ShipStore.com Beacon: Winter Boat Storage
Issue 53, October 14, 2005
http://www.ShipStore.com
Floating your boat since 1982 TM


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IN THIS ISSUE:
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~ CAPTAIN'S TIP: Winter Boat Storage
~ CAPTAIN'S SPECIALS: Winter Storage Products and Discounts
~ CAPTAIN'S CONTEST: "Win a Shopping Spree" Drawing

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~ CAPTAIN'S TIP: Winter Boat Storage
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Well it's pretty much the wettest autumn I can remember. I checked out Weather.com this morning. More bad news! Not only have we just finished seven days of continuous rain, but we're headed for another seven.

* grumble *

In the last issue of the ShipStore.com Beacon I talked to you about hauling and cleaning your boat. And last fall I covered that dreaded but all important annual ritual, winterizing your boat.

Beacon Issue #19 Winterize Your Boat 101 (Engine, etc.)
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/NEWS/NEWSbeacon019.html

Beacon Issue #20 Winterize Your Boat 201 (Hull, Head, etc.)
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/NEWS/NEWSbeacon020.html

Once you've accepted that the boating season is over and you've tackled the tear jerking task of hauling and winterizing your boat it's time to choose a suitable storage solution over the winter. It's depressing, I know, but the good news is, the hardest part is behind you. But deciding on appropriate winter storage for your vessel is an important step in guaranteeing that your liquid asset is ready to launch in Spring 2006.

Let's take a quick look at your options. Although the severity of your winters should serve as your primary guide, it's also important to evaluate your storage options with respect to cost, convenience, maintenance and security.

The first choice you'll have to make is between wet storage and dry storage. Year-round wet storage can be a convenient option if you have access to reliable deicing equipment. Check out Beacon #21 for a deicing overview and deicing equipment advice:

http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/NEWS/NEWSbeacon021.html

Propeller deicers and bubblers circulate warmer water from the bottom to displace surface water. Sounds nice and easy, but you should bear in mind two caveats: the water depth must be sufficient to allow for warmer water, and berth must be protected from moving ice flows which could result in damage to the hull of your boat.

If you're fortunate enough to be able to store your boat in its slip over the winter, you may still wish to protect it. Consider removing easily damaged or stolen equipment such as sails, lines, lifejackets, dinghies, etc. You may also want to cover louvered or leaky hatches to prevent rain and snow from entering the cabin. And remember to lock up before you leave.

Although dry storage takes a little more time and effort, it does offer plenty of benefits. In addition to ensuring your boat against sinking and minimizing the chances of water damage, dry storage also affords you the chance to inspect and maintain parts of your boat otherwise below the waterline.

If you opt for dry storage, you need to decide between indoor or outdoor storage. In many parts of the country there's an increasing number of indoor boat storage facilities. The two biggest benefits of indoor storage are that it improves security (most facilities are locked) and you won't need to cover your boat. In addition, indoor storage also tends to reduce the wear and tear on your boat caused by flapping tarps and straps. However, many indoor storage facilities prohibit boat owners from working on their boats to prevent damage to other boats. But the money saved by not having to purchase a cover and the reduced spring cleanup time are pretty enticing.

Most boat owners nevertheless opt for outdoor winter storage. Perhaps outdoor storage is more popular because it's cheaper, but it also offers some advantages. It's generally far easier to visit your boat during the winter when it's stored outside, and you'll have more flexibility to work on your boat in the fall and spring.

Remember, if you opt for outdoor storage it's vital to cover your boat well. There are three basic techniques for covering your boat: a canvas cover, a plastic tarp-style cover, and shrink wrapping. Each offers unique benefits and drawbacks (to be covered in a separate newsletter), but all three work best when combined with a support framework. Supporting your cover will reduce the likelihood of collecting water, snow and ice; sagging beneath the weight; ripping; and flapping in the winter wind. Check out this excellent system from Taylor Made:

http://www.shipstore.com/ss/html/TAY/TAY55741.html

Take the time to set up a simple but sturdy support system, and then focus on securing your cover to prevent loosening and flapping which can result in moisture damage and abrasion. Make certain that grommets and/or other potentially abrasive parts are not in direct contact with gel coat.

If you're concerned about the risks of mildew during the winter months, make sure that the cabin and bilge are well ventilated, or else you may want to consider purchasing a mildew prevention product to combat stagnant, moist air. We recommend either of these dehumidifiers:

MDR Damp Away
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/html/MDR/MDR300.html

Starbrite No Damp Dehumidifier
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/html/STA/STA85412.html

Once you've stored your boat, you'll be able to put your worries away over the winter. Instead, your mind will start wandering to those first beautiful spring days when you can launch on time and start off another perfect boating season.

