Looking for simple winter boat storage tips

[Louis123]

I am a new boater and have a small (14') aluminum fishing boat. I live in MA and am looking for tips on the best way to store the boat on its trailer to minimize winter damage.

It currently is on the trailer wrapped in 6 mil black plastic. The drain plug is removed. The trailer is stored in a level position (thinking I should probably find a safe way to raise the bow to promote better drainage).

The plastic cover accumulates water when it rains and with enough rain eventually pulls into the boat dumping all the water inside the boat. I then must lift the bow of the boat til the water inside drains out then reset the cover.

I realize this is far from an optimal solution and hope someone can share a tip or two to make my live easier. Looking for ideas such as how to build a frame (internal or external to the boat) to drape the plastic over or any similar ideas.

Thanks for the help.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Looking for simple winter boat storage tips

Bow higher than stern. I use a steel mesh to cover the plug hole but still allow drainage and keep any rodents out. If your cover is dipping with the weight of water then either it is not tight enough or you need to "tent" it with something to help the drainage. Plastic tubing works well or anything that is not going to pull over a sharp surface.
What are you doing with the outboard ??

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Looking for simple winter boat storage tips

By small 14 ft aluminum do you mean a row boat or console style? If its a row boat, remove the loose stuff and tip it upside down on the trailer. If not, remove the loose stuff, throw some moth balls inside and "tent it" with a tarp available at any home store. By tenting, I mean make a simple 2x2 or 2x4 framework to prevent water and snow from piling up. The steeper the tent, the less chance of build-up.

 

[Louis123]

Re: Looking for simple winter boat storage tips

Bow higher than stern. I use a steel mesh to cover the plug hole but still allow drainage and keep any rodents out. If your cover is dipping with the weight of water then either it is not tight enough or you need to "tent" it with something to help the drainage. Plastic tubing works well or anything that is not going to pull over a sharp surface.
What are you doing with the outboard ??

 

[Louis123]

Re: Looking for simple winter boat storage tips

Thanks for the help. The motor is being stored in my basement.

I have some 2x4s I plan to build a frame with. Just was lookiing for some other ideas in case I was missing some better options.

Happy New Year.

 

[Louis123]

Re: Looking for simple winter boat storage tips

By small 14 ft aluminum do you mean a row boat or console style? If its a row boat, remove the loose stuff and tip it upside down on the trailer. If not, remove the loose stuff, throw some moth balls inside and "tent it" with a tarp available at any home store. By tenting, I mean make a simple 2x2 or 2x4 framework to prevent water and snow from piling up. The steeper the tent, the less chance of build-up.

Thanks, I just got some 2x4s today to build a small internal frame to drape my plastic sheeting over. I suspect that will do the job. Had just wanted to see if anyone else might have had any other options I had not considered.

Thanks and Happy New Year.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Looking for simple winter boat storage tips

this simple pvc frame works great 2 T's 2 90's, covering the tires from the sun, also extends their life.

 

[Flukinicehole]

Re: Looking for simple winter boat storage tips

I would also take the tires off and bring them inside. The worst thing to do is leave them on the ground during the winter. They will dryrot and can get flatspots.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Looking for simple winter boat storage tips

Taking the wheels off is good advice, however if you choose not to do this then raise the trailer till wheels are just off the ground and block it so as to take the weight off the tires and cover them to keep the elements out.