I got a new trailer and I need a box. I whipped this up today, and will hopefully get it more or less completed tomorrow.

Any recommendations on what to put on it that is realatively inexpensive, but will protect it? I kinda ruled out West System just because of the costs, maybe it'd be less than I think too.....

Jeeze Karl, we all sorta thought you know everything about WOOD.

How about tar and pitch?

* Put epoxy on it, and it will last 5 to 10 years.
* Put paint on it, and it will last 2 to 5 years
* Put marine varnish on it, it will last 1 to 2 years, but will look gorgeous.
* Wrap it in duct tape, it will last forever.

Carbonite... it's the best.

2-3 coats exterior primer, 2-3 coats exterior enamel. If you've caulked all the joints and recoat every year or two it will last the life of the boat.

place it inside one of those nice fiberglass sail boxes. it will look brand new forever

Keep it inside all the time. Put it on the trailer under the F16 and keep it all in the garage. Then go out, get an F18 and come race.

I won't be able to make it to Cloud City until later this year though.

Is carbonite that flat green colored coating used on lower units and outdrives?

Karl... you complete me.

You guys need to get a room.

NTTAWWT.

Laugh it up, fuzzball - you got it, too.

Great shot kid, that was one in a million.

Lighten up Francis.

Exterior polyurethane, keep it covered when its not being used.

Nice work by the way.

"Karl... you complete me. "

Now this is jut getting akward.

no,it was awkward from the get go

I don't know about you guys, but I'm feeling the love here and I really like the looks of your shop in the background of your picture of the box.

However, back to the topic at hand.

I've got the same kind of set up on one of my cat trailers.

After years of painting and having the paint not stand up to the constant exposure to the elements, I'm thinking about another approach.

Have you thought about using the type of tough exterior protection product they use on truck beds??? This stuff is tough, resilient and comes in all kinds of colors. Various products can be sprayed on or rolled on.

They are a polymer coating that is readily available, simple to use and offer a high-build, impact resistant coating.

Places like Checker or Auto Zone have kits with a gallon of product, a roller, brush and drop clothe for about $90. If you already have a roller, etc. a quart costs about $30.

Here are some random examples:

http://www.bedliner.com

http://www.herculiner.com/

Any thoughts???

I thought about it but opted for a vinyl tarp. Got one at Lowe's with bungies and fasteners for about $15. Granted, it is kinda ghetto looking but it is effective.

The problem as I see it is two fold: weathering and water tightness. I wanted a box that I could open, from either end with the boat on the trailer. That leads to problems with water seeping in around the openings, hence the tarp.

I wrapped mine in glass/polyester resin then gelcoat. Cheap and very effective, very strong. Lasted over 14 years. But I put the reenforcement strips on the inside.