[Public-list] Ice in the Bilge

[sousa, stephen (ENG)]

Todd,

I don't know where you are located. We live in north central MA, and have a
lot of snow and ice during the winter. I use a 2 X 4 ridge pole and supports
from the cockpit and foredeck, plywood under the supports to spread the
load.  The remainder is strapping from the ridge out to the lifelines,
lifelines have strapping taped with adhesive on outside of duct tape. This
has worked well over the years, have had a few pieces of strapping break
under the ice load but never totally fail. I switched to canvas which I am
on the 3rd year and it seems to last. Traps were lasting one winter season
if lucky, the winds would literally tear them up. 

I know some people use PVC which I was concerned with snapping under extreme
cold, this morning -15F again. 

I may install a drain for next year as Lincoln did on his Alberg. I had some
water in the bilge mixed with antifreeze. Doesn't freeze totally, I also
lift the bilge out of there for the winter.    

Good luck,
Stephen

 1107008847.0