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Author Topic:   Portable Garage

Laurak posted 10-24-2013 11:29 PM ET (US)
I recently purchased a 170 Montauk that I originally intended to store in my garage but due to an inconvenient fit, I must store it outside on a pad by my garage. The pad where I will store it is surrounded by many trees that drop leaves, limbs and other debris that will dirty up the boat. I am giving thought to either installing a portable garage on the pad or buying a boat cover that I could easily put on and take off by myself (if there is such a cover). I plan to shrink wrap the boat for the winter season so I don't need a fully enclosed portable garage. I just need something to keep the leaves and debris that fall from the trees out of the boat. If anyone has any comments or suggestions on how to proceed, I would greatly appreciate hearing them. If anyone can recommend a specific cover or portable garage, that would be helpful. I don't need anything elaborate. I just need something to keep the debris out of the boat after I park it on the pad. Thanks for your attention to my inquiry.
Herb

mkelly posted 10-25-2013 02:03 AM ET (US)
I also have to store my 19' Outrage outside in a pretty tree laden wet environment. I wrap it in a standard tarp, and secure it by running bungy cords under the hull to basically wrap the boat. This prevents debris from coming up thru the well and other areas. Also important for outside storage is installation of a dehumidifier (sold at West Marine or other marine sites). If you want a temporary cover, we also use a aluminum framed structure with tarp, and have it up thru the winter (see one option below).
http://www.shelterlogic.com/?gclid=COybvN-nsboCFW1yQgodUkcAkg
6992WHALER posted 10-25-2013 09:29 AM ET (US)
I have had great success with the Shelter Logic garages mentioned by mkelly. I have had one up for four years and a second up for three years. I store a Sakonnet, Squall and a Zodiac in one of them. I can get access to all three all winter long. No more hassle with covering the individual boats, just back it in and close the door.
The covers have held up very well. Cost about $300 each.
EJO posted 10-25-2013 12:03 PM ET (US)
I have stored many of my boats (toys, trailers) from a 32-foot classic Chris-Craft Cabin cruiser to now my Montauk 15 in one of the Quonset hut tarp style garages. This has worked well for me for 20 years, but, here in Michigan, the extra heavy duty covers will truly last only three years maximum before you need to replace them, and two years for the regular ones. I believe in the Southern clime with more sun your life expectancy for the cover is probably only 2 full years. That said, it is a better solution than a boat cover as you can back the trailer in.
tjxtreme posted 10-25-2013 05:29 PM ET (US)
One upside to a cover is that it may deter wandering eyes more so than a structure. This may be of value depending on where you live. I'm glad to have a somewhat junky looking (but fully functional) cover that doesn't showcase a nice boat and motor for anyone to walk up and see.
PeteB88 posted 10-26-2013 12:19 PM ET (US)
How easy to put up, take down and store?
Laurak posted 10-26-2013 09:26 PM ET (US)
Thanks to all of you for your responses. [Started a new thread on his new direction for storage.]
jimh posted 10-26-2013 10:01 PM ET (US)
Those Shelter Logic vinyl covered frames looked good, but reading the experience of EJO with them in a Michigan winter gave me second thoughts. I also wonder how those snow sheds would shed snow. Any experience with the covers in a heavy, wet snow cover?
Ridge Runner posted 10-27-2013 08:54 AM ET (US)
You might want to look at Fisher Winter storage covers. It is a small family owned business in NJ. The covers are made extremely well and will support the weight of any large wet snow storm.
My friend is going on his 8th year with his cover.
http://www.fishercanvas.com/gallery.asp
6992WHALER posted 10-27-2013 09:31 AM ET (US)
I use them in MN.

As I said I am on years 3 and 4 I do not feel I will be replacing either cover soon.
One was up during on 2010-2011 winter were we had 86 inches of snow.
I do remove the snow from the covers just to be safe.
It takes about an afternoon to put one up.
