Just hauled my 1984 Hunter 34 last week. Boat will be out of the water for the next two sailing seasons (duty calls). Are there any particular details I should prepare for or just prep it for the usual winter layup. I have built a frame on the deck and will be shrink wrapping it, with vents and a door. Randy
Long Term Storage
- Thread starter Randy Church
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P
Pete
Randy, Usual winter storage is just a little short of what I would do. Unless the batteries are new you will need to replace them when you return so might as well take them out and get rid of them. You migth want to "oil" the pistons (fogging oil in each injector). A boat that is sitting a long time also becomes a target for thieves so remove every thing and anything that you can. Cushions,bed, bedding, sails,all gear etc etc Don't leave anything on the boat that could be stolen. I am guessing you will have the mast down,you need to make sure the boat stands are in the correct spots so there is no hull "oil canning" you might want to think using some extra stands. Make sure there are plently of vents in the shrink wrap,more will be better in a long term storage. I'm sure some others will have more to add but you might ask a family member or a boat friend to check it at least once a month if not very other week if posible. Make sure the yard has an emergency contact in your absence. I am assuming you are in the service and will be stationed overseas ("duty calls") If this is true THANK YOU for your service and may you come home safe and soon !
M
Margaritaville
I have never done it but...
If you have power available I suggest you get a dehumidifier and set it up so it will drain down the sink drain. I would think mold and mildew will be your worst enemy. Not so much during the winter months. The sun shining thru the white shrink may be enough to run a couple of solar vents as well. if it was me I would pour a gallon on bleach in the holding and water tanks and the bilge before you drain them( and then again after you drain them). also I would remove the lowest thruhull just in case you get some leaks or thieves that get in the boat and leave something open. thieves will find your boat so don't lock the boat or they will break locks and hatchboards just to get inside.
If you have power available I suggest you get a dehumidifier and set it up so it will drain down the sink drain. I would think mold and mildew will be your worst enemy. Not so much during the winter months. The sun shining thru the white shrink may be enough to run a couple of solar vents as well. if it was me I would pour a gallon on bleach in the holding and water tanks and the bilge before you drain them( and then again after you drain them). also I would remove the lowest thruhull just in case you get some leaks or thieves that get in the boat and leave something open. thieves will find your boat so don't lock the boat or they will break locks and hatchboards just to get inside.
M
Margaritaville
stop and say hi
I am guessing with Pete you are in the service of our great country. I don't know where you are going but if it is anywhere near Izmir Turkey(Cigli AB) drop me a line. In march I go there TDY for about 4 months. So proudly we serve! Paul
I am guessing with Pete you are in the service of our great country. I don't know where you are going but if it is anywhere near Izmir Turkey(Cigli AB) drop me a line. In march I go there TDY for about 4 months. So proudly we serve! Paul
No concentrated bleach
Thank you, Randy for your service to protect us. Anti-freeze is anti-biotic enough for a couple of years. But bleach is dangerous to your water systems if used full strength, or even if a well diluted solution is left over the time you plan. Check with your marina if you are leaving it at one - I recommend that you do. Ours regular checks all boats, in or out of the water. We do not have much of a problem with break-in and theft, and the marina staff would definitely follow up on any signs of disturbance. Removing valuable items is sensible in any case. David Lady Lillie
Thank you, Randy for your service to protect us. Anti-freeze is anti-biotic enough for a couple of years. But bleach is dangerous to your water systems if used full strength, or even if a well diluted solution is left over the time you plan. Check with your marina if you are leaving it at one - I recommend that you do. Ours regular checks all boats, in or out of the water. We do not have much of a problem with break-in and theft, and the marina staff would definitely follow up on any signs of disturbance. Removing valuable items is sensible in any case. David Lady Lillie
D
Dan Johnson, H34 Intrepid
Randy...
Not much I can add to what Pete said, except from an old Vet, keep you head down, your weapon loaded, and your "flak jacket" on at all times. Post an APO address for "CARE" packages. Be safe.
Not much I can add to what Pete said, except from an old Vet, keep you head down, your weapon loaded, and your "flak jacket" on at all times. Post an APO address for "CARE" packages. Be safe.
T
ted
battery minder
I would not throw out the batteries. Top them up with distilled water, clean them off good and attach a battery minder. The battery minder will keep a trickle charge on the battery and if it is a good battery it will probably still be good several years later. You will need AC 110 power for the minder. Pull the batteries and plug them in somewhere dry. Hopefully you can recruit someone to check up on the boat every 3 months or better to have any issues fixed or dealt with accordingly. Hopefully you have a good yard to store it in and the yard manager will look after your boat. Shrink wrap is definately a good idea.
I would not throw out the batteries. Top them up with distilled water, clean them off good and attach a battery minder. The battery minder will keep a trickle charge on the battery and if it is a good battery it will probably still be good several years later. You will need AC 110 power for the minder. Pull the batteries and plug them in somewhere dry. Hopefully you can recruit someone to check up on the boat every 3 months or better to have any issues fixed or dealt with accordingly. Hopefully you have a good yard to store it in and the yard manager will look after your boat. Shrink wrap is definately a good idea.
B
Bob
Have a Boat Sitter
I would whole heartedly second Ted's comment of having someone look after your boat every once in a while. Several years ago, my military duties had me moving overseas for two years. I built a frame and covered the boat. Two hurricanes later, the cover was gone and the cockpit drains were clogged with leaves. The result, the cockpit filled with rain water and eventually that water entered the cabin. Imagin the result of having your cabin flooded for two years!! I had someone who was supposed to look after the boat but she obviously did not - she is now the ex-wife! Lessons learned, yes, cover the boat but make sure someone responsible will drop in after bad weather and clean things up/ repair as needed!
I would whole heartedly second Ted's comment of having someone look after your boat every once in a while. Several years ago, my military duties had me moving overseas for two years. I built a frame and covered the boat. Two hurricanes later, the cover was gone and the cockpit drains were clogged with leaves. The result, the cockpit filled with rain water and eventually that water entered the cabin. Imagin the result of having your cabin flooded for two years!! I had someone who was supposed to look after the boat but she obviously did not - she is now the ex-wife! Lessons learned, yes, cover the boat but make sure someone responsible will drop in after bad weather and clean things up/ repair as needed!
Thanks for suggestions
I'm fortunate that some of the concerns that have been posted will not apply to Mental Floss as she is sitting here in my driveway. I have seven stands under her now, 3 each side and one at bow. Not to sure I agree where boat mover placed them. I think I will position them at bulk-head areas. Will be draining water tanks and flushing winterizer through the lines and pumps, probably same with hot water heater, not sure on bilge pumps. Will try to drain fuel tank, change oil & filter, fog engine, etc. Randy
I'm fortunate that some of the concerns that have been posted will not apply to Mental Floss as she is sitting here in my driveway. I have seven stands under her now, 3 each side and one at bow. Not to sure I agree where boat mover placed them. I think I will position them at bulk-head areas. Will be draining water tanks and flushing winterizer through the lines and pumps, probably same with hot water heater, not sure on bilge pumps. Will try to drain fuel tank, change oil & filter, fog engine, etc. Randy
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