Cheers!

George Davis, Beacon Editor
editor@shipstore.com

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~ CAPTAIN'S SPECIALS: Winter Storage Products and Discounts
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Heavy Duty Poly Boat Cover Tarps, Green and/or Blue
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/html/SALE/SALECOVERS.html

MDR Damp Away
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/html/MDR/MDR300.html

MDR Store-n-Start Gas Stabilizer, 4 ounce
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/html/MDR/MDR549.html

MDR Store-n-Start Gas Stabilizer, 8 ounce
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/html/MDR/MDR550.html

MDR Store-n-Start Gas Stabilizer, 1 pint
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/html/MDR/MDR551.html

MDR Store-n-Start Gas Stabilizer, 1 quart
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/html/MDR/MDR552.html

MDR Store-n-Start Gas Stabilizer, 1 gallon
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/html/MDR/MDR553.html

MDR Store-n-Start Diesel Conditioner, 1 quart
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/html/MDR/MDR 554.html

MDR Store-n-Start Diesel Conditioner, 1 quart
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/html/MDR/MDR 556.html

MDR Store-n-Start Diesel Conditioner, 1 pint
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/html/MDR/MDR 561.html

MDR Store-n-Start Diesel Conditioner, 1 pint
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/html/MDR/MDR 562.html

MDR Store-n-Start Diesel Sludge/Slime Control, 1 pint
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/html/MDR/MDR 563.html

MDR Store-n-Start Diesel Conditioner, 8 ounce
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/html/MDR/MDR 565.html

STARBRITE No Damp Dehumidifier
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/html/STA/STA85412.html

TAYLOR MADE Cover Support System
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/html/TAY/TAY55741.html

TAYLOR MADE Adjustable Boat Cover Pole
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/html/TAY/TAY11991.html

TAYLOR MADE Fiberglass Bow, 72 inch
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/html/TAY/TAY924.html

TAYLOR MADE Fiberglass Bow, 84 inch
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/html/TAY/TAY925.html

TAYLOR MADE Fiberglass Bow, 96 inch
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/html/TAY/TAY926.html

Tiedown Retractable Buckle
NOTE: End of Stock!!!
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/IMI/IMIF13127.html

PYRAMID Heavy Duty Black Poly Pro Float For De-Icer
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/PTI/PTI6226.html

PRO VENTURE Peel-N-Stik Pro Patch White
NOTE: End of Stock!!!
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/PVI/PVI00003.html

PRO VENTURE Peel-N-Stik Pad Patch Blue
NOTE: End of Stock!!!
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/PVI/PVI00003B.html

PRO VENTURE Peel-N- Stik Grommet Blue
NOTE: End of Stock!!!
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/PVI/PVI00004B.html

Tarp Snap Bulk (100 per pack)
NOTE: End of Stock!!!
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/VEL/VEL808601.html

KWIK TEK Salt Terminator Spray, 10 ounce
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/html/KWK/KWKSX10.html

KWIK TEK Salt Terminator Spray, 1 quart
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/html/KWK/KWKSX32m.html

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~ CAPTAIN'S CONTEST: "Win a Shopping Spree!" Drawing
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Win a $100.00 credit at ShipStore.com by submitting your 4th of July photos for the First Annual Independence Day Photo Contest. Photos should clearly capture the Independence Day theme, but the subject is totally up to you. Get creative. To be eligible, all you have to do is send us your photo(s) before August 1. If you have a digital camera, please send your photos as an attachment, preferably in JPG format. If your photos are printed, please scan them and send the digitals as an email attachment to: editor@shipstore.com . It's that easy!

You'll be sent a confirmation email to let you know that we've received your submission. Good luck.

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COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
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COPYRIGHT 2005 ShipStore.com (tm) ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Permission is granted to electronically copy, print or forward this newsletter for use as a shopping, boating or travel resource as long as it is not altered in any way and sent in its entirety. Any other use of materials on this Web site--including reproduction for purposes other than those noted above, modification, distribution, or republication--without the prior written permission of Westport Marina, Inc. is strictly prohibited.

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CONTACT INFORMATION
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ShipStore.com
6039 Route 9N
Westport, NY 12993
Telephone: 518-962-2700
Toll Free: 877-SHIPSTORE (US and Canada)
Fax: 518-962-4582

E-Mail sales@shipstore.com with any questions.