Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2014 - 15

If the water in the tarp leaks through and freezes, tarp
covered boats without some sort of internal structure like
a ridgepole can be problematic. Water weighs 8.34 pounds
per gallon. Over the course of the winter snowmelt, many
gallons of water can build up in a pool in the tarp.
Professional shrink-wrap heat guns are usually
fired with propane. While they are very effective
in the hands of a professional, they can be
dangerous to the novice. If fuel fumes are present
in the boat, heat guns can ignite fiberglass or cause
an explosion. Marinas and other professionals apply air vents
once the boat has been wrapped. Whether or not your boat
is professionally wrapped or if you cover your boat yourself,
it is necessary to have air circulation under the wrapping to
prevent mold and mildew from growing.
The use of a ridgepole with perpendicular supports is
an easy way to secure your boat for the winter. The
ridgepole is fastened with nylon cord to the boat cleats,
frame or the boat trailer, and the steep angle of the wrap
(or tarp) prevents snow and water from clinging.

The studs can be attached to each other with ¼-inch
carriage bolts and washers that can be easily taken apart
and saved for next season. Whatever method you choose
to make your frame, check for sharp edges on the wood
corners and round them off so the tarp does not tear.
The "A" frame structure you end up with has to
withstand wind and blowing snow. The cover must be
free from pockets or areas where snow can pile up and
melt to water, which can freeze again. One gallon of
water, or the equivalent when frozen, weighs 8.34 pounds.
If your cover has a sagging area, it's conceivable that
several gallons of water can accumulate over the winter,
and the weight can rip the cover, allowing the elements to
enter your boat. Then, water gets into the boat, can freeze,
expand and break things.
PFBC website: www.fishandboat.com

To promote air circulation, your tarp cover should not
be wrapped around your boat and motor. It should be more
like a drape. Many boaters cover their boat with one tarp
and wrap their outboard motor with another. Wrapping
your outboard motor too tightly with plastic will cause
condensation in the motor compartment that can cause rust
and problems in the spring.
In addition, fuel should be removed or topped off, the
motor should be fogged and the oil changed in the lower unit.
Most boats in Pennsylvania are stored on a trailer. The rule
of thumb is to block up the trailer to keep the tires off the
ground, make sure the wheel bearings are lubricated and make
sure the light housings are free from water. These storage
items and others can be found in the owner's manual and
should be followed closely.
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * September/October 2014

15
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2014

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