Winter an H16 - How to ?

I've read a few things so thought I'd ask. What's the best method for storing your H16 for the winter in a fairly cold climate? Is it ok to leave it on the trailer or is there a better method recommended? I don't think I'll have covered and/or heated storage. Or should I look for heated storage - above freezing?

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I'm storing mine in a partially heated garage (5C), need to take it apart soon so I can strap it to the ceiling out of the way. I thought about bringing the hulls in the basement, but that's too much work.

If I was to leave it outside and I did consider it, I'd remove the drain plugs now and keep them out so the inside can dry and not freeze.

I would also be concerned about the weight of the snow on the trampoline for a whole winter, so I would probably remove the tramp.

I would leave it on the trailer so it does not get anchored in the ice.

I would also cover it with a tarp or something like that.

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Marc...
1978 Hobie 16 Keoke, sail# 36 84

I have it in a carport (not garage) so it's mostly covered. Should have mentioned that. I have a cover for the tramp too that I'll put on. Yes, need to remove the drain plugs definitely.

I was also thinking of just wrapping it in a bunch of plastic wrap from Costco. But it would be nice to get it into a non-freezing enclosure but I don't think that will be possible.

It gets to -30c here but usually only for a week or two at a time.

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I would only be worried about ice damage. So if the hulls are dry and it's covered, -5C or 30C won't make a big difference, water would still be ice if there was some left in the hulls.

Your shelter should be good at keeping rain and snow off it it for the winter.

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Marc...
1978 Hobie 16 Keoke, sail# 36 84

I've leaned mine against a tree outside for the last 3 years, just left the snow and ice be all winter (winter in northern minnesota) and nothing has ever got damaged and it's a good way to keep the snow off the tramp.

Rules for winter storage:

- drain plugs out, all water you can get out, get it out If you're worried about critters getting in, make screens out of hardware cloth (heavy 1/4" screen) and put them in the drain holes.
- keep the snow weight off the boat - boats have been crushed by big snows.

That's pretty much it. Covered storage is good (mine lives in the ceiling of the garage); heated is better, but not necessary as long as you get all the water out of the hulls.

If the boat is outside, remove the tramp and all the rigging and bring them inside to protect from UV damage. Cover the hulls, mast and the tramp frame (but not the hole where the tramp used to be) to protect from UV, tree sap, bird poo and anything else that falls from the sky.

I have 3 now and already tired of setup and wintering. I use to pull them, leave on the trailer with a tarp. Now I'm thinking of leaving them on the beach with a tarp... and pushing snow off when it piles up.

Also considering leaving the masts up. I'm in Michigan - pretty hard winters. But I don't see much difference in tarping it on the trailer outside (as was the case last year with 2 boats) or leaving on beach (raising off the ground 12" or so) and tarping them on the beach. Mast up - or Mast down? I also don't see a reason to drop them.

Is there one?

My 16 - if I get it back together - will be stored outside. We're in a fairly cold climate but don't get a lot of snow. I'll probably put plywood over the tramp and tarp the whole thing.

Ed

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'76 Hobie 16

I have kept mine outside on my RV pad next to the garage for many winters here in Utah. I take the mast off and hang it on the wall of the garage, outside. I cover the lower end as it has most of the fittings with a garbage bag and bungee it on. I cover the tramp with a heavy duty gray and brown tarp that I bungee in place. If the snow gets too deep I push it off with a push broom. Plugs out always when not sailing. No damage from winter weather yet.