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Easy Build Structures
Many available designs to meet your preferences and weighing your options is essential for what your boat requires. Shown here is the Grand Car Port design measuring 4 x 9 x 3 m (12 x 28 x 10 ft).
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Easy Build Structures
If your boat is not stored properly, your fibreglass, wooden or aluminum investment is susceptible to the elements and early signs of wear. Here is the 4.2 x 9 x 4 m (14 x 28 x 12 ft) design.
Words by Steve Fennell
There can never be enough said for preventative maintenance to maintain the value of your boat and all its vital components. Whether it’s brand new right off the showroom floor or a few years old, proper maintenance, protection from the elements and the occasional TLC are just some of the contributing factors to enjoy a great boating season and seasons to come.
At the end of the season, when the temps start to drop, the boat is put away for the long winter with no thoughts of boating until late spring. In the interim, if its not stored properly, your fibreglass (or wooden) or aluminum investment is susceptible to the cold, rain and snow, which will eventually take a toll over time with signs of wear. Shrink wrapping and boat tarps are convenient options (and very common practises) but not some storage solutions are not always ideal for all boats – and all conditions.
“If you live where it rains all the time, experience heavy snow, or your boat is constantly in the sun, a secure overhead structure that protects your boat outweighs its cost,” says Clayton Mickey, general manager of Easy Build Structures of Surrey, BC. “You could use a tarp or canvas and replace it every couple of years but at the end of the day, we have a product that can be put together quite easily. Its durable, long lasting, and basically maintenance-free.”
Consisting of 5 x 7 cm (2 x 3 in) galvanized tubular steel with a minimum yield strength of 50,000 psi for optimal durability, the structures are built with a swageing system, a unique slip-fit assembly process that provides structural integrity plus a Triple Layer Protection design for added durability and more importantly, rust resistance.
A fully-enclosed structure is perhaps every boater’s dream for the ultimate protection, but it’s not always necessary as it all depends on the climate and your location. Short of living where you experience -50 C in the winter and blasting heat in the summer, a completely enclosed structure is not always the only option.
“The type of structure varies from client to client,” says Mickey. “If the unit is going to be at a full-time residence, then a partially closed unit is still very effective. Or, if you’re storing your boat at a cottage or vacation property then you may want to consider a fully-enclosed unit – not only for more protection but security as well, where you can lock it up against people who take advantage that no one is around all the time.”
While space is often a factor, Mickey explained that steel carports and shelters from Easy Build Structures are available in designs ranging from 3 to 9 m (10 to 30 ft) in width with side wall heights range from 2 to 5 m (8 to 13 ft). If space is not a concern and you require optimal protection, fully-enclosed residential garage packages are also available and can be customized to include overhead doors, single- or double-man door entries, windows, and insulation packages. No matter which one you choose, all come with 26-gauge rolled sheet metal.
“As the packages have a set width and length, we can pretty much meet the customers needs within reason,” says Mickey.
While the choices are impressive with many available designs to meet your preferences, weighing your options and what you require is essential to achieve the protection you need for your boat to ensure years of use and enjoyment on the water.
Not convinced yet? Here are Five More Reasons to Consider an Overhead Structure (enclosed or semi enclosed).
- The elimination of monthly or annual moorage/storage fees.
- Ease of access for maintenance or retro-fits.
- Added security to reduce theft or vandalism.
- Prevents your boat from damaging debris, limbs, rocks, first dust, excessive moisture.
- High chance of elimination of nesting rodents or birds