New Boat, New Cummins Diesel, One Garage

[ET]

I'm trying to decide what lucky "vehicle" gets to stay out of the snow and cold; the 2001 Alumicraft Trophy 185 or the 2002 Dodge Ram Diesel (due to arrive in January). Being a diesel, warmth is a factor and I could keep it somewhat toastier if its in the garage. Also I leave for work at 4:30 am (ususally running late) and coming out to a surprise snow covered truck really bites. But then again, I hate to put the boat outside too. If I cover it with the canvas cover(non waterproof)I'm afraid of 1)wet, heavy snow tearing the cover and 2) critters crawling into the openning in the rear where the cover meets the motor.

What would you do?

[Fshngyd]

I also have this problem, I have a double car garage but with my 2 boats sitting in it, my new last year 20' Starcraft and a 99 Bass boat, and with just purchasing a new GMC crew cab, I can't stand having the boats outside, so I deal with the scraping of windows and snow until Spring. I am to cheap to store either boats in the commercial storage facilities because of a bad incident a few years back. You may consider one of those portable garages that is sold through Cabela's, they are supposed to withstand high winds and alot of snow, it may be a good option for you. Good luck.

Kerry Keane
#217

[Keith/MN]

Having never owned a "diesel" powered vehicle others may tell you I'm all wet, but if it were my decision the boat would be in the garage all year round and the vehicle would sit outside. I believe that being exposed to the outdoor elements will affect your boat much more than your truck. Over the years my wife's cars have stayed in the garage while my vehicles have sat outside 365 days a year and I've not noticed any significant difference in their appearances (ie rust, faded/peeling paint, etc.) Whereas, you can tell immediately if a boat has been kept under a roof or not.
PS I've been 'told' that diesel engines of today will start in the coldest of weather.

[bountyhunter]

I have that dodge truck ,rite front there is a plug . PLUG IT IN PLUG IT IN at night before you go to bed ,it will be toastie warm come norming start her up turn on heater and go man go. you'll get instant heat .p.s. that truck will start ,I"VE not had even one problem with mine .jim

[Gilligan]

Kerry.. curious to which Starcraft/motor you are running and your thoughts on it. I'm looking at 2 different ones now; the 196 Fisherman and the 190 Starfire. Appreciate any feed back on them.

[Tomr]

Until recently, I had a 2-car garage, and a boat, the wife's car and mine to put in it. It was really simple, her car and the boat had the garage. Mine sat out. Like someone else said, plug it in. tr

[Box]

My truck (gas) has always sat outside. But this fall I built a 28'deep x 36'wide garage with 8'x18' and 8'x10' doors. Now there is room for eveything :)

My wife's car, TP175, Truck, Honda Magna, big snowblower, patio furniture, 15 dozen decoys or so... and still tons more room to boot. I could even fit the duck boat and trailer in if I needed to.

...now I just have to finish the electric out there (extension cords so far...) and then insulate and run gas and cable and put a heater in.

It's my dream garage :) and they are expensive - hehe...

-Box

[Jimmy Mac]

What a nice dilemma to have!! Anyway, I have heard of people "shrink rapping" their boats with plastic. Although I do not know anyone who has personnaly done it, I have driven by a number of boat dealers and have seen boats "shrink rapped" outside.

Sorry I cannot give you anymore info, but at least it's something to think about.

Jimmy Mac

[Sparky]

When you have cold temperatures it's a good idea to plug
a gas or diesel vehicle in. The first few minutes of running result into the most engine wear until it comes up to temperature. I owned a diesel for five years. It would start quickly in below zero weather but, It's hard to beat the instant heat provided by a vehicle that's been on the heater! Plug it in whenever possible and the engine should last a bit longer.

[Hutch]

I know several people that shrink wrap their boats in the winter that don't have the extra storage. If you go this way a few things to take into consideration. If you leave your batteries in have a cord coming out of the boat so you can throw a charge in the batteries periodically during the winter. Make sure you have the shrink wrap that has at least one vent in it to let the condensation out. Think about putting in moth balls or some kind of rodent repellant. Open all the compartment doors you can. Winterize your motor and gas. I to was in the same boat. New boat and truck. I figured if I'm gonna go in debt do it big time so I built another garage for the new toys. Hutch

[Muleskinner]

Face it. You guys all need a bigger garage. Go down to home depot with that pickup and get a load of toothpicks. Get to work spring is just around the corner.

Good fishing,
Kevin

[ET]

The shrink wrap seems like an interesting idea. I called my dealer and he said they do it. Cost is $5 per foot of boat, which puts me at at least $90 for the wrap. Seems a bit pricey. I'm thinking of maybe building a frame and use my mooring cover. I would probably then put a plastic tarp over that and snug it around the openning round the motor. That should keep the critters out.

I usually keep my truck outside too, but in winter like to keep it in the garage. Brushing snow (or scraping ice) at 4:30am, wearing dress clothes and shoes, in sub-zero wind chill, is just not my idea of fun.

I guess this spring its time to build that pole barn I put off this past summer!

[Hawgeye]

I would put the vehicle outside if I had a choice. However, I have the syndrom that occurs every time you buy a new toy. You have to buy, buy and buy some more.

Example:
Facts :
New boat 2001.
Wife has a van that MUST be kept inside, no need to discuss why, right? Two stall garage. Newer more expensive vehicle sits outside.

Guess what, time to move and buy a new house with 3 stall garage. And to think that new boat only costs 12K after trade in on older boat. YEAH RIGHT!

Can you use a remote starter on a diesel, that may be something to consider. Also, always, always plug it in as previously stated.

[bob oh]

I've had a boat shrink wrapped each winter for the last 11 years with no problems.