Storing the Boat at the End of Season

The other day, we put the final touches on the winter layup for the boat. In all, it takes a while to get the boat ready for haul out. After haul out, it seems to take at least a month the get the boat actually closed for the season.

If we could work continuously, the time would be shorter. However, the weather and and other duties consume most of the calendar. I have never actually measured the person hours that are involved.
We make a fairly complete list of tasks and check off each item as it is finished. We simplify the list making by making a copy of last year's file and adding any "new" and deleting any "obsolete" items.

A partial list of things that we do includes:
- Repairing any items that remain on the "fix it" list.
- Pumping out the holding tank and filling (almost) the fuel tank.

- Cleaning Clinton River scum from the waterline with aluminum cleaner

- Using a cleaner/wax to polish the hull gel coat. (better weather now than in the early spring)
- Draining all fresh water and adding antifreeze.
- Erecting a system of railing and rafters that support the tarps.

The railings replace the upper lifelines and the rafters  fit between the railings and the mast.
(Picture taken in the Spring) 

- Removing all fabric and paper materials from the interior.
- Removing the batteries and all electronic items and storing them at home.
- Open all thru hull valves.
- Finally, install the canvas mast boots, forward and aft tarps. Our fitted tarps, inherited when we bought the boat, served us well and have recently been replaced. Having the tarps made in two parts makes transporting and installing them much easier.
You should note that tie down lines are routed to and arranged on the cradle. this keeps the tarps against the hull to limit fluttering. A flapping tarp will soon destroy itself.

Tarps installed and tied up.
(Picture taken in the fall)

We use adequate lengths of 1/8 inch diameter, braided, polyester line for the ties. This line has adequate strength and allows a little more stretch than larger diameter line.
Each tie is attached through a tarp grommet with a bowline. A small loop is tied about 18 inches from the point where the line touches the cradle. The line is then led around a cradle beam and brought back up through the loop. See picture, below.

Tarp Tie-Down Knot

The tie is pulled down, making the tie quite taught. This lashing provides a 2:1 force advantage, so you should be cautious in applying downward load to the free end. Then, while holding the tie where it passes through the loop, half hitches are tied to the standing part of the tie. These knots never seems to slip. They are, however, bit tough to undo.
Each tie down is fitted to specific point on the cradle. This makes it easy to sort out the lines when fall  comes.


Lessons:
- If tarps are used, assure that they fit well and do not flap in the wind. If they do, they will quickly be destroyed by the wind.
- We prefer to use tied down fabric tarps for winter storage because  small section of the tarp can be detached to allow access to the boat and they provide some thermal insulation when inside the boat in the dead of winter. They provide a little ventilation. Additional ventilation is provided by openings at the bow and stern, below the mast.