Snow covered wellcraft
 

Just be sure the plug is out and the front is higher than the back so any water will drain out.

And be sure all the water is out of the engine.

Should be fine.

I wish I could have a snow covered Wellcraft!

I wouldnt sweat it....people leave boats uncovered year after year. It will take its toll on the boat for sure after years of that kind of treatment but I wouldnt worry about a week here or there.

swimming pool covers, do a search on here about them, improvise with lumber or pvc pipe to reinforce it and to make sure it won't puddle water or collect snow

....problem is the cover keeps blowing off and swimming pool covers are $$. If the boat works out I will have a cover custom made for next year. I just have to make it to the summer, if I can wait that long. Maybe I will go ice fishing with it. It does have a heater, LOL.

Good idea all the same

no, swimming pool covers are not that expensive, around $50(the one for my pool was $65 shipped), like i said, search on this site, its been discussed a lot. The pool covers are cheaper and hold up better than comparable size tarps, the shape of the oval pool covers also make it fit better than a generic tarp. You're still going to have to support the cover and tie it down properly. Don't waste money on bungees, buy some bulk cord and tie it down at each grommet

I will look into it.. the tarps just don't work.

start here http://www.wellcraftv20.com/communit...ng+pool+covers

Roffey, Spareparts is right on the money with the swimming pool cover idea. Go online to National Pool Wholesalers in Florida. Buy their gold, oval shaped 20x14 above ground WINTER cover. It should cost you around $50-60. (Since it's a pool cover there is an extra 4' of cover all around to fit down the sides of the swimming pool, so the actual size of a 20x14 is really 28x22) It comes with a steel cable that you weave through the grommet holes and trailer frame and then cinch tightly to secure it to the boat. For a longer lasting cover, do like Spare said and build a frame out of wood or pipe to go from the front of the boat to the stern to make a tent so that snow will slide off and not put too much weight on the cover. Also, a neat little trick is to go to Harbor Freight and buy a pair of their cheap foam knee pads. (less than $10) Put one on each corner of your windshield between the windshield and the cover and they will protect the cover from the sharp corner of the windshield.

If you should decide to not use a cover, just remember that this is a BOAT that you are covering. It's made to get wet. You will not harm it by not covering it... HOWEVER, you will harm any vinyl seats, fishing gear, etc, etc, etc, that you leave out and exposed, so it's always a good idea to cover the boat. If you should leave it uncovered, like Randleman said, MAKE SURE that the front is of the boat is higher than the rear, (so any water drains out) and that the stern drain plug is removed and that there are no debris cloging the drain hole. Just remember that if you leave it uncovered, the first thing you're going to have to do come springtime is completely powerwash the boat, cause it WILL be filthy from the rain, snow and dust that will accumulate on it over the winter.

most of the time i see rotten stringers on a boat, its from them sitting uncovered and filling with rain water, most alternator and starter damage i repair on I/Os are caused from water sitting in the boat. I've done four oil pan replacements in the last three months, all from water sitting in a boat. we refer to water damage from being left uncovered as sinking while on the trailer. #1 rule of boating(as told to me by a submariner) keep water out of the people holder!

I'm using a 12x24 oval pool cover. Works well, i use the ratchet and cable it comes with to cinch it down. I split pool noodles and wrapped my rail and windshield to prevent it rubbing through. Total investment, $45 for the cover on Ebay and 6 noodles for $1 each from 5below... $51 covered.

Titan, that's a great idea about the pool noodles... Much better than my knee pads from Harbor Freight. Thanks for the idea.!!!!:clap:

No problem... They fit real tight, the pool cover flaps some, but the slack is good for some water retention without tearing. I usually get the water out within a couple days.

Bungee cords - simple, cheap, and keeps the tarp on .

If your tarp has grommets, just hook the bungee onto the tarp, then onto the trailer for a snug fit.

Wind can blow, no matter, tarp stays on.

I'm a " freak " about keeping my V21 protected and this works great.

Why don't you build an Igloo around it Lol!!!

Unfortunately, you may find that a large amount of snow, coupled with a good stiff wind, may be more than your bungee cords can handle. I cannot count the number of times that I've had to replace a bungee that ripped through the rubber and out of the hole. Get a steel cable and weave it through the holes in the tarp, then around the trailer, then on to the next hole, etc etc. It's a little more work, but well worth it.... also, it prevents the cover from sagging and allowing water/ice/snow to build up and puddle...ultimately ripping your tarp from the added weight.

