Camper canvas storage

[sebagoman007]

I'm looking for opinions and experience here. I currently keep my camper canvas in the OEM long zipper bag in the cabin, on the ledge formed by the tops of the V-berth cushions on the port side. I almost never use it, as I keep the biminis rolled up on their frames and use a cockpit cover in the slip when I'm away. Still, I'm reluctant to leave it at home, 'cuz when you need it, you need it. I'd like to have that space in the cabin for bedding storage and the like. I was thinking about storing the canvas in the engine compartment on the starboard side, on the ledge next the engine, right across from the battery bank that occupies the same space on the port side. Has anyone done this, and is there a downside? My bilge almost always has a little water in it. I believe (hope!) it's rain getting in around the bimini poles where they go through the cockpit cover, condensation and the like. I wonder if the cavas would be adequately protected from mildew by the case it's in? I'd sure hate to break it out and find that it's all polka-dotted with black spots. Or worse, that the stiching had started to rot....

If this isn't a good idea, does anyone have any other suggestions?

Thanks!

Bill

(P.S.-maybe we can keep this thread as one of the very few in the last few weeks to NOT reference a stripper pole! Oops, did that count? lol )

 

[Groucho]

Good question...
You beat me to it.
I'm thinking of the same thing...I try not to use it...but when you want it...ya want it. Depending on the responses...I may just put it there when we are actually using the boat...I bet most will say noooooooooo

 

[Nehalennia]

Bill, I will be keeping a duffel bag in that same spot that will have an inflatable raft, aip pump(blower), spare starter and a couple other misc things in that spot. I have fashioned some nylon straps with buckles to it, so it doesn't get near the engine or move around.
If I can before we leave I'll take some pictures of that and the shelf I made for in front of the engine above the bilge pump.

 

[StressAweigh]

Ok I'm putting my 2 cents in here. I store mine in the bag and put the bag under the rear seat most of the time sometimes I just put it all on the front berth. As far as storing it in the engine compartment ????????? I don't know there is alot of heat down there but on the other side they get hot when out in the sun. The biggest draw back I can think of would be the bag moving around and rubbing on the engine belt of something and causing damage.

 

[Henry Boyd]

I'd be concerned about the temperature in the engine compartment having a negative effect on the isenglass.

Henry

 

[Nehalennia]

I'd be concerned about the temperature in the engine compartment having a negative effect on the isenglass.

Henry

I will be setting up our's with sheets in between the layers of eisenglass. I'm not stowing ours in the engine bay, but, I'm not sure if Bill does that the heat would get this stuff hotter (especially somewhat insulated in the cavas bag) than a sunny day with the greenhouse effect on the canvas.

 

[sebagoman007]

Thanks, guys.

I had thought of some wooden "chocks" or some straps to hold it out against the side of the hull, as far away as possible from the engine. Henry, since I run my bilge blowers almost all the time the engine is running, the temp ought to be kept at a reasonable level. Todd, your point about how hot it gets in the sun is a good one. Come to think of it, the cabin must get pretty toasty in the sun when she's all buttoned up at the slip. That much heat doesn't appear to have messed anything up yet.

Oh yeah, the space under the rear seat is dedicated to the life jackets. Give the choice, I'd much rather be able to get to those in a hurry!!!

Anyone else want to share their thoughts?

Cheers,

Bill