Wooden Speedboat stored outside.

[James_D]

I now own a clinker ply speedboat built 1960 it has been stored inside for 35 years, it's in perfect condition, I have for time being placed it on wooden blocks resting on large slabs of foam, its covered with rather expensive breathable cover, but would like to know if I am doing correct thing and what I should be doing, I have heard to place an electric fan (cold air) inside to come on early morning at dew point. any help please, JBD /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[JesseLoynes]

The important thing is to stop fresh water puddling inside her, and to make sure there is a free flow of air to all areas. Avoid fresh water traps and stagnant damp air, and you'll be fine for the winter season. The flow of air will allow the dew or condensation to dry and dissipate.

They'll be plenty more tips to help, but I reckon these are the important ones.

 

[James_D]

any comments on using the fan?

 

[JesseLoynes]

I guess it can only help the air flow and speed of drying. The less moisture in the air, the quicker it wicks damp of the surface. By maintaining a good airflow, you ensure that the air in the area above the surface always has a low moisture content.

You'll often see winter covers on land built as a high tent, with long overhangs. This leaves plenty of space for air and means that either end can be left open to allow the breeze to pass through.

 

[Lakesailor]

Ah. I was going to suggest the same. Keep the covers clear of the craft and allow plenty of ventilation. A poly tunnel with no ends on would be great. (or under a car port.)

 

[tcm]

polytunnel

er okay but

any condesation must be able to run off away from the boat - so the tunnel should be on a frame or like an umbrella.

Other thing is that some covrs,once a bit busted are well, busted and need a new roof. A really good steer is to be found from pavement caffs abroad who have big sunshades but which don't get ripped off in high winds cos the shade itself is actually narrower strips which overlap and are not sewn togethr - so the wind can blow through them and can't get hold of the entire thing - the sunshade (or boat cover in this case) is the oppiste to what you'd want from a sail.

i fink.

 

[Lakesailor]

Re: polytunnel

 

[burgundyben]

Think fan not required, just a cover held clear of the boat.

Good natural ventilation is what you need.

Local Farmers barn very useful if oyu can find one.

 

[milltech]

I have an 11 foot Gull gifted to me by my fastidious uncle who built her. For 20 years, about, she lived in my barn. Varnish remained perfect, everything just as he left her. I got divorced in February and the boat came to live on its trailer in my brothers field. It is covered with a tarp, and the boat has plywood covers as well, however the varnish is already peeling from the bow and I must clear the garage and get her back under cover or sell her. The downhill spiral has started.

So my comment is that if needs must OK, but if you can move her back under cover somewhere, like BB suggests, I think it would be a better idea.