Three common methods
| Method | Advantage | Drawback |
|---|---|---|
| Tarpaulin on a cover frame | Can be used for several years, easy to open | A thin tarp flaps and tears. Choose a heavy, reinforced one |
| Tailored boat cover | Fits the boat, fewer water pockets | The fabric must breathe and withstand UV and frost |
| Shrink wrap | Stretched to the boat, little loose material | New plastic every year, needs a heat gun and vents |
A thin builder's tarp rarely lasts a whole winter.
The frame gives the slope
- Build a ridge that gives a clear slope to the sides. Snow and water then run off instead of collecting in hollows.
- Pad sharp edges on rails and fittings so they don't wear holes.
- Don't park the boat under a sloping roof or large trees where snow can slide down.
Fasten it properly
- Never tie the cover to props or stands. A flapping cover can pull a prop out of position.
- A sturdy cradle is fine to tie to.
- Containers of water or sand work as weights. Don't fill water containers completely, or they'll split when it freezes.
- If you're driving in ground anchors, first ask where the water and power lines run.
- Ropes stretch. Tighten them after a blow.
Air under the cover
A completely sealed cover causes more damp, because the condensation has nowhere to go. Leave openings at the ends or fit vents high up. Shrink wrap needs vents too. A zip door lets you get into the boat without cutting the plastic.
Shrink wrap it yourself
- Do the winter service first, while you can reach everything.
- Wash the boat and let it dry. No water in the cockpit or bilge.
- Build supports and straps for the ridge.
- Measure over the finished frame and add a margin as the installation instructions say.
- Put on the plastic, secure it and shrink it with a heat gun. Keep the heat away from fuel and vents.
- Fit the vents and door. Walk around and check the seams and that water has somewhere to run off.
Don't shrink-wrap in strong wind. If you'd rather skip the job, many boatyards and companies will wrap the boat for you.
During the winter
Check on the boat after storms and snowfall. Clear away snow and gently push up any sagging areas from the ground, without climbing onto the cover. If the tarpaulin has come loose, secure it right away. In most clubs, you as the boat owner are responsible for keeping the cover in place.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to cover the boat in winter?
Boats stored outdoors should be covered so that rain and snow can't get in. Many clubs require it and set a deadline, often a few weeks after haul-out.
What should a winter cover be able to withstand?
It should be heavy-duty and reinforced, with reinforced corners and eyelets, and large enough to give a good slope. It should withstand snow, ice, UV light and repeated frost.
Can the shrink wrap be reused?
No, expect to use new film every winter. You can reuse the heat gun and some of the accessories. Take the old plastic to recycling.
How often should I check on the boat?
After every storm and heavy snowfall. If you are away, ask a boat neighbour to check on it.
Sources
- Täckning av båten, Atlantica atlantica.se
- Täckningstips inför vintern, Trosa Båtklubb trosabatklubb.se
- Vintertäckning av båt med krympplast, Nordisk Plastkrympning plastkrympning.se
- Ventilation vid vinterförvaring, Atlantica atlantica.se
- Vinterliggare på land, Nacka Båtklubb nackabk.se