Last year was my first to own a Cat here in the great Midwest, and attempt to keep in outside.

Jake had commented that the small tramp only tarp looked like a 'bikini'! He was right!

So, I thought about what to do this year.
It's kinda funny, thinking can be dangerous ;-)

Here's my current set up- with the taller 'tent'

I've also had the boat inclined for months so no water could build up neat the board trunks and freeze, potentially causing a crack.

It actually works to NOT build up with snow on it, so far, so good. We've already had about a foot total this witner.
Damn climate change ;-)

Nice set up Todd.

This looks like a great setup. Only risk is the wind.

Thanks, ya, the high winds are a problem, but usually not with snow.
Just go out and re-bungee it.

I built a cradle out of 2x4's to suspend the aft mast to make my 'tent', now the snow just slids off.

How's this Jake?
This year the 'bikini' is now a witner coat.

If the sun gets under the tarp, you might want to cover the trailer tires to keep them from weather checking.

Mucho better!

Thanks Jake,

We're expecting up to 8 more inches by tomorrow.
Definitely better keeping the bulk of the snow OFF the boat.

Todd

Nice job. I've done similar setups over the years, cheapest way to go by far. Be careful with sharp edges (boat/mast hardware and trailer) and the tarp will last much longer.

Mike

Right,

I padded a few areas like that. If it makes it a season a tarp, it'll be worth it.

Is there any reason to be concerned about the tarp rubbing against the sides of the boat in the wind? I thought about doing the same thing, but have concerns about the points of higher pressue.

been doing it for over 6 years now with out any issues

I use many little lines and secure lots of grommets to lots of areas on my trailer (and beach wheels, and spin pole). that way if one blows out, 9 more to hold

after a storm i will re-tighten most of them

lace with bungee the bottom port and starboard grommets for max hold

I never really had problems with wind. Protect the tarp from sharp things, and use plenty of bungees to keep the tarp from flapping and you should be fine. UV degradation is a real problem. If you like the setup, upgrade to a better tarp (typically the silver ones are UV resistant) after this one dies.

Mike

Todays pick, before another 3" feel in about a hour and a half.



My two trophies:

For time and effort invested it is hard to beat. FWIW, If you get a chance to block up the trailer so that the wheels are slightly off the ground you can prevent the tires from developing flat spots and creating ruts in the yard. Some people just hang water filled plastic milk jugs from grommets instead of (or with) using bungy cords.

That first pic makes me want to slap the inside of the tarp and watch the avalanche.

Yes, that's the other good point that I forgot. Don't let the snow stay on the tarp. When you clear the driveway, clean off the tarp. I use a common push broom, takes only a few minutes. If you fail to do this, not only will the weight of the snow stress the tarp, any freeze/thaw cycles will tend to form ice under the snow and into the tarp fabric. This can also damage the tarps.

How old are the kids? Any good sledding in your area? That's my favorite part of winter.

Mike

Already did!

Sledding? Do catamarans fly a hull?
Awesome long runs with some jumps even, at Witnall Park, very close to my house,
Free too!

We're currently at an indoor Water Park north of Chicago, just south of us.
Nice and warm in here, fun stuff too!

Free is the key phrase for us cat sailors!!!

I just realized that sledding is to skiing, as kayaking is to racing at regattas. One is basically free, requires only a vehicle with maybe a roof rack, is local to almost everyone and only takes up a few hours. Wow...

Anyway, we have some of those indoor water parks around here too. More and more, they're restricting entry to guests in the attached hotels. Lots of fun, though, especially when it's cold outside but there's no snow for sledding.

Mike