Do you cover your sailboat for winter storage?

Discover the best winter boat cover options for sailboats. Compare shrinkwrap, tarps, and custom covers to protect your boat from harsh weather.

As winter approaches in regions like the Great Lakes, where heavy snow and freezing temperatures are common, sailboat owners face a critical decision: should you cover your boat for winter storage, or leave it exposed? This question sparks debate among boaters, with opinions split between those who advocate for covering to protect against harsh weather and those who argue that covers trap moisture, potentially causing more harm than good. With insights from a BoatUS Foundation survey, real-world testing, and community discussions, this comprehensive guide explores the pros and cons of covering your sailboat, the types of covers available, and best practices to ensure your boat emerges from winter in top condition.

Why Cover Your Sailboat for Winter Storage?

Storing a sailboat outside during winter, especially in areas with snow, ice, and freeze-thaw cycles, exposes it to significant risks. Uncovered boats are vulnerable to:

• Snow and Ice Damage: Heavy snow can accumulate on decks, adding weight that stresses the boat and its cradle. Freeze-thaw cycles can cause water to seep into deck cores, leading to cracks or delamination.
• UV Degradation: Even in winter, sunlight can degrade varnished wood, upholstery, and gelcoat.
• Debris and Wildlife: Leaves, dirt, and nesting animals (like birds or rodents) can damage interiors, leaving behind droppings or chewing through upholstery.
• Mold and Mildew: Moisture from snowmelt or rain can foster mold growth in unprotected interiors.

Covering your sailboat mitigates these risks by providing a barrier against the elements. According to a BoatUS Foundation survey, 90% of boaters who use shrinkwrap believe it offers superior protection, while 50% value the convenience of professional installation. However, reusable covers are gaining traction as eco-friendly and cost-effective alternatives. Let’s dive into the options available and what you need to know to make an informed choice.

Types of Winter Boat Covers

Choosing the right cover depends on your boat’s size, storage conditions, budget, and long-term plans. Here are the four main types of winter boat covers, along with their specifications, advantages, and drawbacks.

1. Marine-Grade Tarps

Marine-grade tarps are the most budget-friendly option, typically made from fiber-reinforced polyethylene. They are rectangular or square, equipped with grommets for tying down, and often used as a DIY solution.

• Specifications:
  • Material: Fiber-reinforced polyethylene (300–1200 denier).
  • Cost: $5–$6 per boat foot.
  • Warranty: None.
  • Features: Waterproof, UV-resistant, available in silver for heat reflection.
• Pros:
  • Affordable and widely available at big-box stores or online retailers like Amazon.
  • Easy to install with ropes or bungees.
  • Suitable for small boats or temporary storage.
• Cons:
  • Poor fit, as they are not tailored to specific boat shapes.
  • Prone to tearing in high winds or under heavy snow loads.
  • Limited durability, typically lasting 1–3 seasons.
• Best For: Budget-conscious boaters with small boats stored in mild climates.

2. Generic Covers

Generic covers, sold by retailers like WestMarine or Budgecovers, are designed to fit a range of boats based on length and width. They are typically made from polyester or acrylic fabrics.

• Specifications:
  • Material: Polyester or acrylic (300–600 denier for polyester).
  • Cost: $9–$17 per boat foot.
  • Warranty: 3–5 years.
  • Features: May include vents, drawstrings, or storage bags.
• Pros:
  • More tailored fit than tarps, covering a broader range of boat sizes.
  • Moderate durability and UV resistance.
  • Available in various colors, with silver options to reduce heat buildup.
• Cons:
  • Not specific to your boat’s make and model, leading to potential gaps.
  • May require additional support poles to prevent water pooling.
  • Polyester degrades faster than high-end acrylics.
• Best For: Boaters seeking a balance between cost and protection for short-term storage.

3. Semi-Custom Covers

Semi-custom covers are designed for specific boat types, offering a more precise fit. You select your boat’s year, make, and model on the retailer’s website, and they provide options tailored to your vessel.

• Specifications:
  • Material: High-grade polyester or acrylic (e.g., Sunbrella, 600–1200 denier for polyester).
  • Cost: $19–$54 per boat foot (T-top models: $15–$79).
  • Warranty: 3–10 years.
  • Features: Vents, zipper access, adjustable straps, storage bags, and optional pole systems like Ridgeline.
• Pros:
  • Better fit than generic covers, reducing wind flap and water ingress.
  • Durable fabrics like Sunbrella offer long-term UV and weather resistance.
  • Customizable features enhance usability and ventilation.
• Cons:
  • Higher cost than tarps or generic covers.
  • May require custom frames or poles for T-tops or complex boat shapes.
  • Installation can be time-consuming without professional help.
• Best For: Boaters planning to keep their boat for several years and seeking durability.

