Ventilation

[Wansworth]

Having to leave the boat through the winter without access to dehumididiers etc I was considering a cover that fits over the deck from the fore hatch to the back end of the cockpit and then leaving the forehatch ajar and the bottom board out of the companion way.This would also keep the leaves out of the cockpit,but unlike a boom over cover should resist winter gales,anythoughts on this?

 

[prv]

Seems reasonable to me, as long as the cover is supported so that it doesn't catch the rain in puddles.

Another option for the companionway (without a cover) is to make a winter washboard out of cheap ply or sterling board, with big vents cut in it. This is what I have, with little roofs / hoods over the vents to keep the rain out.

This also lets you take the washboards home to varnish them.

Pete

 

[tillergirl]

It's the old fashioned (and excellent) way of doing it. Narrow opening at front and back. Water bottles hold the cover down and generally stop water gathering in puddles but permits me access. Occasionally the bottle break and need replacing. I repaint each year so it doesn't bother me that they are rubbing slightly in the wind. Need to leave space in the bottles for freezing expansion but that shouldn't bother you!

 

[Wansworth]

thanks,good points there.

 

[VicS]

My boat is always completely covered with a plastic tarpaulin during the winter.

I leave the two mushroom ventilators open a bit.

I do not attempt to heat it or run a dehumidifier.

Dampness or condensation has never been a problem.

I used to bring the cushions home but sometimes now due to laziness I dont bother.

 

[Wansworth]

My boat is always completely covered with a plastic tarpaulin during the winter.

I leave the two mushroom ventilators open a bit.

I do not attempt to heat it or run a dehumidifier.

Dampness or condensation has never been a problem.

I used

to bring the cushions home but sometimes now due to laziness I dont bother.[/QUOTE

Thanks,looks like arranging a flow of air will be the answer.The problem is to allow the air in without the rain or any cover blowing off as I will be unable to visit during the winter.

 

[doug748]

......looks like arranging a flow of air will be the answer.The problem is to allow the air in without the rain or any cover blowing off as I will be unable to visit during the winter.

I have also never had much problem with condensation.

If there is little of value in your cockpit lockers you can crack them open an inch or so, as they are probably open to the bilge/engine bay/cabin. By not opening them wide you will not get a flood if your cover moves.

Take the hoses off seacocks or, if you have the Blakes type, remove the cones.

I made a gert wooden box this year, it fits over the forehatch and allows it to be opened up. It is secured by a stout rope into the cabin.

 

[VicS]

Thanks,looks like arranging a flow of air will be the answer.The problem is to allow the air in without the rain or any cover blowing off as I will be unable to visit during the winter.

I used to have a very heavy plastic cover .. lasted for best part of 20 years ..made by a firm who made covers for lorries but I now use two of Bradshaws ( Tarpaulins Direct) "top grade" tarps that overlap over the hatch .. makes it easier getting in and out. They don't last very long. 3 years maybe but the cheap stuff barely lasts 6 months

Mast acts as the ridge pole

I tie it down well with ropes going right round under the hull ... none of these plastic bottles full of water as weights for me. I pad all the stanchion tops and other projections to protect it.

I actually now enclose the stern to stop leaves blowing in ... my spot is close to the hedge ... and to discourage birds from nesting in there. It's a pain to find a bird's nest in the radar reflector when you go to step the mast.

I usually try to visit a couple of times during the winter, esp after high winds, just to check all is still secure.

 

[Seajet]

All sounds good stuff; the only cautionary note I'd raise is that full covers make life easy for thieves or yobs once they're inside & hidden; not so worrying with thieves as the kit will be at home, but one does hear the odd horror story re. vandals...

 

[Wansworth]

All sounds good stuff; the only cautionary note I'd raise is that full covers make life easy for thieves or yobs once they're inside & hidden; not so worrying with thieves as the kit will be at home, but one does hear the odd horror story re. vandals...

Even when I am aboard there will be little to steal unless they are of sailers and know the value of an old anchour or some indeterminate bits of rope,probably the only thing new is the egg poacher.The fear I had with my last boat was scoundrals getting aboard and lighting the lamps or stove.The one villan we did have caused more damage breaking in than stealing a few half bottles of spirits;he was a drug addict and was soon aprehended,but that was in Spain.