Storage Tarpaulins

[Roarque]

We take our 232 Gulfstream out of the ocean for 4-6 months every winter. We're looking for other owners who have stored their GW boats on a trailer outdoors using a tarpaulin cover. What steps should we take to eliminate problems with UV radiation damage or mould build up inside the cabin or well, you get the idea.

Is there a 'GW' approved method for off season storage in cool rainy conditions. We don't have to worry about freezing as much as rain and damp.

Greg and Karen
Gulf Islands near San Juans

 

[seasick]

UV shouldn't be a problem for the boat. It will take its toll on the tarp though.
In general, if there is moisture and no air circulation you will run the chance of growing mold or mildew.
There are several ways to slow that down: Adding vents, passive or active ( solar powered) or just a 'loose tarp. Usually the tarps are not as airtight as shrink wrap or custom covers. In addition, you can add desiccants to the cabin and deck. These will absorb moisture but depending on how much moisture there is, that might need to changed/revitalized a few times.
The main trick is to remove anything that will be a pain to clean, like cushions and vests etc. Remove things that are wet or may get wet (anchor lines and the like). Open lockers to allow air to circulate.
Sometimes, mold can't be avoided thus the advice to remove what you can and store in a heated and ventilated area.

 

[Graybeard]

My Freedom 225 came with the optional bow and mooring covers. They are so nice I got a boat cover from the Cabela's catalog to protect them. It's silver and is supposed to be UV resistant. I had a lot of bad luck with the after market boat covers and blue tarps with my old boat. UV did take it's toll on the vinal seat covers. The sharp corners on the windshield kept ripping them. And if the cover doesn't drain and pockets rainwater, the cover or tarp goes South real fast.

 

[Fishtales]

I like the shrink wrap because it is one and done, but it is more expensive. With a trailerable boat you should be able to get a competitive price.
If you go with a cover you could use pipe insulation or pool noodles on windshield edges and other sharp points. Many people do and you will get multiple seasons out of them. You can use bleach bottles with sand in them tonhelp hold down area with straps or tiedowns. There are manufacturers that do covers to fit your model boat out there. Shop around.
There are some new storage products from starbright that are good at addressing moisture under the cover. Just open and hang. I also like a couple of damp rids down in the cabin as well. I know folks that use tins with absorbing cat litter and they place them down below in various spots. I'm not a fan as they are prone to spilling but it is cheap and effective.
In the spring if you have mold, there are many removers you can choose to spot kill. I like the Zep Mold and Mildew remover about $6 a gal at Home Depot for the bilge area. Spray on and hose down and let it drain out the plug hole. It also works well on the nonskid. Do all the mold kill before general cleaning and waxing.

 

[grady23]

I use a 20X40 silver/black tarp on my boat and the one I have now has lasted 5 years. I might replace it this year because small craks and tears are showing up. I leave the front just over the bow rail open eneough that some air blows thru and usually pull my antenna down so that the tip hangs over the starboard side. I use small velcro straps to secure it. The tarp reaches all the way to the rub rail on the stern. I made a "T" support using 1.5" PVC pipe and cut out a samll portion of a "T" connector so it fits over the bow rail and the top rail up by the hardtop. The "T" support sits so the bottom part reaches side-side in the foot well near the fowrd hatch. THat creates a vertical support and a longitudinal support front-back from the bow to the hardtop. This pre-vents snow buil-up from bottoming out the tarp in the bow area. The portion that comes over the rear of the hardtop is steep eneough that most of the snow slides off or can be easily pulled off with a broom. I got the tarp at Harbor Freight for abot $60.

 

[GeeDub]

Great thread - I've actually been thinking about this very topic. I'm considering the purchase of a semi-custom cover from Overton's. Anyone have any experiences with the Covermate line of boat covers? Considering this one: http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product ... ew&i=38911

 

[Parthery]

Geedub, have you looked at boatcoversdirect.com? Their prices are good, they through in freebies like tie-down straps, and their warranty service if you have an issue is excellent. I speak from past experience....

 

[GeeDub]

Thanks - had not checked out that site but will do a comparison. Appreciate the info! Did you go Carver or Westland, and what fabric?

 

[ROBERTH]

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=17245

 

[GeeDub]

Thanks for linking to that thread, Robert - good information and would appear Carver makes quality covers. I'm thinking their "styled-to-fit" aka semi-custom covers are the way to go, I didn't even see a pattern for my boat listed in the options for Westland. Spending $378 to get a semi-custom cover made with SunDura fabric and 7yr warranty vs. $280 for a generic cover/straight poly/5yr warranty is a no brainer!

 

[ROBERTH]

Sure, yw. In my case, I found the tarp to do an excellent job and it allows me to access from the back and work in the boat with plenty of headroom all winter. For my case, since I am in the trees, I don't get much blow in from the back so entry is open in the back allowing easy access in/out and I don't hardly get any leaves in there either during fall. This is also good for breathability.

I had priced a custom cover for over $1400 and the tarp cost me $75 and some PVC and was good to go. Will be on 3rd year now for tarp.