[C320-list] Winter Covering

[Jane & Ken]

When it comes to boarding the boat via the transom ladder::::::two things are important
   1) if the boat is in the water. the first few steps do not cause too much stress on the transom.
   2) if the boat is on the hard-----one must make certain to  question the weight of the object trying to board via the ladder.  BIG variance on the static loads.  A 150 # person will not produce the loads that a 200# person will.

--- On Sun, 11/1/09, Scott Thompson <surprise at thompson87.com> wrote:


From: Scott Thompson <surprise at thompson87.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Winter Covering
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Date: Sunday, November 1, 2009, 12:19 PM


I can't argue with anything below except the decision to store the boat with boarding ladder down.  My impression is that it is extremely hard on the boat to use the boarding ladder to climb on board when the boat is on the hard.  I have numerous stress cracks in my transom that I attribute to this practice.  For the past few years I have opted instead for removing the boarding ladder altogether so that no one is tempted to use it this way.  Removing it also leaves the transom open to make it easy to get onboard or off.  I just use a small folding stepladder when I visit the boat.  This works out nicely.

BTW, I ran the numbers on getting a custom cover made for my boat by a local canvas shop in Annapolis, comparing this to shrink-wrap cost.  My impression is that you need to get a good ten years out of the cover, not counting any installation costs, to get ahead of annual shrinkwrap costs.  Of course the cover is a lot more environmentally friendly.

Scott Thompson
Surprise, #653

Andrew Santangelo wrote:
> Hello Max,
> 
> Well I did several different methods of winter storage.  Here we go:
> 
> * Two seasons indoor storage.  Pros: Nice and warm AND protected inside; you have a comfy environment to work in during the winter.  Cons: Very expensive; must step, unstep the mast - marina damaged the cables doing this one time.  Grrrrrr.
> * Three seasons outdoor storage, no shrink wrap, mast up, dodger up.  Pros: Cheap, and lazy approach.  Cons: Boat is very dirty in the spring, lots of clean-up. No protection when working and visiting the boat in the winter.
> * Eight seasons outdoor storage, shrink wrap, dodger off, mast up. Shrink wrap had a zipper door at the transom/ladder and the ladder was left down during the shrink wrapping process.  Pros: Cheaper than indoor storage, but protected inside the cockpit and deck.  On a sunny winter day it can actually be warm in the cockpit and cabin. Everything well protected and fairly clean.  Cons: Somewhat expensive compared to no covering.  Some what of a pain unwrapping the boat; on the other hand treat it as a spring present you are opening!
> 
> The last option worked best for me.
> 
> FYI:  When the boat was delivered to SFO everyone thought it was a new or nearly new boat.  They did not realize it was a 1996 vessel.  The great benefits of fresh water sailing.  Of course now I torment the boat with salt water!
> 
> Best Regards,
> Andrew
> 
> C320 "Dawn Treader"
> #333
> Pier 39 SFO
> 
> On Oct 31, 2009, at 12:24 PM, Max Ruddy wrote:
> 
>> Hey everyone...  Does everyone cover there boat when on the hard in winter, cold climates like that of Michigan, Maine, Colorado etc.  What are the various recommendations.  I assume most leave the stick up when covering?
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> 
>> Max
>> Sail la vie #277
> 

-- Scott Thompson
Surprise, #653