Winter storage with mast up

[Mike Thompson]

I see a majority of people in my yard do this. Previously I have always stored the boat with the mast unstepped. However the expensive of this has prompted me to leave the mast in this year.

My question is HOW TO SEAL THE BOAT COVER WHERE THE
STANDING RIGGIN PASSES THROUGH IT.

I'm concerned abouit water draining down the cables and
ice then damaging terminals and chainplates.

Any experience?
Mike CD28 HAVEN




http://www.mikethompsonpaintings.com
info@mikethompsonpaintings.com

[Woody]

Mike
When living in the Chicago area, I stored my 36 for years with the mast up. What I did was detach the lower shrouds and bring them to the mast. I backed off the uppers about three turns and did the same with the fore and aft stays. Next I built my tarp support. I built a crutch for the end of the boom and then extended a 2x4 back from there. I used my wisker pole forward between the forestay and mast. By the way, since mine was a cutter, I also brought the inner forestay to the mast. I attached 3/4" sked 40 to the lifeline supports with two hose clamps each. Next came the tarp. YOu can shrink, use canvas or blue poly. I used the latter and it usually lasted a couple of years. My tarp was slighty longer than the boat.

Here is the trick. Once the tarp is over the superstructure, at the mast, slit one side from the mast to the toe rail (all the way). Pull the slit around the mast and extend the tarp to the bow. Get some shrink wrap tape from your local marina. 8" is best but 4" will do. Create a seal around the mast using this tape. Run that tape inside and out, down the length of the slit. It works best if you have somebody on the inside and outside so you can create a back so to speak as you press the tape together from the inside and out. As an extra precaution, you can put a few electrical ties down the seam. I try to have the wood fore and aft stick out of the tarp. I use electrical ties to close those seams as well. Any excess at the bow and stern are rolled, tied and shrink taped. Cut a few vents (hooded to keep out rain and snow) and you're all set. If you live in an area that sees a lot of snow, then you will want to increase the number of 3/4" tubes. I hope I was clear as it is easy for me because I see it in my minds eye. If you have questions write or call. Good luck.
Woody
s/v Amazing Grace
36 CD #108
906-485-5882



ewood29289@aol.com

[Woody]

I guess I wasn't real clear on the 3/4" sked 40. It's PVC water pipe. Sorry.

[Reed Erskine]

I'm new to boat ownership, but did notice since buying my CD31 in July that a certain amount of precipitation finds its way down the inside of the mast and ends up in the little well at the base of the mast inside the cabin. Does this pose any problem for winter storing keel stepped masts in place?

Thanks, Reed CD31 Avondale, RI



rerskwin@netscape.net

[charlie palumbo]

I'm new to boat ownership, but did notice since buying my CD31 in July that a certain amount of precipitation finds its way down the inside of the mast and ends up in the little well at the base of the mast inside the cabin. Does this pose any problem for winter storing keel stepped masts in place?

Thanks, Reed CD31 Avondale, RI

Reed,
Over the years there has been a good deal of discussion as to whether to leave the mast up or take it down. The majority favors taking it down because it eliminates a good deal of stress via wind vibration on the hull.My persi=onal opinion is that with rigs as strong as cape dory, I sincerely doubt you would have a problem if you leave it up.
The skippers who leave it up, do so for a few reasons.
Many assume they are going to get in very early the following year, which usually never happens....being fairly new to boating, you will soon realize that boatyard personnel are a bit tempermental in this regard.
Some skippers fear damage to their vessels, with the mast going in and out. The majority simply do not want to spend the money which is probably $10-11 per boat foot for the complete package.

Regardless of what you choose, the method chosen by (woody) would appear to work perfectly well. I personally choose the shrinkwrap system which I find works perfectly well. If done properly your boat will stay dry regardless if you leave the mast up or not. Not only will you preserve your investment by keeping weather out, you also have the ability to work on it under the cover in the off season.
True it is a bit more expensive....but hey what the hell, you worked hard enough to buy the boat. Whatever method you choose...good luck.

sincerely,
Charlie....cd36 N.Y.



jcp1347j@aol.com

[George]

I see a majority of people in my yard do this. Previously I have always stored the boat with the mast unstepped. However the expensive of this has prompted me to leave the mast in this year.

My question is HOW TO SEAL THE BOAT COVER WHERE THE
STANDING RIGGIN PASSES THROUGH IT.

I'm concerned abouit water draining down the cables and
ice then damaging terminals and chainplates.

Any experience?
Mike CD28 HAVEN

I have have been storing SACHEM with the mast up for over 10 years, however I tahe a trip up the mast in the spring if it's warranted: bulb is blown check on the VHF connection, along with retaping the spreader boat covers wash the mast.
As far as water in the well just pour a little pink stuff in there in the fall an remove the same in the spring. Also take some of the tension off the shrouds and remember to put the cotter pins back in, they can back out during the long winter rest!!!!!!
Any water that comes thru the tarp along the shrouds should not damage the toerails as long as the vessel is pitched properly on the jack stands.
We also take the halyards down and wash them in fresh water and store them at home.



gprobolus@prodigy.net