How do you prepare a dinghy to be stored in winter

   Hi all,
I'm new to these forums and I apologize if this topic doesn't belong here. I searched for existing posts and couldn't find anything.

I just bought my first dinghy (Topaz Vibe) and I plan to store it outside at the marina in the yard. What are the recommendations for preparing it for a safe storage during winter. I'm in Montreal so we're talking about lots of snow, ice and temperatures as cold as -30C (-22F). 

I'm planning on taking the sails, the rudder and centre board (as well as the sheets) home for storage at room temperature and away from the elements. Not sure if I should leave the mast/boom with the hull or not.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

-Anibal

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anibal Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 02 Sep 18 Online Status: Offline Posts: 3	Post Options Post Reply Quote anibal Report Post Quote Reply Topic: How do you prepare a dinghy to be stored in winter Posted: 03 Sep 18 at 2:25pm
	Hi all, I'm new to these forums and I apologize if this topic doesn't belong here. I searched for existing posts and couldn't find anything. I just bought my first dinghy (Topaz Vibe) and I plan to store it outside at the marina in the yard. What are the recommendations for preparing it for a safe storage during winter. I'm in Montreal so we're talking about lots of snow, ice and temperatures as cold as -30C (-22F). I'm planning on taking the sails, the rudder and centre board (as well as the sheets) home for storage at room temperature and away from the elements. Not sure if I should leave the mast/boom with the hull or not. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. -Anibal

423zero Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 08 Jan 15 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 3420	Post Options Post Reply Quote 423zero Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 03 Sep 18 at 5:11pm
	Anything you can get home do it, including mast and boom, I would turn it upside down, cover it, tie it down well, (knock stakes into the ground).

MerlinMags Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Admin Group Joined: 19 Mar 04 Location: UK, Guildford Online Status: Offline Posts: 588	Post Options Post Reply Quote MerlinMags Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 03 Sep 18 at 8:49pm
	Bungs in or bungs out, I wonder?

Sam.Spoons Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 07 Mar 12 Location: Manchester UK Online Status: Offline Posts: 3400	Post Options Post Reply Quote Sam.Spoons Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 03 Sep 18 at 8:53pm
	In but loose?
	Spice 346 "Flat Broke" Blaze 671 "supersonic soap dish"

423zero Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 08 Jan 15 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 3420	Post Options Post Reply Quote 423zero Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 03 Sep 18 at 8:58pm
	probably out, but tape gauze over holes prevent creatures getting in, apparently mice can get through a hole has small as a pencil.

Sam.Spoons Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 07 Mar 12 Location: Manchester UK Online Status: Offline Posts: 3400	Post Options Post Reply Quote Sam.Spoons Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 03 Sep 18 at 9:04pm
	they will eat through the gauze if they want to get in.....
	Spice 346 "Flat Broke" Blaze 671 "supersonic soap dish"

JimC Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 17 May 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 6661	Post Options Post Reply Quote JimC Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 03 Sep 18 at 9:13pm
	I don't know about the Vibe, which is a different plastic, but the standard Topper dinghy gets horribly brittle at sub zero temperatures, to the extent that if its knocked hard it shatters. Its probably worth contacting the makers to see what they know about the plastic and v low temperatures, (perhaps not much!). If it is going to be vulnerable to damage when cold you'll want to bear that in mind when deciding where in the yard to put it. Edited by JimC - 03 Sep 18 at 9:14pm