Tarp or No Tarp?

I am keeping my boat on a lift this winter (with a roof over the whole boat). I winterized it, put the boat cover in place, then secured a plastic tarp from Home Depot over the whole boat (tower & boat). I wonder if the tarp will do more harm than good. The tarp will protect the boat cover and prevent the sun from damaging the uncovered sides of the boat, but I am concerned that it might trap moisture. Maybe I should cut a hole in the top to permit air to circulate better. Anyone have experience covering their boat with a tarp?

My experience with boat tarps is lots of mildew on the interior.

And another question while I'm on this subject: Does storage in a garage make a big difference? I am in the Midwest, and could rent a storage garage for a couple hundred bucks a month during the winter, but I am not sure I would gain anything. I know indoor storage sounds nice, but does it really save my boat in the long run?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jmondl

And another question while I'm on this subject: Does storage in a garage make a big difference? I am in the Midwest, and could rent a storage garage for a couple hundred bucks a month during the winter, but I am not sure I would gain anything. I know indoor storage sounds nice, but does it really save my boat in the long run?

---

those tarps arent breathable, hence the mildew.. also if the tarp isnt super snug you may get some chaffing on the gel coat if the tarp is flapping around....

j - I live up the road from you, about 350 miles, just north of Chicago. I've kept stuff in a storage locker for extended periods and noticed mildew. There is no air movement or sunshine. Was just household items. If it were me, I would pass on the standard ground floor rental for boat storage. As it is, I put one of my cars outside for the winter to free up garage stall space for the Outback. Stays dry and mildew free. Run a small fan to keep the air circulating. I get carried away, as I also run antifreeze as part of the winterizaton. I think the tarp over your cover will capture mositure and result in mildew. Maybe get a cheap canvas cover so you have two layers and keep the boat on the lift? - Deerfield

I used to use a blue tarp to cover my boat cover but I was concerned more with the tarp's rub points wearing at the boat cover's waterproofing. I never had a problem with mildew underneath as there is enough wind for air to pass through but then the flapping movement can wear on the cover surface. The UV isn't a problem in the winter because there isn't enough of it to do any damage.

I think if you took a survey on this, a majority of us have tried the tarp in some form or another and ultimately found that there is really no substantial benefits to it other than piece of mind. I think in the time you spent tarping you would be better off trying to mildew proof instead. Primarily, getting it as dry as possible prior to tarping. From what I have been reading on the other posts, the water between the floor/hull issue would make that task almost impossible. Putting the seats indoors and 303 the vinyl left in the boat was a big help for me. And another thing, anything touching the vinyl any time of the year will cause the black death to grow in that spot!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jmondl

I am keeping my boat on a lift this winter (with a roof over the whole boat). I winterized it, put the boat cover in place, then secured a plastic tarp from Home Depot over the whole boat (tower & boat). I wonder if the tarp will do more harm than good. The tarp will protect the boat cover and prevent the sun from damaging the uncovered sides of the boat, but I am concerned that it might trap moisture. Maybe I should cut a hole in the top to permit air to circulate better. Anyone have experience covering their boat with a tarp?

---

I leave mine in my boat port all year, first the cover then a tarp over the cover. Cover is tight around the hull to keep the peskies out and the tarp is just over the back 2/3 of the boat.....never had a prob with mildew......have done it this way for 11 years. This year I decided to tarp the sides and back of the boat port and just a tarp over the back half covering the cover and the speakers. I use multiple bungie cords and secure tarp to the lift. Never had a prob with rash marks, but the tail of my boat faces east and most winds are from the nwest....has worked for me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wq25IHRMSkk

ditch the tarp since you already have a roof over it!