"Get my boat out of the rain..." *** Rain & Snow HELP tips for you

[brianmerc]

I am in California, and it looks like the winters rain is here... lots and lots of water falling on my boat. I know the water doesn't hurt the boat, it just makes me sad. I've got my rain proof cover covering the hull & outboard engine, so I think I'm good to go! Am I forgetting anything??<br /><br />What are some helpful tips for keeping our boats safe during the cold weather, winter rain & snow storms? Any suggestions are highly appreciated!

 

[ob]

Re: "Get my boat out of the rain..." *** Rain & Snow HELP tips for

Re: "Get my boat out of the rain..." *** Rain & Snow HELP tips for

On drier days remove the cover and allow condesation to evaporate from hull and control wiring.Keep motor vertical and start on muffs occassionally.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: "Get my boat out of the rain..." *** Rain & Snow HELP tips for

Re: "Get my boat out of the rain..." *** Rain & Snow HELP tips for

Actually, the water WILL hurt your boat. It is a common misconception that a boat is impervious to water. It isn't. Leaving a boat uncovered in pouring rain causes water to creep into all sorts of places, which over time can cause rot problems. The water can creep around screws and fittings, get under the floor, saturate into the foam, and it is over with after that. It only takes a few seasons for the damage to be done. The best protection is a garage or carport, but a tarp situated in a way that allows air to pass through the boat but keeps water out, or a cover that breaths is the way to go. You are probably likely to have little or no problem from the motor being in the rain, but a cover for it is a good idea as well. Just take a look at my "Skanky Beast" project over in "Project Boats", I have had to rip out the entire floor, structure, and transom due to excessive moisture. Anyway, good luck, water is the enemy........

 

[93bronco]

Re: "Get my boat out of the rain..." *** Rain & Snow HELP tips for

Re: "Get my boat out of the rain..." *** Rain & Snow HELP tips for

this will probably be moved but this is what i have expirenced.<br />you need to have some type of center cover support to keep rain water from pooling and stretching cover especially at seams.<br />i would also get a seperate outboard hood cover ($15 to $25) as the cover will leak at seams/stitching.<br /> i have a high $$$ cover on my trophy and it is wearing fast. they make a seam sealer as well as fabric waterproof spray to keep it new acting.<br />the higher the warrenty on the cover the longer it will last, but every time you use it takes a toll on them.

 

[JB]

Re: "Get my boat out of the rain..." *** Rain & Snow HELP tips for

Re: "Get my boat out of the rain..." *** Rain & Snow HELP tips for

Not exactly an Outboard Engine question.<br /><br />Moved to Boat Questions.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: "Get my boat out of the rain..." *** Rain & Snow HELP tips for

Re: "Get my boat out of the rain..." *** Rain & Snow HELP tips for

Well I have taken some pvc pipe and made a cover for mine that allows it to breathe and the same time keep the water/snow off of it.<br />I just got me some pipe that fit in my fishing seat holes and then some that connected them together and got me a good tarp, strung over it and it works for me.<br />Anytime I go out and check it, it is dry to the touch, no condensation no where.<br />Like I said, "Works for me"

 

[boatingfool]

Re: "Get my boat out of the rain..." *** Rain & Snow HELP tips for

Re: "Get my boat out of the rain..." *** Rain & Snow HELP tips for

brianmerc,<br />I agree , watching your boat in the rain uncovered is like watching your car in the rain with the windows down.<br /><br />I keep mine covered all the time.<br />After a good rain I will take the cover off to let it air out.<br />If you dont you may find a mildew problem.

 

[mikiedo]

Re: "Get my boat out of the rain..." *** Rain & Snow HELP tips for

Re: "Get my boat out of the rain..." *** Rain & Snow HELP tips for

Wallymart sells a kit that includes several 6 inch sections of poles that fit together with a plastic base and rounded plastic cap to put under the cover to keep it tight and prevent low spots where ponding occurs. As much as I hate to promote shopping there, they also sell KIWI Camp Dry (try the shoe and boot section), which is an excellent water proofer silicone spray for boat covers. Brought mine back from the dead. m

 

[Stubby]

Re: "Get my boat out of the rain..." *** Rain & Snow HELP tips for

Re: "Get my boat out of the rain..." *** Rain & Snow HELP tips for

Last year I left my boat in the rain with a cover that was not very waterproof and let the water freely leak through it. It was parked in the driveway on a slant which let the water drain with the plug out, but it still did a bunch of damage to the wooden bench seats of my alum. boat. I didn't care too much because I already was redoing the seats. <br /><br />This year after I have re-done the boat, I did not want it to go through what it did last year. I took two empty garbage cans and flipped them upside down for support of the cover. I put the same cover that I had last year on it, plus a large tarp on top of that. I then tighly secured the tarp to the boat with both bungees and ropes. I did not pull the cover too tight over the outboard and the transom allowing it to create a vent. <br /><br />I uncovered it last weekend and there was not an ounce of water inside, nor was there any codensateion. I was very please. <br /><br />Also, someone gave me the idea to use blown up intertubes as inner support for a cover, which I could see working pretty well.