Closing engine vents for winter

[Midnightsun]

QR_BBPOST 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.

Ah, I see said the blind man to his deaf wife. In that case I would make up some nice Sunbrella covers with snaps as mentioned elsewhere in this thread.

[Viper]

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

If you're going to use shrink tape against your hull, use preservation tape instead of the regular stuff. It won't leave any glue residue on your hull when you remove it in the spring.

[denpooch]

I second Mike's (mjk1040) comment. I store my boat on the hard, outside in the elements, covered by shrink wrap. It's gonna get cold in the engine compartment anyway so I don't understand the concern about 'keeping the cold out'. I'd be interested in understanding the thinking behind the procedure. Thanks.

[dabluzdude]

Most likely, the boat is not "winterized" as you would think of it, being from New York. This boat is left in the water with a bilge heater to protect it from freezing, if/when the temperatures dip that low. The covering of the vents helps keep the heat from the bilge heater in, and the cold wind out.

[Sailor Jerry]

I would like to use the snaps, they just don't hold the covers. About half the snaps are fine, but half are too loose and the cover falls half open. I wonder if there is a way to correct this? It would be easier than making something else, since I already have covers.

[g36]

if the actual cover is ok then reuse it and snaps are easily replaced on both the boat and cover. if on the cover you can drill out the center of the snap and then reinstall new ones. use something like this inexpensive kit
link it not posting but go to amazon and put this in the search its $15.00
62Pcs Stainless Steel Fastener Screw Snap Kit in Storage Box, Marine Grade, 3/8" Socket #6-5/8" with 2 Pcs Setting Tool

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078KCXD9D/re ... B078KCXD9D

[AaHubb]

Seadragon spends the winter in her slip so covering the vents is helpful. I made a pair of covers using outdoor plywood that fit into the recessed area of the vents. Some eyebolts and bungee cords threaded behind the grills holds them in place.

..Aaron

[Sailor Jerry]

Thanks to all who responded. It isn't that I don't like the snaps. About half of them are worn, I guess, because they fit so loosely that the cover falls open.

[Tireless]

I am in Port Severn, Ontario, Canada and I cover my vessel with a Genco cover that I had made for it. It covers the vessel from the top down to the chine. I have never put a cover specifically over the side vents. I was always of the belief that the vessel should be allowed to breath through the winter to not trap moisture in the bilge. I might be wrong about that, but I also open up a couple port holes in the cabin as well. Interesting topic, as I spoke about this with a boater friend this morning prior to reading this post. Would be interested in hearing why you would cover these vents. Maybe something to look at.

[bud37]

Tireless...Welcome to the forum....they are talking about boats being left in the water for the winter and keeping the heat in and the cold out, much like your house.....unlike us, who are totally winterized with the boat in the parking lot, we just need to ventilate a bit and keep the critters out........