Wintering - Indoors or Outside?

[plockton18]

In previous ownership my boat was always wintered in a shed. I am contemplating wintering her outside this year. I am thinking of a stout cover arranged over a ridge pole, supported by a timber frame, which would also keep the cover clear of the gunwhales. It would be held down by heavy iron pegs in the ground. Would this be sufficient to protect the brightwork (of which there is a lot)? Frosts are fairly rare in the location involved, but not unknown. The varnish is Epiphanes, incidentally.

 

[oldfrank]

Under a tent is OK ...... but inside from 1st November is better. Old Frank

 

[Eastermaid]

Regularly check the cover a floging cover does more damage wearing away the bright work than a winters weather!! I have had experiance of it.

 

[andrewbodenham]

My boat has lived outside under a tarp roof this winter without problems. I had a couple of portal frames made up from channel which provide a very solid support for timber purlins which carry the tarpaulin. The frames also allow me to lift the boat with a couple of chain-hoists at each end - very useful.
Having said all that, I'd rather be in a shed than outside for working on her!