Re:[Cal_Boats] More winter damage - Boat Covers

I live near the Chesapeake and keep my boat on the hard for the winter on the Patapsco. This is my first winter, and as a nervous first boat owner, I opted to make a frame of 2x3s and cover with brown 11mil tarps (one of my portlights started leaking slightly just before fall.) I layed a board from the gooseneck to the bow and built a frame to hold up the boom so that I could release the topping lift completely. I then covered the "teepee" and attached to the stanchions and around the hull with rope and bungees to absorb any shock of the wind moving the tarps. I stop by weekly to check things out and I have been pleasantly surprised. little to no movement and great protection for $120. I was most concerned going this past saturday after our record, 48 inch, snowfalls during the past week and am thrilled to share that the tarp system held up great other than 3 cubic feet of snow that blew into the cockpit. I spent several nights wishing I shrinkwrapped, but after checking everything out I am sleeping much better. I have attached a pic from last saturday, just after brushing the manageable amount of snow from the tarps. How does everyone else do it? Mike 1988 Cal 28-2 Sails Call Baltimore, MD