Winter Storage

Hello,
I just bought a new Hobie 16 and have it on a private beach on Lake Michigan (southern MI). There are no nearby ramps and I did not even bother getting a trailer. I believe neighbors store these on the beach all winter. Any advice on how to store this if I left it on the beach? I plan to take the trampoline down and mast along with getting a full cover.

Thanks!

Sounds like you’re on the right track with taking down the trampoline and mast. I’d also make sure to tie it down well to keep it from shifting in winter storms, and maybe throw it on some blocks to keep it off the wet sand and ice. Have you asked your neighbors how they do it?

Make sure that the hulls are well supported and that the boat is anchored down (that applies year-round, not just winter). Make sure any water is emptied from the hulls.

If covering the hulls, make sure that the cover you use cannot collect rain water or snow in such a way that a lot of weight builds up. If the rudders and mast are left outside, the rudders should be covered and the mast comptip should be covered or painted to prevent UV damage.

That’s pretty much it. Strip off anything (lines, fittings) that you don’t want to be exposed to the weather for several months. Sails should be stored with the batten tension released and in a place where they won’t be at risk of damage from rodents or mold growth.

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SRM, myself and others discussed winter storage many years ago. Do a search on this Forum.

I stored my (now sold) H18SX and now store my H16 'on the hard' at the sailing club.
The mast is stored under the deck of the Clubhouse, out of direct sunlight and UV that can harm the comptip.
The H16 is securely propped up on stern stands and my own contraption to raise the hulls well above any snow pack.
We leave the plugs out so the hulls can 'breathe' and stay dry.
Tramps and rudders are removed and stored in our basement (plus we do winter maintenance on the rudders).

We 'wrap' the hulls with tarpaulins to prevent any damage from UV and freezing rain or snow.
The H16 is securely tied down so that winds cannot move it around (and to prevent any possible theft).
Provided the hulls are dry, cold weather does not harm Hobie's.

Then we shed a tear, and go home to plan winter sailing holidays somewhere warm.....

_________________
2015 H16, with spin,
SOLD 1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947 "In Theory..."
'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'

Thank you all for your thoughts! I am now tempted to just take the frame off and store the two hulls on my kayak shelves on the beach.

Well done with your new Hobie 16! That would be wise to remove the trampoline and mast. Just make sure it's securely fastened, and to avoid moisture damage, raise it slightly off the sand even. Perfect for winter, should be!

Make sure to tie down the trampoline and mast tightly for winter. Use blocks to keep it off the wet ground.