Storing boat without cover.

[agallant80]

We are getting close to buying a new house that has a double car port. I hate taking the cover off and putting it back on, not to mention the mold that the cover can cause if water is in the cockpit. Anyone store their boat under a carport without a cover on the boat? Any advice, Good bad ugly?

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Storing boat without cover.

In a completely enclosed garage - yes. I don't cover mine in the winter because it is in a nice clean garage. In a carport - no way, great way to invite in the critters, dirt, rain, etc.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Storing boat without cover.

Depends on how clean you want your boat... Critters and birds will have no problem claiming your boat as theirs.

 

[ricohman]

Re: Storing boat without cover.

oldjeep is right. Inside a garage is ok, but I hate dust on my cushions.
Outside under a carport? Maybe for a night, maybe. Anything longer and a nice light, breathable cover goes on.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Storing boat without cover.

Didn't factor in the critter factor. At least under the car port I won't have to prop up the boat hook to tent the cover.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Storing boat without cover.

not to mention the mold that the cover can cause if water is in the cockpit.

The idea is to keep water out of the boat in the first place. Store 'em in a garage or else covered. Agreed that under a carport is better than out in the open, but either way I'd have a cover on it.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Storing boat without cover.

Didn't factor in the critter factor. At least under the car port I won't have to prop up the boat hook to tent the cover.

I would still do that, it keeps the cover off the seats and promotes better airflow through the vents.

 

[moosehead]

Re: Storing boat without cover.

Perhaps only in season, or only over a few nights at most when you know you'll be headed out the next day or so. Otherwise, a cover will keep her clean and protected per above, and your craft will stay dry under carport and cover so mildew should be reduced considerably.

We have a covered slip in season and will only leave the cover off overnight if we know we are back onboard the next day. It still gets covered for anything other than a night or two of successive days use, otherwise we get birdcrap, dirt, bugs, etc. and the cover provides some nominal security.

Congrats on the new place and enjoy your dry stowage.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Storing boat without cover.

the only answer to most boating questions-like this one--is "it depends."

The downside of covering tight as we all know is mold/mildew and other ill effects from no air circulation + inevitable moisture. Storing in a carport in the right conditions can leave your boat clean and dry, much better off than covered. Depends on a long list of circumstances.

And there is the question of "dirt tolerance." Many people don't mind having to simply hose off winter's dust come spring. Others can't sleep if their boat gets a speck on it. There is a pollen factor (you might cover it loosely during pollen season). Some carppotrs keep out leaves and others do not.

And "it depends" on the boat. Lots of boats are fine uncovered outside and easy to clean off; others fall apart if left outdoors. I prefer to own the former and spend more time boating; others prefer the extra work.

 

[greenbush future]

Re: Storing boat without cover.

Any decent boat cover will have vents to take care of moisture. I would double down and use the cover in the car port. Really depends on what you have and how nice you care to keep your boat. If you get tired of using the cover, maybe spotless isn't your intent. You may have a beater boat that doesn't need covering much because it's old or doesn't have carpet and vinyl seats. I would rather cover and keep clean, instead of cleaning the dirt. My boat covers wont last long if I let snow, wind and rain hit it directly, so the car port does the heavy protecting, the cover just keeps it clean and protected.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Storing boat without cover.

I laughed when I saw the carport reference. My boats are ALWAYS stored INSIDE a dry garage, WITH the cover on. It takes me only a few minutes to put it on or take it off all by myself, so I don't understand the issues. Never any water in the boat anyway, but my covers are all breathable canvas so it wouldn't matter.

What I know is that when I'm ready to go my boat is immaculate - no spiders, mildew or even any dust. I need to clean it very seldom.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Storing boat without cover.

I laughed when I saw the carport reference. My boats are ALWAYS stored INSIDE a dry garage, WITH the cover on. It takes me only a few minutes to put it on or take it off all by myself, so I don't understand the issues. Never any water in the boat anyway, but my covers are all breathable canvas so it wouldn't matter.

What I know is that when I'm ready to go my boat is immaculate - no spiders, mildew or even any dust. I need to clean it very seldom.

Let me know if this will fit inside your garage.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_U2ysj4dqr0/UUydamEPjHI/AAAAAAAAAJw/uPHi4hn_gUo/s1600/IMG_2525.JPG

 

[dmoriarty51]

Re: Storing boat without cover.

yeesh will it fit under the carport?

 

[agallant80]

Re: Storing boat without cover.

yeesh will it fit under the carport?

The carport was designed to hold a Diesel Pusher RV

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Storing boat without cover.

Let me know if this will fit inside your garage.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_U2ysj4dqr0/UUydamEPjHI/AAAAAAAAAJw/uPHi4hn_gUo/s1600/IMG_2525.JPG

Yep... Lots of farmers rent out corners of unused pole buildings... My boat has spent winters in a building very similar to this one!

 

[JimS123]

Re: Storing boat without cover.

Let me know if this will fit inside your garage.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_U2ysj4dqr0/UUydamEPjHI/AAAAAAAAAJw/uPHi4hn_gUo/s1600/IMG_2525.JPG

I have a tandem 5 car garage that was designed to fit my boat while still attached to the car. The door would not be high enough to fit yours.

However, my son has a cuddy about that size and his does fit in his garage. But then again the garage was built with HIS boat in mind.