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Houseboat Carports - any winter outdoor tents, carport, gazebo, or canopy for boat storage?

by Ian
(Eau Claire, WI)

Outdoor Houseboat Storage Carports, Tents, Gazebo, or Canopy

Outdoor Houseboat Storage Carports, Tents, Gazebo, or Canopy

There's houseboat carports, like outdoor tents, gazebo, or a winter canopy that could be useful for boat storage. I found a 20ft x 40ft plastic "party tents" w/ frames on eBay for quite cheap.

I am just wondering if these would be an easier/better looking option, than to shrink-wrapping a frame around the boat for harsh Wisconsin winter months? I think it would look nice and let the light in...?

Is there an inherent issue that I am overlooking?

Also, any recommendation for a place to buy agitators??

This is my first winter freezing in my 14W X 50L X 14H boat. Any input is greatly appreciated..

Ian from Eau Claire, WI




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Reply - Answer
Well Ian (from Eau Claire), I want to welcome you to the houseboat forums, and on your tenacity for sticking to it out considering the cold weather.

I may be mistaken, but are you looking for an alternative to shrink wrapping for "on land" winter storage, or are you looking for some protection from the elements while you are living on the boat while it is still in the water?

If you're looking at keeping the water moving in order for it to not freeze, than the houseboat article on freezing lakes and water agitators will be of interest to you.

Now when it comes to protecting your boat from the elements during the winter months, than these outdoor houseboat storage carports will provide an alternative to the shrink warp solutions already out there.



Lastly, hopefully some of our readers will share and post comments about their outdoor houseboat storage/protection experiences. Feel free to use the "Click here to post comments." link found near the bottom of this page.


Thanks again for sharing, IAN from all-about-houseboats


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Comments for Houseboat Carports - any winter outdoor tents, carport, gazebo, or canopy for boat storage?

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Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Not sure...
by: mandos

Not sure of the structural capability of the frame and the cover materials. You have to consider the elements and how severe they can be.

If you can't lift your body weight on one of the cross-members, I'd not suggest it for winter storage against the elements. If you can't firmly secure it against an at least 35 mph wind-load, I'd pass in favor of something more sturdy.

The manufacturer should be able to tell you what the specs on it's capabilities are. The pictures you've provided look like something designed more for summer shade, rather than winter weather protection.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Boat Houses for houseboats
by: Old Houseboater

If you can anchor it so the wind doesn't blow it away, go for it. A shed kept boat weathers at 1/5 the rate of a house boat stored in the open.

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