Shrink-wrap or not

[CROSE]

I bought one of those "exact fit" sharkskin fabric covers last year. Since I stored my boat inside last winter, I didn't worry about anything. This winter I'm looking at storing it outside ($100 for outdoor -vs- $500 indoor). My question is will this cover do for outdoor storage over the winter? It's very tight fitting, has tie downs that strap to the trailer and a drawstring. Has anyone else done this instead of shrink-wrap?

 

[cherokeeguy]

I am sure it would work for the winter but up here we have more of a concern with wieght, and the snow laying on the boat. Basicly your main goal when keeping the boat outside over the winter in a area that recieves any decent amount of snow is to keep it off the boat as much as possable (helped by the smooth nature of the skrink wrap and if done correctly the large pitch) and to allow a succient amount of air and space between the boat and cover so as to not allow and condensation on the boat, i have made the mistake of hiring the cheapest shrink wraper in town, and then anouther year covering the boat my self with tarps, the tarps worked fine as i built a under structure but was a constant pain to keep tight and snow free, the bad shrink job wrapped the boat very tight, no vents, and little pitch with the stantions and while it kept most of the snow off when i opened it back up in the spring time i found that so much condensation was trapped under it that spots had actually pooled and froze though out the season as well as created a moldy mess on some of the interior cushions. Just my two thoughts

 

[spfortjohn]

I would just pony up the extra 400 bucks and store it inside. How much is Shrink Warp going to cost?

 

[Turtlesboat]

wind, rain, dirt, wear and tear of the cover, snow, freezing rain, straps rubbing against your gelcoat for 5 months. I would store it inside.

 

[MonacoMike]

I store mine inside and they come out just as I put it in. Worth the money to me. MM

 

[CV-23]

I would keep it inside for the cost difference. I keep my boats at home so I'm purchasing a second TNT Carport. My 26'x12'x6' high was $995 installed 7 years ago for my CV-23. No more snow, ice, rain damage to my cover. I'm buying a 31'x12'x12' high TNT Carport for the 270 for $2,000 installed. I used a heavy tarp last year and snow & ice was a pain and rubbed my cockpit cover a bit. With sumbrella covers costing $$$ I'll be saving money and can work on my boat anytime it's warm out and stay dry. Shrinkwrap is $$$ also. Current Carport in the background and I plan on connecting the two for stability....12ft is pretty high with 13'5" at peak, Mike.

 

[Banagy]

I have a 30 X 60 pole barn for winter storage. Found out the shark skin cover does not stay water proof very long.

 

[Woody]

I have a 30 X 60 pole barn for winter storage. Found out the shark skin cover does not stay water proof very long.

Got some pics of your pole barn?

 

[CROSE]

Thanks everyone for all the great advice. My cover does have good pitch and venting over the cockpit and bow with support poles, but I don't want snow accumulating on it since, as Banagy says, the shark skin doesn't stay water proof. I'm going to go for the shrink-wrap and store it along side of my garage. At least that way I can keep an eye on it during the winter months and brush off any accumulation of snow. Maybe leave a small fan in the boat to help circulate the air. My garage also has a wide overhang on it so that will help as well. As for indoor storage, that's in my re-modeling plans but wont happen until next year.

 

[jacktm]

Buy a shrink wrap kit it pays for it self in 2 years

http://www.dr-shrink.com/home

 

[wavedancer37]

Goto walmart and buy the heavy duty tarp if ya dont want to spend the extra 400 for storage. The fabric will absorb water over time so it wont last extremely long without a tarp on it. Its easy for alot of us guys with bigger boats to say cough up 400 bucks extra for storage because our storage rates are WAY up there (ours is 3200). If the money is there then store it inside, if not tarp it. JMO

 

[CROSE]

Just a quick update, I found indoor storage for $185 for the season. Thanks again everyone for the good suggestions.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Just a quick update, I found indoor storage for $185 for the season. Thanks again everyone for the good suggestions.

Make sure you treat that storage facility owner REAL nice!!!

 

[CROSE]

Make sure you treat that storage facility owner REAL nice!!!

I definitely will. It's actually at the Northern WI State Fair grounds. I hope my boat doesn't smell like swine next spring. :wow:

 

[Dave 205]

My Exact Fit Sharkskin is also not very waterproof, new this year. I use it as a long distance travel cover and to keep the bulk of rain and any debris out while traveling. Even with the cover and tie downs very carefully installed I usually still end up with some scuffing on the boat or trailer from the wind whip. My boat is garaged at home. I would probably opt for indoor storage as it looks like your boat is in great shape. I think a lot of shrink wrap is done, but don't know much about it. I would bring inside your carpet and any removable seat cushions.

Didn't see the last two posts before dropping this gem. Congrats on the great storage price. My dad paid $50 a month 25 years ago for a little sport boat.