Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
I was lucky enough to get a custom made canevas cover with my boat, it was probably less expensive a couple of decades ago when the original owner of my boat bought it but today it would be prohibitive, a very nice addition non the less for the snowy part of NY, it keeps the boat dry: (hope the image shows up)
Cover looks great. Just a little tip, Those tie down lines that are running under the hull will rub your bottom paint off over the winter from vibrations and movement from the wind. Cut up a swim noodle or pipe insulation into short 3'' lengths and put them around the lines to raise the lines off the hull.
I used to tie my cover on like that, but found that the lines erode the antifouling paint and they also collect dirt and, on my boat, they leave dark dirt-lines in the gelcoat that have to be rubbed out in the spring. Now I fill empty antifreeze jugs about 2/3 with water, and hang one on each of the attachment points. I'm sure they freeze during the winter, but only one has burst in the last two years. If the lines on your cover don't cause those problems, I'd suggest you continue tying it on the way you are presently. It you find that the lines cut into your antifouling paint, then you might try hanging water filled jugs as an alternative.
If you want to go with Steve's method of water filled jugs, Check with your Marina if its ok first. My Marina won't allow the jugs. There explanation is that they don't want 8lbs frozen jugs swinging in the wind hitting boats stored next to you ( they pack them in tight around here) or people trying to walk between boats.
Never tie your tarp - AKA a very large sail - to your poppets. If the wind blows like hell, the poppets (that were holding up your boat) will fly out from under your boat, and the boat will fall over. Funny really, unless its your boat!
Never tie your tarp - AKA a very large sail - to your poppets...
Looks like he's on a cradle, with maybe a couple of poppits amidships. Tying to the cradle should be fine, but might not prevent wear around the waterline.
That's a great cover. As you say, it would cost a small fortune today. My boat will spend the winter at home on the trailer. (I've no way to get it off, anyway!) Hopefully, the tarp will do the job well enough. Winter comes early to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It'll be April or May before I can start work on her again.
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.