Boat owners have to deal with storage-related issues every winter. They have to store their boats safely, securely, and with zero risk of damage throughout the winter months. Boat owners with plenty of resources can afford to buy expensive fitted covers or shrink wrap. For the average boat owner, these methods are too expensive and complicated.
In the past few years, demand for the boating lifestyle has increased significantly. More and more people want to enjoy active boating experiences with their family members and friends. That means there’s a growing group of middle-class boat owners. For them, using expensive boat storage tools like fitted covers is out of the question.
Thankfully, with high-quality tarpaulins, these boat owners have an affordable alternative. How can the average boat owner use premium-quality clear tarps to “winterize” their vessels? Here’s the in-depth guide –
How to “Winterize” Your Boats with Tarps
Step 1: Buy the Right Sized Tarps
The tarps you purchase for your boat shouldn’t come up short. They shouldn’t be too long either as tarps that are too big can get damaged by wind or water. Measure your boat. Buy tarps that are slightly bigger than your boats (by a few inches). Ask the tarp seller for assistance. Tarp sellers frequently work with boat owners. They can help with size-related decisions.
Step 2: Covering the Boat with the Tarps
Once the right-sized tarps are delivered, boat owners must prepare to cover and secure their boats with the tarps. There’s one issue that boat owners may face during this process – the sharp edges/corners of the boats damaging the tarps. These sharp edges and corners can cut through PVC or vinyl tarps. In windy conditions, the tarps may flutter strongly against these sharp edges and pick up cuts or holes.
That’s why boat owners must first cover all sharp corners and edges of their boats with old pieces of cloth. Create paddings with carpet remnants, discarded rags, and other strong pieces of fabric. Secure these paddings underneath the tarp with duct tape. Apply this step on the areas of the tarps that cover the boat’s sharp edges and corners. They include – the burgee poles, the antenna mounts, and the windshield frame corners.
Step 3: Tie Down the Tarps
Once you’ve safely covered the boat with your tarps, it’s time to securely fasten them down. Use cords or wires to carry out this step. Tie these wires from underneath the boat and secure them tightly to ensure all regions of the boat are covered.
Step 4: Secure the Cover
Make sure there are no loose, low spots in your tarp covers. Or else, these low spots may collect water during rainfall. Prop up these low, sagging spots with small pieces of timber, paddings made with carpet rags, etc.
Step 5: Create Ventilation Holes
Make sure there are small holes in the tarp coverings that allow small amounts of air to circulate. The total absence of ventilation could lead to bacterial infestations.
Follow these steps to create an effective winter storage plan for your boat, using nothing but low-cost tarps!