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1.../wellcover.jpg

This is how I used to do it before I started using a center beam from bow to stern. Now my tarp has a center peak that helps shed snow and water much better, but you get the idea about the cable weaved thru the holes and around the trailer. See how it tucks the tarp nice and flat against the sides of the hull and provides a better seal against the wind and elements? That's what you're striving for.

OK for whoever follows this post …
I bought the above ground pool cover for my boat for $119.
The cover is to keep leaves out of the pool but lets the water in, it porous.. I am thinking the folks who gave me this advice have not used it or were just having a little fun with the new guy…As I had said earlier I had pools for 20 years and never used a cover.. now I know why. You got me this time… I’ll know next time. Go to my local marina and buy a cover or at least ask the experts.
:rain:

or better yet pay closer attention and get the RIGHT cover.... you don't want a porous summer cover you want a water proof WINTER cover

Roffee, I simply do not understand. WHY would you buy a summer pool cover? Did you not understand what I said in my post to you? I gave you the name, address, and what size winter pool cover to buy.

Here's what I said... Then I made another post where I posted a picture of my personal boat showing the winter pool cover on it.
Now, what part of that didn't you understand? :head: I sympathize with you for paying that amount of money, but really, the only one that got you was the salesman that sold you a summer leaf cover instead of a winter cover for $119. If it were me I'd take the cover back to that dipsh!t, tell him that it wasn't what you wanted and demand my money back.

Now, as to the rest of your post and your "tone"....while I can understand your anger, do not direct it towards anyone here. No one was having fun with you, no one "got you", either this or any time. We do not do that here. The advice you were given throughout this thread was sound, factual, accompanied with pictures, and based upon years and years of experience. Truthfully, I don't like anyone telling me that what I've told them was wrong, and blaiming me for their own f_ck up. You were told precisely what to do and how to do it. And yes, I am an expert...I've spent 35+ years working as a mechanical engineer and I know more than a little bit about porosity, shear strengths, etc. So if you want to waste more money go right ahead and go to a marina and pay their inflated charges for a cover that will NOT last you as long as the cover that was recommended to you. I guess it's true what they say... "a fool and his money are soon parted".

quote:"or at least ask the experts"

you did ask an expert, I've got 30 years in the marine business. I'm beginning my 5th season in my own company. I've been certified Mercury, Mercruiser(master), Yamaha, Volvo Penta gas, Volvo Penta Diesel, Marine Power, Crusader, and soon to be Suzuki. There are several on this site that are far more qualified than myself. You asked several experts and probably the best group of general boating knowledge people without bs on the internet. You just didn't listen! :booty:

OK, so I think I was a little rough on you boys here, I asked for some advice and you provided it and for that I say thanks and truly mean it. Up here in Canada when we winterize above ground pools you drain the filter, disconnect the pump and take it inside then disconnect the plumbing letting the water drain down to the skimmer level . When it rains or snows the extra water will just drain out the skimmer and not freeze or brake. You can put a winter cover over the pool that will prevent leaves from falling into the pool. If the cover does not let water in it will pool on the top making next best thing to impossible to remove without a pool pump like the kind you use with a in ground pool. So for an above ground cover, it lets water in and keeps garbage out.
Thanks for the advice, I think I can make this cover work, I will use it and put a tarp over the cover and use it more as a frame and the tarp to keep the water out. Sorry for ruffling feathers, I think all you people are here to help and it is not your intention to harm or mislead and for that I say thanks and mean it. I will continue to ask for your advice and hopefully you will keep giving it. Who know maybe we will pass on the water some day and give a friendly wave. Some of my waters are half US and half Canada.

seeing as how this is "canadian tire" there can be no debating that it is "up here in canada"... It states that it "prevents chemical loos through evaporation" so it is NOT a mesh.
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brows...ol%2BCover.jsp

Good... now you can get in the boat with the rest of us. We're not royality, stuck up, or condiscending. What we are is a bunch of guys that have a love for boating in general and for Wellcraft "V" style boats in particular. Here, you'll find a diverse group of people that are professionals in a plethora of different disciplines, each somehow complimenting the group as a whole. Welcome aboard.

No worries here... ya might have ruffled a few feathers but this is the best bunch of guys I've ever found on the net and likely anywhere... I am certain that no hard feelings will remain.

By all means... keep us up to date on your rebuild.

aboard.. and thanks, now lets get my boat on the water. She is not a V but it's still a Wellcraft.

My bet is, if it's a boat then it's cool... Cheers to all