One shelter is in the shade the other is in the sun. The cover on the one in the sun is one year younger but it actually looks more worn. So maybe sun is more of an issue then snow.
djahncke posted 10-27-2013 01:25 PM ET (US)
We had three of the Shelter Logic Quonset style at our cottage on Mullett Lake. They have a connector kit that we used to connect the three together as one long 60 foot unit. We used it to store boats and wave runners through the winter months. They stood up well for 6 six years before one tore and needed replacement. Instead of replacing we opted to build a proper pole barn with a concrete floor.
The issue we had with them is when closed up and just being over a grass field we got a lot of condensation inside.
6992WHALER posted 10-27-2013 01:46 PM ET (US)
I had condensation in the one located in the shade.
I installed some vents, and that stopped the condensation for the most part.
contender posted 10-27-2013 06:15 PM ET (US)
Depending on your money, Quit wasting your time, build something that will last and never need repair, build something with a door and walls, having a real garage will only add to your property value. Build it big enought to store other items as well...
Laurak posted 10-27-2013 07:22 PM ET (US)
Thanks for all of your responses. I will take them al into consideration.
southshore fisherman posted 11-05-2013 06:17 PM ET (US)
I bought a Fisher Canvas winter cover for my Dauntless 15 and after 2 winters it looks and acts like new. It's easy to install and has three long 2 X 4s for support. I do brush off the snow after it falls to keep the weight on the cover down.
One thing to note is that the instructions say that it is best to use their covers in an open and sunny area rather than under a treed area.
johnhenry posted 11-07-2013 08:00 AM ET (US)
I just got a quote from Fisher Canvas for a winter cover for my 08 Montauk 170. $638.00 plus shipping. I expected it to be more for a heavy duty cover- heck my Carver 3 season sunbrella cover was around $500. Not to bad considering the lifespan. Wonder why they don't have any other colors. Maybe I will email them back and find out.
swist posted 11-07-2013 08:16 AM ET (US)
Snow load is not the only critical structural factor - wind loading is just as important. Those things won't stand up to winter around here (northern New England).
You also need to consider the anchoring system relative to the type of soil. Some have good holding characteristics, others (rocky, ledge, etc) poor to nonexistent.
southshore fisherman posted 11-07-2013 02:55 PM ET (US)
swist, this is very true. In the summer I erect 2 canopies, 10' X 20'. After a couple years I found that if I use 4 concrete blocks at the base of each of the 8 legs with a line to the fittings on the top of the canopies they'll stand up to anything.
Last summer I put sides and ends on the canopy that I kept my Dauntless 15 under with the 32 concrete block anchors. When hurricane Sandy hit we left a blues jam early to check on the boat because the winds here in Cleveland were really blowing.
By the time we got to it some of the poles were bent, the uprights were jumping up and down and the whole thing was trying to fly away.
No damage to the Whaler and we got her in the garage then in the raging rain we got the vinyl down to prevent further damage from the wind.
My canopy in the back without the sides weathered the winds with no trouble.
EJO posted 11-07-2013 08:53 PM ET (US)
jim & 6992whaler I'm not familiar with Shelter Logic but the one I use is constructed of 1-1/4"diam pipe and I'm on soft soil. I bought it 20 years ago to store my 32' wooden Chris-Craft. Due to height off the gunnels off the ground I had to increase the width of the structure so I welded 2 foot pieces at the top. This caused a flat area which will collect snow here in the snow belt of lower W.Mich.. Moisture from Lake Mich. turns into snow where I live. 60mph is not uncommon. After 20 years I have no bent pipes, I'm on my 5th cover, (I put new one over old one when leaking occurs), it kept all my boats dry and now my Whaler and another boat trailer. I did shorten the structure length from 40ft to 30ft and lowered it 7'4" in the center. It now occupies 15 x 30 feet. Still have the original zippered front and back "doors".
In the winter I do push the cover up from the inside when I have 12" or more on the flat top, for the rest it sheds snow pretty good. I think a standard one which is rounded on top will shed snow fine. I did take some rebar 24" long and hammered them in the ground to keep the structure from being picked up by high winds.
Best investment for storage I ever made and I didn't need any permits and it was $15000 less expensive 20 years ago than a permanent building.
Get a (movable) structure under which you can work when it rains, which you can't do with a fitted boat cover, get that to protect the boat when you trailer or moor.

