Closing engine vents for winter

[Sailor Jerry]

I'm starting to plan to winterize my Carver 355 for the winter. Has anyone got a good way to close off the vents into the engine compartment? One year I stuffed them from the outside with foam rubber, but that was a pain. Last year I made covers out of marine vinyl with an additional thin layer of insulation, but the old snaps are worn out and it didn't seal well. I am thinking of making a wooden cover, putting a layer of foam inside and snapping it into place with spring clamps like this: https://www.acehardware.com/departments ... gKcXvD_BwE
Anyone done anything like this? Got a better idea?

[Midnightsun]

Normally the boats up here just cover them up with some shrink wrap tape. I have a roll that is 6 inch wide which I also use on all the thru hull openings. I assume you are doing this to keep critters out? https://www.ebay.com/itm/White-Marine-S ... 2853383560

[mjk1040]

No one here in NY covers the vents except with the shrink wrap that's on the boat?

[Sailor Jerry]

I'm on the Tennessee River. Temperature will only drop below freezing occasionally. The boat stays in the water all winter, so I'm trying to keep the cold air out.

[Viper]

I'm thinking this is to keep the cold out over the winter?

[Viper]

Typing at the same time

[Sailor Jerry]

If shrink wrap will keep the cold out, that sure sounds easy.

[Dewmyster]

We tape or cover them to keep the birds out in the spring up north.

[g36]

I'm also on tn river on my 405 which has the same type vents as your 355. I made snap on covers that sound alot like yours that you made that matches the vents. I just used sunbrella and a layer of foam sandwiched in the middle and snap them on. Doesnt need to be air tight. Worked for 5 winters with no problems. My bilge heaters keep it warm and the covers work fine. Why dont you like what you have?

[CaptBob]

My 360 SS had covers made that snapped over the vents. Same as above, sunbrella with thin foam inside. I cut eggshell that fit the vents, snapped the covers on, Turned on the heaters and Made it through the last 4 winters that I had her here on the Cumberland just north of Nashville.