4. Custom Covers

Custom covers are tailored to your boat’s exact measurements, often made from premium materials like Sunbrella acrylic or heavyweight treated cotton duck.

• Specifications:
  • Material: Sunbrella acrylic or cotton duck (9–12 oz for acrylic).
  • Cost: $62–$250 per boat foot.
  • Warranty: 1–5 years.
  • Features: Fully customized fit, reinforced seams, zipper access, and robust frame support.
• Pros:
  • Perfect fit, minimizing gaps and wear points.
  • High durability, with some covers lasting over a decade.
  • Enhances resale value by maintaining boat condition.
• Cons:
  • Expensive, with high upfront costs.
  • Requires professional measurement and installation in most cases.
  • Frames add complexity and weight.
• Best For: Long-term boat owners in harsh climates who want maximum protection.

5. Shrinkwrap

Shrinkwrap is a plastic film professionally applied to conform tightly to your boat’s shape, creating a sealed barrier.

• Specifications:
  • Material: Polyethylene film (7–10 mil thickness).
  • Cost: $15–$28 per boat foot (basic installation).
  • Warranty: 6–12 months.
  • Features: Vents for moisture control, custom fit, professional installation.
• Pros:
  • Tightly conforms to the boat, eliminating gaps for wind or animals.
  • Excellent waterproofing and snow-shedding capabilities.
  • Ideal for boats stored in rack systems or on cradles.
• Cons:
  • Single-use, generating significant waste.
  • Expensive annual cost, especially for large boats.
  • Requires professional installation and removal.
• Best For: Boaters prioritizing convenience and maximum weather protection.

Boat Cover Price Comparison Table

Boat Cover Fabrics: Polyester vs. Acrylic

The choice of fabric significantly impacts a cover’s durability, breathability, and environmental footprint. Here’s a detailed comparison:

• Polyester:
  • Strengths: Stronger initially, hydrophobic, resistant to sunlight and chemicals, recyclable.
  • Weaknesses: Loses strength faster than acrylic, prone to abrasion.
  • Denier: Measured in denier (e.g., 600D is twice as strong as 300D). Higher denier equals greater durability but increased weight.
• Acrylic (e.g., Sunbrella):
  • Strengths: Highly durable, hydrophobic, resistant to UV and harsh chemicals, insulating, available in take-back programs for recycling into industrial products.
  • Weaknesses: Prone to pilling without treatments, not recyclable through standard channels.
  • Weight: Measured in ounces (e.g., 9–12 oz for Sunbrella), indicating heavier, more durable fabric.

Environmental Note: Polyester can be recycled, while acrylic takes ~200 years to biodegrade. Sunbrella’s take-back program converts used covers into products like automotive insulation, offering a partial solution.

Testing Winter Boat Covers: BoatUS Foundation Insights

The BoatUS Foundation tested nine covers on powerboats (17–25 feet) stored on trailers, jackstands, or lifts during a Maryland winter. Covers ranged from marine-grade tarps to semi-custom options, sourced from retailers like WestMarine, Budgecovers, and TaylorMadeProducts. Support poles were added to prevent water pooling, and boats were checked biweekly.

Key Findings

• Tarps: Affordable but required frequent adjustments due to poor fit. They struggled with heavy snow and wind, often tearing at stress points.
• Generic Covers: Offered better fit but needed additional poles to prevent sagging. Polyester models showed wear after one season.
• Semi-Custom Covers: Provided the best balance of fit, durability, and cost. Features like vents and Ridgeline pole systems improved performance.
• Custom Covers: Excelled in fit and durability but were cost-prohibitive for short-term ownership.
• Shrinkwrap: Delivered the tightest fit and best weather protection but required professional handling and generated waste.

Lessons Learned

• Ventilation: Covers must allow airflow to prevent mildew. Vents or loose stern lacing (as noted by user Nicholson58) are effective.
• Support Systems: Most covers required additional poles or strapping to handle snow loads. Weak supports led to fabric stretching or pole breakage.
• Padding: Sharp edges (e.g., stanchions, windscreen corners) needed padding (pool noodles, towels) to prevent tears.
• Maintenance: Regular checks (monthly or after storms) were critical to remove pooled water and adjust straps.

