Five years ago, when I acquired Great Ketch, one of my first projects was to build a winter cover frame. Using EMT pipes and fittings, pipe cutter, and pipe bender, I was able to bend the pipe at a 60 degree angle and secure the pieces together. I had purchased numbered labels from somewhere to keep the assembly pieces in order upon reassembly of the frame; numbers were colored in blue for the starboard side, and red for the port side; black color was used for the backbone part of the frame.
After securing the frame to the stanchions, a purchased a tarp, -- I had used silver which lasted longer than white and blue, but did not allow sunlight to pass. I often work on the boat in the winter so a white tarp is best for me as it does allow sunlight to pass.
The tarp is replaced every two years, and I use the old tarp to cover bushes and plants during times where frost is apt to occur.
The tarp blocks rain and snow, which could develop into ice, from forming on the boat. The winter sun is enough to melt the snow during the day, sometime more sometimes less. I appreciate having the winter cover during the winter because it allows me to work on the boat in a dry environment with a small heater inside the boat.
This winter, I have been sanding the wood work in the cabin in preparation for staining and varnish when the weather becomes conducive for such work. Another post will be made about the winter sanding and varnish work.
