[sailingdog]

Most of the gelcoat damage is due to UV, and there really isn't much serious UV exposure in New England, at sea level, in the wintertime. Pollution is a bit of an issue, but not that much, especially, since the prevailing winds are towards the local highway, not from it.

I cover the woodwork with a sunbrella cover, so it is fairly well protected. Leaves and debris are less of an issue, since I usually don't haul the boat until the leaves have all fallen. Birds are not a serious issue at my marine, especially in the winter.

Powerboats need the covering for a lot of reasons that don't apply to sailboats. They often have far more "exposed" living area, like their cockpits with the upholstered benches and such. Their cockpits are also more vulnerable to weather, as they have more equipment and such to protect.

Originally Posted by davidpm

I'm surprised. I like it; as covering costs so much money and is such a hassle but I'm still surprised. So you don't find that the gel coat damage during the exposure in the winter months is worth the expense of covering?

I know your boat is up north and has no exterior wood. Would your recommendations change if:

1. In our CT area the boat will have a layer of black grime from exhaust coating the boat (wonder what our lungs look like) after just a month in the summer.
2. What if a boat has some bright-work even the minimal amount an older Catalina 30 has will be torn up by a winters worth of UV.
3. Leaves, debre and bird droppings are common.

A large percentage of boats, power boats almost 100% shinkwrap their boats. Do you think they are wasting their money?