Winterizing Wooden Boat

[Aidan Smith]

Working with a 1953 Blue Streak Utility, wondering the best way to store it for the winter, outside.

I’ve heard many things, but as this is my first winter with the boat, I have no choice but to tarp it.

I will be shrink wrapping it next winter.

My thoughts was to build a frame that not only lets snow slide off, but lets air flow get over the wood to keep it dry.

Any thoughts?

 

 

"Shells sink, dreams float. Life's good on our boat."
1921 Elto Light Twin F
1950 Mercury KF-7
1951 Mercury KG-7
1959 Mercury Mark 6A

[RICHARD A. WHITE]

I believe it need covered, but not sealed up/shrink wrapped… it must be allowed to breathe. if not I think any moisture will start the wood to rot.

I use Uncle Gus’s repellant, keeps mice away.

 

Wood boats are different..

http://www.richardsoutboardtools.com
classicomctools@gmail.com

[DAVID]

turn it upside down so water wont collect in it.

1 user thanked author for this post.

Aidan Smith

[Tubs]

 

If you have to store it out side, before you cover it, give it a coat of Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface inside and out. This is a water repellent, not a finish, and you would need to reapply every year.

A "Boathouse Repair" is one thats done without having tools or the skills to do it properly.

1 user thanked author for this post.

Aidan Smith

[JACQUES]

I would keep it out of the sunny part of the yard to stabalize  the temperature swings … imho cold  wont hurt it much if the wood is not soaked.   think of  millions of canoes in camps  and    bush  lodges ……simply turned upside down for winter.     they last for  generations.

 

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

1 user thanked author for this post.

Aidan Smith

[Aidan Smith]

Crosbyman,

The boat will be on the south facing side of a garage, where there is little to no snow to begin with. It will be upside down on a cradle, and covered up, but the bottom of the boat will be exposed so that wind flow can swirl up and around. It is sealed mahogany, so I’m not too worried about rot, but just general care and precaution of the hull.

"Shells sink, dreams float. Life's good on our boat."
1921 Elto Light Twin F
1950 Mercury KF-7
1951 Mercury KG-7
1959 Mercury Mark 6A

[Gary H.]

If you have the ceiling height in your garage, Harbor Freight sells a 400 lb. Electric winch with remote control for $100. Just make a nylon strap cradle and lift it up.

[Aidan Smith]

No need to worry about covering it now… I managed to shove it inside of a small guest house on the property. Inside space is 11′ front to back, the boat is 10’9″. Fits like a glove!

"Shells sink, dreams float. Life's good on our boat."
1921 Elto Light Twin F
1950 Mercury KF-7
1951 Mercury KG-7
1959 Mercury Mark 6A

[RICHARD A. WHITE]

Would recommend HIGHLY some Uncle Gus’s to prevent little furry friends from making it their home for the winter.  Or something

http://www.richardsoutboardtools.com
classicomctools@gmail.com

1 user thanked author for this post.

Aidan Smith

[Aidan Smith]

I put a rodent repellent scent bag in the bottom, the same I use on my sailboat. Smells good and doesn’t leave any trace! Its better to know that the boat is safe inside for the winter though.

"Shells sink, dreams float. Life's good on our boat."
1921 Elto Light Twin F
1950 Mercury KF-7
1951 Mercury KG-7
1959 Mercury Mark 6A

[Author]

Posts