Outdoor Storage Considerations

Craig-o · **Posted:** Mon Aug 11, 2014 3:30 pm

Due to an increase in the number of vehicles requiring storage, my boat needed to be moved out of the garage. Interior storage in my neck of the woods runs $165-200/month; outside storage is much less, at $45-85/month (fenced, gated, security cameras, etc.) She's still in great shape with original vinyl and carpets holding up VERY well after 13 years - but I'm sure that's because she's been garage-kept. However, I can't see paying $165+/month for indoor storage - that'll add up quickly.

Any advice on moving a boat from inside storage to out? Obviously I'm going to need a good cover - any specific recommendations on materials or suppliers? What else should I consider, aside from thorough winterization when the time comes?

I live in northern California, so my main concern is sun/heat during the summer months, and wind and rain in the winter. Since she won't be right out my door, I want to be confident that it won't let water in (or pool on-top), but I also want it to breathe, so any moisture inside can escape (since I intend to leave the snap-in carpet in place, and will need to cover it before I let the carpet dry.) I've searched on the web for boat covers, and have found that there are many places from which to buy, and many brands of material like Sunbrella, Sharkskin and SunDura; but I can't find any unbiased recomendations. Can anyone give a specific recommendation on a cover that will be secure in wind up to 50MPH, repel rain, and allow moisture underneath to escape?

What about accessories like a pole with a capped vent, or a boat cover support (pole and straps that run to both the bow and transom)? Are they worth it?

Thanks in advance for the advice.

usje141 · **Joined:** Sat Apr 24, 2010 9:22 am **Posts:** 78

My recommendation would be to keep the boat in the garage and the cars outside! Aside from that, I can't be much help because my boat is garage kept so I don't have any experience with protecting it from the elements. Good luck!

crossram · **Posted:** Mon Aug 11, 2014 8:56 pm

my old boat i made the cover out of sundura fabric also bought some pullover covers for the seats. it was stored outside for six winters didnt have any problems. the boat i have now was left in the elements untouched for nine years with the original cover . was a little dirty but after cleaned it looks like new. as long as you keep standing water out you shoulnt have any problems

Craig-o · **Posted:** Mon Aug 11, 2014 10:20 pm

Keeping the boat in the garage is not feasible; it's been evicted by a 1955 Jaguar open car (no windows or even exterior door handles!)

OK, so 1 suggestin for SunDura, what about the fact that ther'll be water in the bottom of the boat when I cover it - won't it mildew if I cover it right away after using it?

Bayboater · **Joined:** Sun Jan 12, 2014 4:43 am **Posts:** 146

Mine is permanently out the back in the weather, so I spent $1,600.00 AUS to have a quality custom made cover made that keeps water & dust out, and breathes.
You can also tow it behind the car with the cover on.............

Cheers, Craig

Jdpber · **Posted:** Tue Aug 12, 2014 8:22 am

i Had a custom Sunbrella cover made earlier this season. and my boat also stays outside year around. i wish i had had a full gunnel cover made like above but it was not in the budget to double the cost. Sunbrella and Sundura both carry a 10 year warranty. they are not died fabrics the actual threads are colored. and the material stands the test of time.. My dad has a 23 year old Sunbrella Bimini and cover over the bimini that look brand new today. his sunbrella cover lasted 20 years and was replaced with another sunbrella cover 3 years ago. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. and $80 walmart cover will maybe last a year and will mildew and dry rot. A sunbrella / Sundura cover will last decades and will not mildew.

Spend the $600 and have one made and you will thank us.

reinforced double thick corners and joints.

LouC · **Posted:** Tue Aug 12, 2014 8:30 am

Mine sits outside as well and we have snow and ice to deal with, so, I had to develop a way to keep that canvas cover from caving in. It wasn't easy, I've refined it over the years, here is the final version:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/fplh6p6z0q3aw ... er%202.JPG

https://www.dropbox.com/s/1hnh7jv13t2lv ... 0cover.JPG

I had to come up with a way to secure the cross bows (fiberglass and very strong). I made wood panels up with the brackets used to hold those bows in place. This cover did not cave in this winter and we had a LOT of snow.

If you want the best, and don't want to build what I did, get yours from Fisher's Canvas in NJ. They are the best all weather covers period. The standard ones like we all have, are fine if you don't get snow. If you get snow, they will cave in and leak water in the interior, unless you do what I did.

rpengr · **Posted:** Tue Aug 12, 2014 10:29 am

I have two pole vents, and I do think they help ventilate the cover. The breather holes are not that large, but they do let air come out from the highest (hottest) area of the cover. I keep the port window in the head open to allow air in.

Bayboater · **Joined:** Sun Jan 12, 2014 4:43 am **Posts:** 146

As jdpher said.........you get what you pay for. Don't waste money on cheap covers, as they don't last....or provide the protection that a custom one does.
I bought the cheapies for my second boat and after 3 covers, decided to get the custom cover made for my third boat which I bought brand new. Sold the third boat a few months back, after being outside for 5 years. The interior & exterior was like new, even with our harsh Aussie summers.
The cover was one of the first things that I bought for my latest 220.

Cheers, Craig

usje141 · **Joined:** Sat Apr 24, 2010 9:22 am **Posts:** 78

Craig, that is one heck of a cover you have there!

It's kind of funny that we are willing to pay tens of thousands of dollars on a boat but balk at paying several hundreds to protect that investment...

Bayboater · **Joined:** Sun Jan 12, 2014 4:43 am **Posts:** 146

usje141 wrote:

Craig, that is one heck of a cover you have there!

It's kind of funny that we are willing to pay tens of thousands of dollars on a boat but balk at paying several hundreds to protect that investment...

Thanks for that. Really happy with the cover.

I agree with you re the money you spend on a good cover compared to the purchase price of the boat.
I look at it as an investment.

Cheers, Craig

www.iFourWinns.com

Outdoor Storage Considerations

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