, you may need to get your glasses checked.

Twelve feet and under 200lbs, but still a handful to flig
without several people.

I put it on the blocks so I could do the wheel bearings.

The cover covers the transom.

Thanks for all the input.

Momma's not real happy about the boat on the deck, hanging
tarps is probably out of the question.

I have known several people that ruined their boats and
cars by covering them too well.

It will get flipped and a coat of paint next spring before
going to the lake again.

We got our first frost last night, so I timed it just right..

[Herman]

You forgot?

... to take the ramps away. They will make you trip every now and then...

Try make a nice tarpaulin, and build some structure to leave the ends open (just a bit). No water enters the boat, and ventilation will be plenty. She will survive the winter.

[BHOFM]

One side had no water in the wheel bearing, the other just
a bit. Get them cleaned up and back on at my leisure.

I think I am done. If there is a threat of bad weather I
can throw a tarp over it. The cover is breathable so it
can air out if it gets just a bit damp.

The cover is made from a $19.95 Wal Mart car cover, medium
size. I removed the center panel and sewed it back together.
Then I shorten it about six feet. Works great for dust,
sun and bird deposits.

If it breethes its ok. And it keeps the leaves out too (very dangerous stuff).
I would just have flipped her over though.

[PAR]

Hell 12' and 200 pounds, you could just flip it up on your hip and roll it yourself. Your cover looks fine. Remove it every so often and let her breath, check for leaks, bugs, mice making a home for themselves, etc. Some moth balls scattered about will keep most varmints from attempting to use it as a brothel.