This boat will be stored in this spot over the winter. PNW climate - no serious freeze or snow usually. I am inexperienced at this an am wondering if leaving the canvas in place is sufficient, or if I should tarp it. It seems there are pros and cons. The existing canvas is fairly recent, good shape. We have had some very serious rain the last two days and on checking inside, there was only a few drops on the seats in the cockpit area, apparently very slight leakage through zippers between the two parts of the canvas. The boat is well protected from wind but we get a lot of rain. Unfortunately there's a low wall and landscape "island" in front of this area that prevents getting the boat+trailer under the roofed area.
- Tarp over canvas can lead to mildew in the canvas. That would be a big problem here where it's very wet and almost always well above freezing.
- Canvas only increases wear& tear on the expensive custom canvas.
My inclination is to use the canvas, treat it with 303 or something to reduce wear, not use a tarp. Perhaps put a heater inside and turn it on when I'm around for a few hours once a week or two to warm and dehumidify the cuddy and cockpit.
Other ideas?
- Tarp over canvas can lead to mildew in the canvas. That would be a big problem here where it's very wet and almost always well above freezing.
- Canvas only increases wear& tear on the expensive custom canvas.
My inclination is to use the canvas, treat it with 303 or something to reduce wear, not use a tarp. Perhaps put a heater inside and turn it on when I'm around for a few hours once a week or two to warm and dehumidify the cuddy and cockpit.
Other ideas?