To Cover or Not to Cover? Community Perspectives

A Reddit poll on r/sailing (252 votes) showed 50% of boaters cover their sailboats, 20% do not, and 30% viewed results without voting. Community comments from forums like Reddit and TheHullTruth (THT) highlight diverse approaches:

• Pro-Cover Arguments:
  • Protection from Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Users like Mirage35 and P3sailor emphasized that covers prevent deck damage from snow and ice.
  • Interior Preservation: Orion Jim noted that custom covers with ventilation (e.g., solar fans) keep interiors mold-free.
  • Cost Savings: JimsCAL reported using a $200 tarp-and-frame setup for seven seasons, far cheaper than annual shrinkwrapping.
• No-Cover Arguments:
  • Moisture Concerns: Some boaters, like CMP, argued that covers trap moisture, advocating for open ventilation.
  • Minimal Damage: S/V Alchemy mentioned that steel boats with fewer deck openings can be left uncovered with regular snow removal.
  • Hybrid Approaches: Captain Bucknut used a heavy-duty tarp with the mast as a ridge pole, ensuring ventilation by leaving hatches open.

Best Practices for Winter Boat Storage

Whether you choose to cover your sailboat or not, proper preparation is essential to protect your investment. Here are expert-recommended steps:

1. Clean Thoroughly: Wash the boat with a mild cleaner like Simple Green and dry completely to prevent mold. Remove cushions, batteries, and electronics for indoor storage.
2. Ensure Drainage: Remove the drain plug and elevate the bow to allow water to exit via the transom. For self-bailing boats, consider a mesh screen to block rodents.
3. Ventilation: If covering, use vents or prop hatches open slightly (1–1.5 inches, as per Nicholson58) to prevent moisture buildup.
4. Support Systems: Use sturdy poles (e.g., electrical conduit or Ridgeline systems) to create a steep pitch, ensuring snow slides off. Pad pole bases with carpet squares to prevent deck damage.
5. Padding Sharp Edges: Cover stanchions, cleats, and windscreen edges with pool noodles or tennis balls to reduce wear on the cover.
6. Secure Fastenings: Use heavy-duty bungee cords or ropes to secure covers, avoiding attachment to jackstands, which can destabilize the boat in high winds.
7. Regular Checks: Inspect the boat monthly and after storms to remove snow, adjust straps, and bail out pooled water.
8. Indoor Storage Considerations: Even indoors, use a cover to protect against dust and pests, as noted by Canvasworks.

Chart: Decision Tree for Covering Your Sailboat

Below is a decision tree to help you choose whether to cover your sailboat and which cover type suits your needs.

Choosing the Best Cover for Your Tartan 27 in Ohio

For a Tartan 27 stored outside in Ohio, where heavy snow and freeze-thaw cycles are common, covering is highly recommended. The BoatUS Foundation’s testing and community feedback suggest the following:

• Shrinkwrap: Ideal for maximum protection and convenience. Expect to pay $405–$756 (27 feet × $15–$28). Ensure vents are installed to prevent mildew.
• Custom Cover: A Sunbrella cover from a provider like Canvasworks ($1,674–$6,750) is a long-term investment, lasting 10+ years with proper care.
• Semi-Custom Cover: Offers a good balance ($513–$1,458), with durable fabrics and features like vents and zippers. Check retailers like NationalBoatCovers for Tartan-compatible options.
• Tarp with Frame: A heavy-duty silver tarp ($135–$162) with a DIY frame (e.g., electrical conduit, ~$50) is budget-friendly but requires regular maintenance.

Recommendation: If you plan to keep your Tartan 27 for several years, a semi-custom or custom cover offers the best value and protection. For short-term storage or tight budgets, a heavy-duty tarp with a robust frame can suffice, provided you check it regularly.

Environmental Considerations

Shrinkwrap generates significant waste, as it’s single-use and not widely recyclable. Polyester covers are recyclable but lose strength over time. Acrylic covers like Sunbrella are durable but require specialized recycling programs. For eco-conscious boaters, semi-custom or custom acrylic covers with take-back programs are the most sustainable choice.

Conclusion

Covering your sailboat for winter storage in harsh climates like Ohio is a wise choice to protect against snow, ice, and debris. While shrinkwrap offers unmatched weather resistance, reusable semi-custom or custom covers provide durability and eco-friendliness at a lower long-term cost. Tarps are a budget option but demand more maintenance. By following best practices—cleaning thoroughly, ensuring ventilation, using robust supports, and checking regularly—you can keep your Tartan 27 in pristine condition, ready for spring sailing. Consult your marina’s rules, measure carefully, and choose a cover that aligns with your budget and ownership goals.

Happy Boating!

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