If you love sailing, you know how important it is to protect your boat from the harsh elements of winter. Whether you store your sailboat on land or in the water, you need a good winter cover to keep it dry, clean, and safe from snow, ice, mold, and UV damage.
But how do you choose the best winter cover for your sailboat? And how do you use it properly to ensure maximum protection and durability?
In this article, I will share with you some tips and tricks that I learned from my own experience as a sailor and a boat owner. I will also show you some facts and data that will help you make an informed decision when buying or making your own winter cover.
Key Takeaways
- Sailboat winter covers are essential for protecting your boat from the elements and extending its lifespan.
- There are different types of winter covers, such as tarps, shrink wrap, canvas, and custom-made covers. Each one has its pros and cons depending on your budget, preferences, and storage location.
- You should measure your boat carefully and choose a cover that fits snugly and securely. You should also use a frame or support system to prevent sagging and pooling of water on the cover.
- You should inspect and clean your cover regularly and repair any tears or holes. You should also ventilate your boat and check for any signs of moisture or mold inside.
Types of Sailboat Winter Covers
There are many options when it comes to winter covers for sailboats. Here are some of the most common ones:
Tarps
Tarps are the cheapest and easiest option for covering your boat. You can find them in any hardware store or online in various sizes, colors, and materials. They are usually made of polyethylene or vinyl and have grommets or eyelets along the edges for tying them down.
Tarps are lightweight and flexible, which makes them easy to handle and store. However, they are also prone to tearing, flapping, and blowing off in strong winds. They can also trap moisture and condensation under them, which can lead to mold and mildew growth on your boat.
If you choose to use tarps, you should make sure they are large enough to cover your entire boat and secure them tightly with ropes, straps, or bungees. You should also use a frame or support system to create a slope or peak on the cover to allow water and snow to run off. You should avoid using metal poles or PVC pipes as they can damage your boat or the tarp.
Shrink Wrap
Shrink wrap is a plastic film that is wrapped around your boat and then heated with a propane torch to create a tight and seamless cover. It is usually done by professionals who have the equipment and expertise to do it safely and effectively.
Shrink wrap is a great option for winterizing your boat as it provides excellent protection from the elements. It is waterproof, UV-resistant, and windproof. It also creates a vapor barrier that prevents moisture and condensation from forming under the cover.
However, shrink wrap is also more expensive and less environmentally friendly than other options. It can cost anywhere from $10 to $20 per foot depending on the size and shape of your boat. It also generates a lot of plastic waste that needs to be disposed of properly.
If you choose to use shrink wrap, you should make sure it is done by a reputable company that follows the industry standards and best practices. You should also ask for vents, doors, and access panels to be installed on the cover to allow air circulation and access to your boat. You should also inspect the cover regularly and repair any holes or tears with tape or patches.
Canvas
Canvas is a traditional and durable material for covering boats. It is usually made of cotton or synthetic fibers that are woven tightly and coated with waterproofing agents. Canvas covers can be custom-made to fit your boat or bought ready-made in standard sizes.
Canvas covers are breathable, which means they allow moisture and condensation to escape from under the cover. They are also resistant to UV rays, mildew, and rot. They can last for many years if maintained properly.
However, canvas covers are also more expensive and heavier than other options. They can cost anywhere from $15 to $30 per foot depending on the quality and design of the cover. They can also be difficult to install and remove by yourself as they require a lot of hardware and fittings.
If you choose to use canvas covers, you should make sure they are made of high-quality materials and have reinforced seams and corners. You should also use a frame or support system to prevent sagging and pooling of water on the cover. You should also clean and treat your cover regularly with mild soap and water and a waterproofing agent.
Custom-Made Covers
Custom-made covers are the most expensive and luxurious option for winterizing your boat. They are usually made of high-quality fabrics and materials that are tailored to fit your boat perfectly. They can also have features such as zippers, snaps, Velcro, windows, vents, and pockets to suit your needs and preferences.
Custom-made covers are the best option for protecting your boat from the elements and enhancing its appearance. They are waterproof, UV-resistant, windproof, and breathable. They can also be designed to match the color and style of your boat.
However, custom-made covers are also the most costly and time-consuming option. They can cost anywhere from $20 to $50 per foot depending on the complexity and quality of the cover. They can also take several weeks or months to be made and delivered.
If you choose to use custom-made covers, you should make sure they are made by a reputable company that has experience and expertise in making boat covers. You should also provide accurate measurements and specifications of your boat and request a mock-up or sample of the cover before finalizing the order. You should also inspect the cover carefully and report any defects or issues as soon as possible.
How to Use Sailboat Winter Covers
Once you have chosen the type of winter cover for your sailboat, you need to know how to use it properly to ensure maximum protection and durability. Here are some tips and tricks that I learned from my own experience:
- Before covering your boat, you should clean it thoroughly and remove any dirt, debris, or salt from the hull, deck, rigging, sails, and interior. You should also drain any water from the bilge, tanks, hoses, and pipes. You should also lubricate any moving parts and apply anti-corrosion products to any metal parts.
- You should remove any items that can be damaged by freezing temperatures or moisture, such as cushions, electronics, batteries, food, drinks, etc. You should also store them in a dry and secure place.
- You should use a frame or support system to create a slope or peak on the cover to allow water and snow to run off. You should also make sure the cover is tight and secure and does not touch any sharp or protruding parts of your boat.
- You should inspect your cover regularly and repair any tears or holes with tape or patches. You should also remove any snow or ice that accumulates on the cover.
- You should ventilate your boat and check for any signs of moisture or mold inside. You should also open any hatches, ports, or doors to allow air circulation and prevent condensation. You should also use dehumidifiers, fans, or heaters to keep the humidity and temperature at optimal levels.
- You should remove your cover carefully and gently when the winter is over. You should also clean and dry it before storing it in a cool and dry place.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions that I get from my readers and fellow sailors about sailboat winter covers:
You should measure your boat from the bow to the stern along the centerline. You should also measure the beam (the widest part of your boat) and the height (from the waterline to the highest point of your boat). You should add a few inches to these measurements to allow for some slack and overlap.
You can make your own winter cover by using tarps, canvas, or other materials that are large enough to cover your boat. You can also use grommets, eyelets, snaps, or Velcro to attach them together and to your boat. You can also use ropes, straps, or bungees to secure them. You can also use PVC pipes, wooden poles, or metal rods to create a frame or support system for your cover.
You can prevent mold and mildew from growing on your boat by keeping it dry and ventilated. You should also use products that are designed to prevent or remove mold and mildew, such as bleach, vinegar, baking soda, or commercial cleaners. You should also avoid using products that contain ammonia, alcohol, or acetone as they can damage your boat.