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Author	Topic: Portable Garage
Laurak	posted 10-24-2013 11:29 PM ET (US) I recently purchased a 170 Montauk that I originally intended to store in my garage but due to an inconvenient fit, I must store it outside on a pad by my garage. The pad where I will store it is surrounded by many trees that drop leaves, limbs and other debris that will dirty up the boat. I am giving thought to either installing a portable garage on the pad or buying a boat cover that I could easily put on and take off by myself (if there is such a cover). I plan to shrink wrap the boat for the winter season so I don't need a fully enclosed portable garage. I just need something to keep the leaves and debris that fall from the trees out of the boat. If anyone has any comments or suggestions on how to proceed, I would greatly appreciate hearing them. If anyone can recommend a specific cover or portable garage, that would be helpful. I don't need anything elaborate. I just need something to keep the debris out of the boat after I park it on the pad. Thanks for your attention to my inquiry. Herb
mkelly	posted 10-25-2013 02:03 AM ET (US) I also have to store my 19' Outrage outside in a pretty tree laden wet environment. I wrap it in a standard tarp, and secure it by running bungy cords under the hull to basically wrap the boat. This prevents debris from coming up thru the well and other areas. Also important for outside storage is installation of a dehumidifier (sold at West Marine or other marine sites). If you want a temporary cover, we also use a aluminum framed structure with tarp, and have it up thru the winter (see one option below). http://www.shelterlogic.com/?gclid=COybvN-nsboCFW1yQgodUkcAkg
6992WHALER	posted 10-25-2013 09:29 AM ET (US) I have had great success with the Shelter Logic garages mentioned by mkelly. I have had one up for four years and a second up for three years. I store a Sakonnet, Squall and a Zodiac in one of them. I can get access to all three all winter long. No more hassle with covering the individual boats, just back it in and close the door. The covers have held up very well. Cost about $300 each.
EJO	posted 10-25-2013 12:03 PM ET (US) I have stored many of my boats (toys, trailers) from a 32-foot classic Chris-Craft Cabin cruiser to now my Montauk 15 in one of the Quonset hut tarp style garages. This has worked well for me for 20 years, but, here in Michigan, the extra heavy duty covers will truly last only three years maximum before you need to replace them, and two years for the regular ones. I believe in the Southern clime with more sun your life expectancy for the cover is probably only 2 full years. That said, it is a better solution than a boat cover as you can back the trailer in.
tjxtreme	posted 10-25-2013 05:29 PM ET (US) One upside to a cover is that it may deter wandering eyes more so than a structure. This may be of value depending on where you live. I'm glad to have a somewhat junky looking (but fully functional) cover that doesn't showcase a nice boat and motor for anyone to walk up and see.
PeteB88	posted 10-26-2013 12:19 PM ET (US) How easy to put up, take down and store?
Laurak	posted 10-26-2013 09:26 PM ET (US) Thanks to all of you for your responses. [Started a new thread on his new direction for storage.]
jimh	posted 10-26-2013 10:01 PM ET (US) Those Shelter Logic vinyl covered frames looked good, but reading the experience of EJO with them in a Michigan winter gave me second thoughts. I also wonder how those snow sheds would shed snow. Any experience with the covers in a heavy, wet snow cover?
Ridge Runner	posted 10-27-2013 08:54 AM ET (US) You might want to look at Fisher Winter storage covers. It is a small family owned business in NJ. The covers are made extremely well and will support the weight of any large wet snow storm. My friend is going on his 8th year with his cover. http://www.fishercanvas.com/gallery.asp
6992WHALER	posted 10-27-2013 09:31 AM ET (US) I use them in MN. As I said I am on years 3 and 4 I do not feel I will be replacing either cover soon. One was up during on 2010-2011 winter were we had 86 inches of snow. I do remove the snow from the covers just to be safe. It takes about an afternoon to put one up. One shelter is in the shade the other is in the sun. The cover on the one in the sun is one year younger but it actually looks more worn. So maybe sun is more of an issue then snow.
djahncke	posted 10-27-2013 01:25 PM ET (US) We had three of the Shelter Logic Quonset style at our cottage on Mullett Lake. They have a connector kit that we used to connect the three together as one long 60 foot unit. We used it to store boats and wave runners through the winter months. They stood up well for 6 six years before one tore and needed replacement. Instead of replacing we opted to build a proper pole barn with a concrete floor. The issue we had with them is when closed up and just being over a grass field we got a lot of condensation inside.
