Storage Cover - put away for the off-season

Steve Sanford

Well-known member
All~

Since I have not yet built my planned inside storage for my gunning boats, I need to keep a decent cover on them through the off-season. I have been using this approach for many years now: A decent poly tarp lashed over a wooden frame with enough pitch to the "roof" that it will shed both rain and snow. As important, it protects from the ravages of sun, dirt and leaves. This system is not vermin-proof, though. Wasps, mice, 'coons and possums can still wreak havoc. But, I generally get 3 or 4 seasons from a tarp. The frames last much longer.

Here is how I build the supports. Except for the 16' "ridge pole" , it's salvaged 3/4-inch pine. This lumber was from the "summer kitchen" we tore off the house more than 10 years ago. The support is screwed and glued together - to withstand both wind and man-handling.

The "feet" are scribed to the contours of the decks.

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The plywood "cheek pieces" form a pocket to hold the ridge pole. Three screws - one on one side, two on the other - in each are removable so everything comes apart for storage when the cover is not needed. The arrow and reference marks help me re-assemble after next season.



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Short lengths of pipe insulation protect the paint on the decks.



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Here is the whole frame. The pipe insulation - for 3/4-inch pipe - protects the tarp from chafe.



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I used a 12' x 16' tarp - from Tractor Supply - and cut it in half lengthwise - so I could get 2 boats from a single tarp. I sewed the hem on the cut side and installed brass grommets opposite every other factory grommet - about every 3 feet.




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I also sewed most of the bow seam closed.


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I used 4 or 5 shock cords to hold the tarp under tension.

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The stern opening is trussed with decoy line to minimize flapping in a wind.


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I also bore a hole through the aft end of the ridge pole so the tarp cannot creep forward in use.


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My Great South Bay Ice Scooter TED SANFORD is now ready for a long summer's nap - dreaming of ice on the Bay next winter......

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All the best,

SJS

 
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Totally agree with the steep pitch for winter storage. My garvey cover has a bit less and our heavy blizzard this year collapsed a corner into an ice bowl. I'll be increasing the pitch when I put her away next Fall.
 
Gosh Steve, great minds think alike!

While I don't have any progress photos, that's pretty much the way I do it. I however double the tarps just in case of failure of the outer one. I use the higher quality silver backed, as yours, then a cheap blue one under it.

Very important about the steep pitch. After a little settling, rain always seems to find a way to puddle here and there causing havoc. Another unstated, yet I'm sure, thought about note- I really like the idea of air circulation between the tarp and the deck. Without it, moisture can get trapped between the two. With the changing heat and cooling so prevalent in our northern climates, trapped moisture will most definitely cause nasty damage to both the finish and hardware.

Thanks for taking the time to photograph and post the write up.

Jon
 
Steve, very nice - particularly the breakdown feature! What modifications would need to be made to allow this same rig to serve double duty as winter storage for, say, a day sailer that only comes out in the warmer months? All the best fest from Northern Virginia, Rufus
 
Good morning, Rufus~

I have a couple such day sailers in the "Pencil Brook Marina" - an actual O'Day Daysailor and a Rhodes 19.

There are a couple of differences:

1. Use 2x4 for the "ridge pole". NOTE: If you use your mast as a ridge pole - be sure it is well-padded to protect the tarp from chafe.

2. Use a big (wide)enough tarp to make sure it covers the water line.

3. The biggest job is cutting and hemming the lower edges so that they more or less track the waterline (or a couple inches below). Because the hulls taper so much both fore and aft, a rectangular tarp can be difficult to secure because the excess "canvas" wants to overlap beneath the hull. The stronger winter winds can play havoc with any loose tarp.

4. One more thing I have done is to cover the aft support with screening or hardware cloth to discourage 'coons and 'possums from taking up residence in the cockpit.

Hope this helps!

SJS
 
Rich~

That's exactly what I have in mind - 3 walls, the last open to the south. Just need to find the time.....

SJS
 
Thanks! Concur with the eventual pole barn idea -- I remember that shot of Norman Strung's pole barn in Montana in his book, and it looked like an ad for Small Boat Journal. Best, Rufus
 
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