How often do you check your boat?

[c130king]

Just bought Hull #178. Was wondering how long some of you will let you boat sit at the marina without having someone check the lines, shore power, bilge pump, etc...

Mine will sit at the marina mostly unused (just 3-4 times the first week of July) from about a week ago until 3 September when I move down to Mississippi. I live in Virginia for another few months.

I am able to get my daughter to go do a basic check for me (lines, power, bilge pump) every week or so.

I may have access to a friend who can check for me occasionally the 40 days my daughter will be out of town.

Should I have the motor started every now and then?

I will be down there the first week of July and will take it out a few times.

Appreciate any thoughts on this.

Thanks,
Jim

 

[Witzend]

Every week....Can't use it...sell it.

 

[c130king]

Every week....Can't use it...sell it.

Mine will get well used...when I retire from the Air Force I will become a "sailing bum"...my job will be to sail.

But unfortunately it will sit there until I get down there on 3 September.

I have a son of a friend lined up to check on the boat for me (for a small fee) but don't want to abuse him (and waste money) by having him go out there every day...and don't want to take huge risk by not having him check at all...

So what is a good "middle ground"? Once a week? Every 10 days (3 times per month?)?

Well tied up in a nice slip...no huge tidal swings...well protected from wave action.

Thanks,
Jim

 

[gpdno]

I try and get out sailing twice a week. Usually check on the boat every couple of days. I would say I have rarely gone longer that a week without checking on it. Part of it is simply social, I tend to go down just to bs with my dock mates.

 

[Cmp1110]

I laid up my boat in the water this winter checked maybe twice mostly cause I was bored. When I got there it was always exactly how I left it

 

[Merlin Clark]

I'd leave contact info for yourself and anyone in the area that will be helping out with the dockmaster in case of emergency or between visit problems. I'd be comfortable with bi-weekly visits.
Some things to check, perform during visits (best to have a checklist):
Start and run the engine at least monthly. normal procedures for checking oil and strainer- intake seacock open for use and closed after use.
Cycle seacocks monthly, watch for leaks. Leave closed except A/C if equipped and running and cockpit drains if equipped (also leave open).
Check refer if left on, I'd leave it on low- mechanical/electric systems seem to die if left off. Leave the A/C on low, better for the system and keep the boat dry.
Check A/C strainer.
Check bilge pumps to make sure they work. Should discharge above water line and probably not equipped with seacocks- if so cycle and leave open.
Turn off all breakers except those needed for the above.
Check general condition of interior, wet cushions, etc.

Outside the boat:
Check lines for chafe and set for tide (Spring tides higher).
Check power cord, make sure it's still plugged in and no one is stealing your power.
Not a normal check but I would not leave a hose even available to supply dock water to a boat with one of those pressure supply fittings- faucets get opened mysteriously sometimes- stow the hose in a locker or dock box.
Check general condition of boat; sail covered, jib furled (better to remove), all parts where they are supposed to be, etc.
Have a diver service the boat bi-monthly, he can keep an eye on zinc and the hull will be clean when you do get down to use the boat.
Have a plan to move and/or haul the boat if required (hurricane season, etc).
I'm sure there are plenty of things I missed, this is off the top of my head.

 

[Stu Jackson]

If you can't check the boat personally, your idea to have someone else do so is a good one.

Lots depends on where you are.

I would strongly urge you do disconnect the shorepower and get a small solar panel to keep the batteries healthy. Using shorepower when you're not there could lead to a costly fire.

 

[c130king]

Stu,

Thanks. I am pinging the owner who is the original owner and knows the boat best. And it is his son who will be my "someone else" to watch the boat over the Summer.

I beleive he told me he recommended that the A/C be turned off since it will be sitting there unused for over 3 months. So the only thing being powered would be the bilge pump. And there is a small solar panel...but he hasn't used it in quite a long time.

Doing all of this long-distance is stressful...a few more grey hairs I guess.

Cheers,
Jim