Boat Storage, How to keep the dampness (mold) out

My boat will be stored outside for the first time this winter.
Looks like I have two options (at least I think I do)

1) Build a high frame over the boat and tightly tarp it

2) take it to a place to have it shrink-wrapped.

Either way I'm concerned about dampness damage inside the boat.
Any suggestions guys?

Thanks in advance,

i build a frame and tarp also now problem with dampness at all air can move in and out. make it like a frame and snow will roll right off

Option # 1 is your best bet but dont wrap it tight. When you build your A type frame allow for ventilation either on the sides or front to back

Silica gel packets work well. Put them around everywhere.

Thanks guys,
This helps a lot.

Cheera,

Good water proof boat cover or tarp.

Then get the Calcium chloride moisture absorber.
Calcium chloride pulls an insane amount of water out of the air and they are normally refillable.

If the boat is new or expensive, or if you want to keep it looking great, then do not use a tarp. Almost all tarps do not block any UV. So the entire winter your boat will be attacked by the UV rays.

The best option would be to either:

1. Store it inside
2. Have a proper winter cover made from Sunbrella or a modern UV-blocking breathable fabric designed for covering boats.
3. A combination of both 1, and 2.

A tarp should be your absolute last option where you ran out of all other options, unless it's an older boat and/or has no UV-attackable objects such as cushions, fabrics, colours, etc.

One more thing not to forget, block up the trailer by the frame, take the tires off, less likely to make legs and find a new home.

Removing the trailer tires....good easy option.
Would never have thought of that.

Thanks,

I have a Sunbrella cover that I've used since I bought the boat 5 years ago and have had no issues with moisture. I also fashioned a support for the cover that allows the rain and snow to just fall off the sides. It's about 3' taller than the floor of the front deck. I made it out of PVC pipe with the horizontal beam supported by posts from the front and rear seat posts, all connected with PVC elbow and T connectors. It's not glued together (only held together by friction and careful cutting so it's really tight) so it's easy to disassemble to remove the cover to go fishing. If you'd like, I can take some pics and let you see how easy it is to make.

Let it breathe unless you can afford to cover it with Gore Tex

Goshawk, if you don't mind, I'll take up your offer of pics of your PVC system. It sounds like your system can be used yr after yr, which what I'm looking for as well.
Getting the boat out and covered is my job in the next week or so.

I've been out of commision, flat on my back for 10 days with heavy chest cold and I know I'm late getting this done. I've missed all the good weather. Rain and cool/cold now for 14 days.

Thanks again,
Dave

No sweat Dave. I'll get the pics done today whenever I can sort out my covid testing dilemma.

Dave,
Here is a series of pics showing what I did for the cover supports.

And from the front...