Winter Boat Cover

kgl51 · **Joined:** 11 Aug 2007 16:34 **Posts:** 16

Do those of you who have to crane out in the fall due to winter use any type of cover on your boats? If you do, what type of frame work do you utilize? Do you use custom cover, plastic tarp, or shrinkwrap? This will be our second winter with our T 37. Last year she was in Superior, WI at Barker's Island Marina and was in and out of their buildings having some work done. She was outside during quite a bit of late winter when a lot of snow fell and I didn't see any issues. No leaks, etc. So now this fall, the marina where we'll crane out is asking if I want shrinkwrapping or not. What do you all think?

carl s · **Joined:** 31 Dec 2006 13:33 **Posts:** 90

I spent the last couple of winters at Barkers too. Since I plan to keep the boat I bought a cover from a comp. that advertised in good old boat and sail mag. I really wanted to get a setup made in Maine, I believe Fairclough was their name, highest quality but it was just too spendy. I ended up getting an adequate total enclosure that uses the forestay, backstay and boom for the frame. Goes up in three sections by yourself, takes about three hrs. Like I said it was adequate and I do think you should have something. Having freezing and thawing snow on you deck and cockpit for months can really do some damage, save your boat and cover it. Carl, Mawky, ser. 295,. trying bayfield this year.

NewDay#16 · **Joined:** 12 Oct 2007 11:01 **Posts:** 35

What was the brand name or manufacturer's name of the 3-piece cover, or was it a custom job? Sounds like an effective solution.

John Harvey
New Day #16

Solare · **Posted:** 05 Dec 2008 17:34

Just installed our new winter cover yesterday.

We designed it to use the spinnaker pole to support it forward and a 2x4 brace along the boom, giving it enough scope to keep the snow for accumulating. I also had them design it so it can be used as an in water cover, just in case we decide to go that route in the future.

I know I'll sleep much better this winter knowing SOLARE is well protected from the nasty winter elements.

Down2TheC · **Posted:** 06 Jan 2009 17:37

Nice! How many shrinkwrap jobs did that cost? (let's say $1500 a season)

Solare · **Posted:** 06 Jan 2009 19:06

Down2TheC wrote:

Nice! How many shrinkwrap jobs did that cost? (let's say $1500 a season)

It set us back a little over 2 seasons worth of shrinkwrap. Well worth the investment, IMO.

Down2TheC · **Posted:** 07 Jan 2009 01:54

Wow... that's a bargain. We keep the mast indoors though so I'd have to rig a support system. But that looks really sturdy and water tight.

sundog · **Joined:** 15 Aug 2008 18:14 **Posts:** 21

Check out Fairclough Covers. We got our cover in 2002 and couldn't be happier. It is made of a material that is similar to a soft canvas and uses galvanized steel pipes as support. Essentially you construct a full tent on deck that covers the boat down to the waterline.
Cost is about $3,500.
It is a bit labor intensive to set up until you get the hang of it.

Tartan37.com

Winter Boat Cover

Who is online