Does anyone have advise on leaving a 32 ft sailboat on a mooring all winter, Harbor freezes in a few spots when its really cold, Can ice badly damage the boat? tired of the huge yard bills and required "bottom Painting" that only the Marina can do (scam)
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Recommend In-water at a marina
I would recommend in-water storage at a marina. I wouldn't want to be bothered trying to get out to the boat on a mooring that could freeze and sink your boat. What if you fell in?
I would recommend in-water storage at a marina. I wouldn't want to be bothered trying to get out to the boat on a mooring that could freeze and sink your boat. What if you fell in?
Ice Damage
Not sure where you moor. Here in Alberta Canada, the winter ice is 12-18 inces thick and would destroy a boat. On the BC coast where I keep my boat, ice thickness is not a real problem. Just a sheen on the surface most times. In mid-Nov I just plug into shore power and leave a 5-watt heater running all winter until mid-Feb to prevent the interior and residual fresh water in lines from freezing. If you value your boat, I would put it on the hard. Your insurance company would no doubt be happier campers too. Why cannot you paint her bottom?
Not sure where you moor. Here in Alberta Canada, the winter ice is 12-18 inces thick and would destroy a boat. On the BC coast where I keep my boat, ice thickness is not a real problem. Just a sheen on the surface most times. In mid-Nov I just plug into shore power and leave a 5-watt heater running all winter until mid-Feb to prevent the interior and residual fresh water in lines from freezing. If you value your boat, I would put it on the hard. Your insurance company would no doubt be happier campers too. Why cannot you paint her bottom?
In water Marina
Hi Matt, Look for a marina that offers wet winter storage I have been leaving my boat in for years now the marinas have a slow time in the late summer and will short haul and paint at a cheaper rate,I've gotten 3 years from one paint job (the best abblative paint was used)this year I'm going to haul her for the winter so the hull and rudder gets a good drying out. The bottom painting issue is for another forum
Hi Matt, Look for a marina that offers wet winter storage I have been leaving my boat in for years now the marinas have a slow time in the late summer and will short haul and paint at a cheaper rate,I've gotten 3 years from one paint job (the best abblative paint was used)this year I'm going to haul her for the winter so the hull and rudder gets a good drying out. The bottom painting issue is for another forum
depends
It depends on where you store. It sounds as though you're in a climate where the winters are fairly mild. Here in Michigan in-water winter lay-up is out of the question without a bubbler/circulator to keep the water from freezing aroung the hull. That said I've read stories on cruisers who have lived on their boat in the Antarctic through the southern winter. The key play is that they moored/anchored in a bay/inlet where the ice DID NOT move at all. It is the movement of the ice which damages objects in the water. The strength of the hull itself should be able to take the pressures of ice on the hull. It's shape allows the ice to press against the boat's sides and not crush the boat at the water line. However if you moor in a place where the ice moves then you are vulnerable to ice damage. If you choose to moor out this winter then you'd better be sure that the ice doesn't move in the harbor. Of course you must winterize the fresh water systems and regularly check on the boat. In particular I'd be sure that the line from the mooring to the cleat was able to take the chafe and ice crystal formation. If possible a mediterranean moor may be in order. In the final analysis I'd choose an on-the-hard winter lay up. Just for the peace of mind if nothing else. Whatever way you go I wish you well. Mike S/B Pitterpat, Lake Huron
It depends on where you store. It sounds as though you're in a climate where the winters are fairly mild. Here in Michigan in-water winter lay-up is out of the question without a bubbler/circulator to keep the water from freezing aroung the hull. That said I've read stories on cruisers who have lived on their boat in the Antarctic through the southern winter. The key play is that they moored/anchored in a bay/inlet where the ice DID NOT move at all. It is the movement of the ice which damages objects in the water. The strength of the hull itself should be able to take the pressures of ice on the hull. It's shape allows the ice to press against the boat's sides and not crush the boat at the water line. However if you moor in a place where the ice moves then you are vulnerable to ice damage. If you choose to moor out this winter then you'd better be sure that the ice doesn't move in the harbor. Of course you must winterize the fresh water systems and regularly check on the boat. In particular I'd be sure that the line from the mooring to the cleat was able to take the chafe and ice crystal formation. If possible a mediterranean moor may be in order. In the final analysis I'd choose an on-the-hard winter lay up. Just for the peace of mind if nothing else. Whatever way you go I wish you well. Mike S/B Pitterpat, Lake Huron
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