Winterizing part 2 - boat covers

In a previous article, we discussed the need for cleaning your boat as part of winter layup.  Once the boat is clean inside, what should be done to keep it clean and protect it from winter’s ravages?

Cover it!

Covering your boat can be simple or complex, depending on your location and where you will store the boat for the winter.  If the boat will be stored indoors, covering can be just putting up the canvas covers used during the boating season, or possibly skipped altogether.  Keeping your craft indoors is worth the price, but often that is just not practical.  The alternative is to lay her up outside.

Boats stored outdoors will need a lot more protection. Some choices, along with their pros and cons are:

No cover – works for boats with complete canvas coverage, or nearly completely enclosed.  Definitely the least expensive in the short run, but why risk a boat full of water that freezes, leaving a pile of wet moldy leaves and whatever else behind?  Even boats with complete canvas enclosures can benefit from being covered; the enclosure’s life can be prolonged by a sun-proof cover. Going “topless” is not the best option!

Tarps – provide weather-resistant protection and reduce sun exposure to expensive vinyl and canvas.  Large open areas, like cockpits, need supports of some kind along with secure tiedowns to prevent loss and flapping. Tarps are easy to store and reuse, and relatively inexpensive as well.  Don’t skimp on the tarps and tiedowns – cheaper tarps often are not as water-resistant or tear-resistant as the more expensive ones.

Fitted cover – these fabric covers are fitted to the particular boat type.  These covers generally protect better than tarps because they fit around curves, windscreens, consoles and outboard engines, preventing gaps and annoying leaks.  Covers made for your specific boat model are secured by non-corrosive snaps or straps and fit tight enough to make sure rain and snow slides off.  These covers can be expensive to purchase, but can last a long time if cared for.  Fitted covers are fairly easy to remove or open for maintenance and cleaning.

Shrink wrap – wrapping the topsides or even entire boat in durable plastic wrap then shrinking it to a tight fit using a heat gun.  Shrink wrap, if done properly, keeps your boat as clean as the day you store it.  If you use clear plastic wrapping, it will not provide any protection against UV rays that can age your vinyl and canvas.  Shrink-wrapped boats need some sort of ventilation to prevent condensation, mildew and mold from forming.  Boats that are shrink-wrapped are nearly impossible to enter without damaging the wrapping, so don’t plan on getting under the cover before spring! If you don’t anticipate working on your boat over the winter, then shrink wrapping may be just the option for you.  Most any boat service business can shrink wrap your boat for a moderate fee.  If you are ambitious, you can purchase wrapping plastic supplies and do the job yourself and save some cash.  The wrapping is not reusable, so you will need to allow for that expense each year.  

If your boat must live outside this winter, consider these options and choose the right one for you and your boat.  Keeping that boat covered is a good investment in better resale value and a lot less work when it’s boating time again!