Winter tarp cover

[Brian N.]

It seems that if I use the inexpensive blue tarps, they last about 4-5 months, enough to get through winter. They run about 20-25 dollars at Harbor Freight or Lowes. The silver heavy duty tarps never seem to make it through two winters into sailing season in the spring and are about twice the price. I just put a new blue inexpensive tarp over the boat, on sale at Harbor Freight $23 with tax. If you use a tarp, which kind do you use and how long a life do you get from it?

[Peter S]

I use the cheap light duty white Princess Auto tarps (Harbour Freight equivalent in Canada), lasts a season, and the next winter I cut it up to pad the frame. I need 2 and 1 of them often could be reused.

One advantage of the white tarps is that I get enough light to run a solar fan most of the time, at least once I clear the snow

[Six Bells]

I went for the silver grey heavy duty tarp from Princess Auto lasted well for a cold prairie winter provided you covered over any sharp spots that would tear this.  I wouldn't risk a second winter with the same tarp though.  Got this on sale for ~$30 cdn

[Sailor Sue]

Have any of you who use cheap tarps considered putting the old tarp on top of the new tarp? I would think it might protect a lot of the new tarp and maybe extend the life so you wouldn't be buying tarps quite so often. Just a thought.

[Brian N.]

Sue - I tried that a couple of times, no significant increase in the life of the tarp. Plus, the racoons found the cover an even more inviting invitation to live under (long standing battle with furry critters). BTW - nice to see you're on the forum.

[tjspiel]

I don't have a lot to add other than it's nice to see some activity on the forum.

The one year I kept my boat outside I had white tarp that was heavier than the typical blue tarps but not as heavy as the grey/silver tarps the sailing club started buying.

I may have gotten a second year out of that white tarp but it was only on from November into late March or early April. And though it was outside, it was between two buildings so somewhat protected from the wind. And because of the low winter sun angle, the boat was shaded most of the time, - or it was just dark.  So not a lot of UV exposure.

The sailing club boats were also partially protected. Those tarps were on from mid October until late April or early May. Maybe they could get three winters out of them.

Are tarp colors somewhat universal in terms of weight?

[Captain Kidd]

I've bought several different tarps. The one on the Hunter I've had for several years!!!! It's a little "thread bare" but holding up to my satisfaction. Problem is I can't remember where I got it! I think Harbor Freight and I believe it was the industrial strength. Might have bought it through Amazon??? I've bought cheapies from Ollie's for the CIY but they haven't held up. One year on the first and about 6 months on the second. I just covered it with a HF tarp - one of the thicker silver ones. Got to keep that wooden boat covered!!!!!

[Ida Lewis]

I use canvas for environmental sustainability reasons. Much higher $$ initial acquisition (c. $200 @ Tractor Supply for about a 16' X 24'), but lasts for years through our northern New England winters. I don't know yet if it amortizes to as low as $25/year.

[talbot]

10 mil white tarp. I use for 3 years. Duct tape on wear areas. The white tarp lets in a lot of light so I can see to work on the deck under cover