When it comes time to cover the boat for winter, people do get creative. Walk around any marina this time of year and you will see canvas tied this way and that, tarps lashed in a dozen different styles and all kinds of home-made towers and structures.

The truth is that there is no proper way to cover a boat that will work universally for all vessels. Tarps, canvas, Shrink-wrap and custom solutions all have pros and cons, and which is best for you will depend on the weather in your area, what kind of boat you own, where you store it and whether you plan to use or visit it during the winter.

The idea, of course, is to protect the boat from accumulating snow or water and provide a barrier against the elements during months of non-use. And, while there are some common mistakes to avoid, there are many ways to accomplish these goals. There's even a "do nothing" option–no cover at all–that will work for people who can visit their boats often and perform basic maintenance through the winter.

To find out what will work for you, start by looking at what your neighbors have done. Canvas several dock mates, marina hands and others who know the area. By gathering several opinions you can learn from the experience of others, then try an approach yourself and improve it each year.

CLEAN THE BOAT

Before we start weighing the options, there's a lot of preparation to be done. You're going to start with some simple tools: A mop, a broom, some wipes and some trash bags. That's because the first step involves cleaning out the boat.

The operating rule when it comes to cleaning is this: if you leave it there this Winter, it will still be there next Spring. And it probably won't smell so good, so be thorough. Remove all the food and drinks aboard. Get the moldy bread from the galley and the soda cans from the cooler–anything liable to freeze, spoil and attract unwanted visitors. Wash out the ice box and leave the door open.

It's a sound idea to remove all the clothing and fabric items too, such as PFDs, foul weather gear, bedding and spare sets of clothes. Take it home, wash it and store it for next season (a couple large duffle bags usually work). That will give mold and mildew one less place to live. Vacuum the carpets and drapes, wipe out the cabinets and clean the head and the shower. Make sure the interior is dry and leave compartments open for better air flow. There's no sense coming back to a moldy interior in the spring.

Now is the time to hang the anti-mildew bags, open a few boxes of baking soda and distribute cups of desiccant throughout the boat. Desiccants are materials that pull moisture from the air and there are several different kinds available at marine store. Most often, they are sold as a block or small pellets that come in their own cup. I like to put at least one in the galley, the head, the cabin and the v-berth, just to name a few spots. More is better, especially if you are shrink-wrapping the boat and won't be able to get back inside until the spring.