Winter Storage Covering Options for a Typhoon Senior

[MHBsailor]

I'm already starting to think about winter storage for my (new to me) Typhoon Senior and will likely keep her in a marina this winter. She's in great shape, having been stored indoors for most of her days, so I want to keep her that way. If I were going to keep her at home, I'd probably get something like a Rhino Shelter, but since probably I won't this year. I'm debating between the various covering options (e.g., tarps, canvas cover, shrink wrapping). At least the first year, the mast will be resting horizontally on the boat so it can be used as a ridge pole. In my experience with tarps, they have a lot of issues here in the Northeast as we get storms called Nor'Easters which are pretty brutal. Also, they don't seem to be recyclable, and are therefore hard to get rid of when they wear out, and aren't environmentally sound. While a form-fitted canvas cover sounds nice, I don't think I want to spend that much given that in subsequent years I may be storing her at home (in which case I'd get a shelter). That leaves shrink wrapping (there seem to be some recycling options available). Anyone (especially CD22 and Typhoon Senior owners) have any thoughts as to what has worked best for them for winter storage covers in the snow belt? Thanks as always

[Frenchy]

Most of the boatyards around here mandate shrink wrap. I don't think I've ever seen a boat in a commercial yard covered with a tarp.
You should phone and find out. Good luck. The home shelter sounds like a great idea. - Jean

[Carl Thunberg]

Mandate shrink wrapping? I'm really glad I live in New Hampshire and sail in Maine, where the owner of the boat assumes the risk of whatever cover they choose. There is absolutely nothing inherently wrong with using a tarp. Keep the ridge pole high, erect a good sturdy frame, buy a good quality tarp, and tape any free edges, so they can't catch the wind. With a high ridge pole, the tarp sheds snow nicely. Like anything, it boils down to the level of care taken.

Philosophically though, it should be an owner decision, not dictated by the boat yard who has a vested financial interest in mandating shrink wrap. Can you tell I live in the "Live Free or Die" state?

[Megunticook]

I keep my TySenior at home on the trailer (blocked up), with a heavy duty poly tarp over a homemade framework (pretty cheap and simple). The mast gets stored under a shed roof attached to an outbuilding. The boat stays dry and well protected (she gets cleaned and a coat of wax in the fall to protect the hull from UV), but I can only get 2-3 years out of a tarp. I think the sun just weakens it over time. Canvas would probably be cheaper long-term, but I can get a tarp from my local marine supply store for about $100. Definitely beats shrink wrap.

Just one option to consider.

[Gary H]

I cover my 22D with a tarp draped over the horizontal mast. If it is tied down well there should be no problems. Use the heavy duty silver and brown tarps and it will last for many years. The ventilation through the openings at the bow and stern seems to be beneficial.