6992WHALER	posted 10-27-2013 01:46 PM ET (US) I had condensation in the one located in the shade. I installed some vents, and that stopped the condensation for the most part.
contender	posted 10-27-2013 06:15 PM ET (US) Depending on your money, Quit wasting your time, build something that will last and never need repair, build something with a door and walls, having a real garage will only add to your property value. Build it big enought to store other items as well...
Laurak	posted 10-27-2013 07:22 PM ET (US) Thanks for all of your responses. I will take them al into consideration.
southshore fisherman	posted 11-05-2013 06:17 PM ET (US) I bought a Fisher Canvas winter cover for my Dauntless 15 and after 2 winters it looks and acts like new. It's easy to install and has three long 2 X 4s for support. I do brush off the snow after it falls to keep the weight on the cover down. One thing to note is that the instructions say that it is best to use their covers in an open and sunny area rather than under a treed area.
johnhenry	posted 11-07-2013 08:00 AM ET (US) I just got a quote from Fisher Canvas for a winter cover for my 08 Montauk 170. $638.00 plus shipping. I expected it to be more for a heavy duty cover- heck my Carver 3 season sunbrella cover was around $500. Not to bad considering the lifespan. Wonder why they don't have any other colors. Maybe I will email them back and find out.
swist	posted 11-07-2013 08:16 AM ET (US) Snow load is not the only critical structural factor - wind loading is just as important. Those things won't stand up to winter around here (northern New England). You also need to consider the anchoring system relative to the type of soil. Some have good holding characteristics, others (rocky, ledge, etc) poor to nonexistent.
southshore fisherman	posted 11-07-2013 02:55 PM ET (US) swist, this is very true. In the summer I erect 2 canopies, 10' X 20'. After a couple years I found that if I use 4 concrete blocks at the base of each of the 8 legs with a line to the fittings on the top of the canopies they'll stand up to anything. Last summer I put sides and ends on the canopy that I kept my Dauntless 15 under with the 32 concrete block anchors. When hurricane Sandy hit we left a blues jam early to check on the boat because the winds here in Cleveland were really blowing. By the time we got to it some of the poles were bent, the uprights were jumping up and down and the whole thing was trying to fly away. No damage to the Whaler and we got her in the garage then in the raging rain we got the vinyl down to prevent further damage from the wind. My canopy in the back without the sides weathered the winds with no trouble.
EJO	posted 11-07-2013 08:53 PM ET (US) jim & 6992whaler I'm not familiar with Shelter Logic but the one I use is constructed of 1-1/4"diam pipe and I'm on soft soil. I bought it 20 years ago to store my 32' wooden Chris-Craft. Due to height off the gunnels off the ground I had to increase the width of the structure so I welded 2 foot pieces at the top. This caused a flat area which will collect snow here in the snow belt of lower W.Mich.. Moisture from Lake Mich. turns into snow where I live. 60mph is not uncommon. After 20 years I have no bent pipes, I'm on my 5th cover, (I put new one over old one when leaking occurs), it kept all my boats dry and now my Whaler and another boat trailer. I did shorten the structure length from 40ft to 30ft and lowered it 7'4" in the center. It now occupies 15 x 30 feet. Still have the original zippered front and back "doors". In the winter I do push the cover up from the inside when I have 12" or more on the flat top, for the rest it sheds snow pretty good. I think a standard one which is rounded on top will shed snow fine. I did take some rebar 24" long and hammered them in the ground to keep the structure from being picked up by high winds. Best investment for storage I ever made and I didn't need any permits and it was $15000 less expensive 20 years ago than a permanent building. Get a (movable) structure under which you can work when it rains, which you can't do with a fitted boat cover, get that to protect the boat when you trailer or moor.