How to Store Your GP14 at the Boat Park

Keep your boat dry, upright, and ready to race

1

Prepare the Boat Before Parking

Before you wheel your GP14 into position for the week or the off-season:

Rinse the hull and fittings with fresh water

Especially if you've been sailing in salt or muddy conditions.

Dry everything before putting on the cover

Damp air causes mildew and softens varnish.

Open the drain bungs

Allow proper ventilation throughout storage.

Remove sails, spinnaker, and personal gear

They store best indoors.

A quick rinse and dry now saves hours of cleaning later.

2

Setting the Boat on the Trolley

GP14s sit naturally on their launching trolleys — but support still matters.

Even Support

Check the hull rests evenly on the trolley supports. No twisted loading or rocking.

Bow Height

Set the bow cradle height so the hull is level or slightly bow-up (so rainwater drains aft).

Soft Ground

If the ground is soft, place planks under trolley wheels to stop sinking.

Slope Protection

Chock the wheels if your boat park has any slope.

Pro Tip: Keep the nose just high enough for drainage, but not so much that the boat can roll backward.

3

Fitting the Cover

Use a well-fitted breathable top cover

Ideally polycotton or vented PVC.

  • Day-to-day: A mast-up cover is perfect
  • Winter: A flat trailer cover keeps things tighter and cleaner

Add a batten or center pole under the cover

This sheds rainwater effectively.

Secure all straps

So the cover can't flap — chafing on the gunwales can mark varnish or gelcoat.

Avoid cheap blue tarps — they trap condensation and kill brightwork.

4

Wind & Weather Protection

Club compounds can be breezy, so make sure your boat can't move or fill with water.

Secure the Trolley

Tie the trolley handle to the nearest ground anchor or tie-down ring.

Wind Protection

Use a single strap over the cover (with padding) in very exposed parks.

Water Drainage

Keep the bow slightly higher so water drains toward the stern bung.

Secure Cover

Tighten the cover around the mast and shrouds to keep gusts from lifting it.

5

Caring for Wooden & Composite Hulls

Wooden Hulls

  • • Keep well-ventilated under the cover — never sealed tight in plastic
  • • Check varnish at least once a season; touch up any worn edges before winter
  • • If your boat has wood gunwales or decks, a quick wipe with a damp cloth and mild detergent prevents salt staining

Composite (GRP) Hulls

Benefit from a light wax polish before long storage.

6

Overwintering at the Club

If your club allows winter storage outdoors:

Remove Components

Remove rudder, tiller, and boom — store these indoors or under cover.

Loosen Rigging

Loosen rigging tension slightly.

Store Sails Indoors

Keep sails and ropes dry and indoors.

Regular Checks

Every few weeks, check for pooled water or flapping cover straps.

A dry hull and snug cover will see you straight through to next season.

7

Quick Boat Park Checklist

Hull washed and drained
Bow slightly raised for drainage
Wheels on boards or chocked
Top cover tight and vented
Drain bungs open
Rudder, sails, and ropes removed

Download Checklist PDF

Print this handy checklist and keep it at your boat park for quick reference

Download Storage Checklist PDF

Summary

At most GP14 clubs, security isn't the problem — exposure and neglect are.

Your aim is simple: "Keep it dry, keep it covered, and keep it upright."

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