I'm planning to store my Getaway outside in the winter in Minnesota at my cabin. What is the least hassle way to store it? Can I leave the lines, mast (down and on trailer cradle), tramp, on the boat outside? Any tips for easiest way to cover it.

Thanks, Doug

There are several options.

Depending on how much snow you get there (I hear Minnesota gets a lot), you may be better off storing it indoors. If you can find/rent space in a garage or barn, that would be less expensive than going to a storage company, but that's another option.

If you do decide to leave it outdoors, it is preferable to remove the rigging and trampoline. Removing the tramp is very important if you get a lot of snow.

As for covering, I use a cheap tarp on my H16, but these do not hold up well to lots of snow and wind. If you are leaving the boat outdoors and unattended for the winter, you should look for a better option. The Hobie catalog probably has covers for this purpose.

Hope this helps.

Mike

Head south for the winter...FL doesn't get much snow!

Doug, I've stored Hobie 14's and 16's throughout the winter for years without problems in Minnesota.

Are you storing on a trailer or on the ground?

I wrap with a couple of 18X24 tarps and tie down well at the corners. Hi winds and snowmobiles have been the biggest concern. Tramp stays on since it's covered anyway and lends stability to the frame.

I am able to store the mast inside an enclosed porch. We hoist and tie it up onto the exposed rafters.

Those boats are stored on the ground. We place 2x6 green treated planks lengthwise under the hulls so there is no ground contact.

Make certain your hulls are well drained. All my lines, etc. are removed and stored indoors.

Sail fast, Tom G

here in central japan we get up to 9 feet of snow per winter and any boats left flat can get crushed

1st winter i left my plastic kayak out it got dented by the weight of ice but after a few hours in the sun the dent popped out, try that with frp!

if we can't get boats in a shed we de-rig them and tie the hulls and mast up against a tree trunk with the bases sitting on old tyres so they are off the ground and have a little flex

eric e

if we can't