I've searched this forum and other web sources, trying to find out how to secure my trailered DS1 from winter weather. We get some stiff winds and ice storms here in New England and I don't trust those horrid blue tarp specials to hold up. There is a Tarp place on the net (Eastern Marine?) that offers a heavy duty silver tarp that seems to be more durable 14x14 weave) than those offered in the West Marine catalog (12x12 weave). Thicker poly and UV resistant. I don't have the URL handy.
Do you think it's adequate protection to do the following:
-- remove drain plug from cockpit and get all water out of boat.
-- Lay the mast over the top of the boat, slot side either down or to the side so that water doesn't accumulate in it (I've got to find, make or jury rig some supports fore and aft). Use the mast to support a tent shape for the tarp.
-- Cover the boat (how much of it? all?) with heavy duty (how heavy duty?), waterproof tarp. Secure tarp somehow (bottles of sand? bungee? rope?).
-- some web offering suggested snow fencing -- that pretty orange plastic wide-mesh netting used around the intersections of pasture and highway.
Is this enough? Or should I plan to bring the boat into the living room or install a couple of bird bath heaters in the cockpit
Most of the web information on winter boat protection addresses larger boats. I know ice is ice and covalent bonds are mighty forceful. I want to offer good protection against ice and snow, but don't want to go expensively overboard (so to speak). Shrink wrapping at even $10 per foot seems too costly, overkill and a waste of petroleum-based plastic.
Any tips or know how is appreciated. Thanks.
hightide