Boat covers

[newuser]

Do you cover your boat in winter? We recently bought a sailboat (Chesapeake area) and right now it only has a wheel cover & sail cover. This winter we’ve had several snowfalls -- and I’m wondering what damage can occur to a boat that isn’t covered. We will definitely get a cover for next winter.

What’s a good cover to get, and where is a good place to get it? Also, wouldn’t there be a lot of damage from the UV rays in summer? How do you protect the boat from the UV rays? This is our first boat, so we have a lot to learn.
Thanks, GB

[jerryaxler]

You cover the boat to keep the snow and ice out of the cockpit and scuppers. If the scuppers clog, rain or snow melt might run over the sill into the boat. A side benefit is some protection from acid rain,uvand just plain dirt. One bit of advice is not to use those blue plastic tarps since they will not hold up. Your choice is to have canvas tarp made or to take a generic tarp and fit it to your boat using those simple grommet makers found in the catalogues.
In either case here on the Chesapeake it is a real good idea to cover

[paulk]

Bet you wish you''d posted sooner....!

[devildad]

I have used the blue tarps and canvas, one is cheap, the other can be more lasting.

The Canvas Shop in Long Island makes a 3/4 cover that is both economical and study. Other than this overwhelming winter, I think we need not be too worried.

Michael Barry
Catalina 380, #53
Drama Queen