Get full headroom under the tarpaulin by raising the mast with a wooden A-frame. This gives good access via an 8ft ladder. The cockpit lifelines are unshackled to make it easier to get on board.
The solar panel is hung from the lifelines on the northern side of the hull so the battery is always kept topped up and ready to go.
The tarp keeps the sun off the decks and hull which prevents UV damage to the gel coat. The hull is also kept dry and well ventilated, so no mould can grow inside the cabin or lockers. (Townsville has a semi-dry climate, it's allot more wet and humid on the coast further north) This is the simplest and cheapest way to cover and look after the boat on a low budget in a cyclonic area. When a cyclone approaches, it's easy to remove the tarp, lower the mast, stow everything, lash down and batten the hatches.
The tarp is a good quality one which lasts for several years in the tropics. I buy them at Churches disposal store.
For final trip preparation, I remove the tarp and tow the boat about 6m forward, closer to the house/workshop so easier for provisioning. In cyclone mode the boat is moved to a safer spot next to the house, away from trees.
No comments:
Post a Comment