MacGregor 25 Winterize Time

[MBertin]

Hi team,

I am in thinking mode on how I will cover up my McGregor 25 for the winter time. The Boat is now located in by backyard and I need to figure out a good protection to prevent the 12 feet of snow smashing it (Montreal is bad sometime in winter).
I was thinking to fabric a wooden structure to create a good slope on top of the boat. Covering up with a thick polythene (plastic cover) to prevent water ingression and then cover up again with a more rigid blue tarple (not really water but strong).
I could not find a good forum on this topic other then bringing the boat in Florida. So if you have already information (picture mean thousand word) or reference that could help, I will appreciate.

Marc,

[johnnyonspot]

Couldn't you just leave the mast running from the crutch to the bow pulpit and stretch a tarp over it from end to end, using bungees to keep it snug and tight?

[MBertin]

Hi Jonhny,

The slope will not be high enought to allow the snow to roll on the side. Also with the ramp on the Sail boat side, the snow will accumulate between the mast and the rail on the tarp.

I saw information on special post support like this one.

This is really the top notch for winter covering on sailboat but I got the feeling that the cost will be pretty high but it is nice to see "http://www.topshop.on.ca/photogallery.html".
This could be an alternative also. http://www.boatcovers.ca/PDF%20files/Bo ... 007pdf.pdf

I am travelling right now but I soon I get back home in end of October, I will need to get active on that.

[johnnyonspot]

There has to be someway you can form a tent over the boat. Maybe by putting a pole in the cockpit. Or do what I first suggested and ensure the tarp is tight so it does not sag, then after every snow storm go out with a push broom and push the snow off?

[markaram]

For a winter tarp arrangement
I thought long and hard re. the best
method of ease of install, and dealing
with snowloads.
So, after seeing Mac owners
around the internet and there winter
cover ideas, I basically installed a series
of 6 bendible pvcc plastic piping over theboat
and attached them to the trailer frame.
they form an arch over the boat in 6 archs
which are covered in a single large 16' by 26' tarpaulin.
The piping is reinforced with 2 long horizontal stringers
running a couple feet above the deck from bow to stern,
and tied to it.
plus with the archs of piping running over the top of
the mast stored horizontally in its crutches on the boat,
I also tied and duck taped 4"by 4" wood blocks to the mast
where the plactic piping meets to help deflect snowload
weight from the mast itself.
It has worked great so far and snow does not stay on
the tarp and slides off easily with a little sun beaming
down on it.
its a bit more work than simply throwing a tarp
over the mast and boat but works far better and well
worth the added cost and effort.
None of us Mac owners want snow and ice build up
in the cockpit and elsewhere regardless of how much
work and investment has been put into our boats.
sorry, this post should have been made in Oct of 08

Markaram
Mac21
Toronto

[MBertin]

Hi Markaram,

Due to a rush situation (I had to leave due business) I found a fix for my problem by investing into a big car shelter (call "tempo"). It was expensive (1200.00$) but I simply trailer the Sailboat into it and close the door. I was able to get access a few time. The dimension is 11 ft wide by 9.5 feet high and 32 ft long. I have a micro climate inside.




On your tubing concept, I am curious. Do you have some pictures?

Marc,

[markaram]

Hi Marc,
looks great...
that portable garage and you
can work on the boat when the weather
is favourable.
I have a pic stored on my computer of a 26X
with the cover and frame all set up but
I have not figured out how to upload it to
this site.
will post once its figured out.
I used the pic as a guide for my own
cover.


markaram
M21
Toronto

[K9Kampers]

The slope will not be high enought to allow the snow to roll on the side. Also with the ramp on the Sail boat side, the snow will accumulate between the mast and the rail on the tarp.

I use a PVC bow frame supported by an elevated strongback above the mast to create a steeper slope. Additionally, passing 1/4" diameter rope back & forth between the strongback and lifelines creates a 'web of support' that further maintains the slope to prevent snow from accumulating & sagging.

...found a fix for my problem by investing into a big car shelter (call "tempo").

I have one of these too, but not for the boat. A dome-shaped roof that still needs to be cleared of heavy snow. And I have a 'micro climate inside' inside mine as well...grass grows in the winter-time!