Need advice on long term storage preps

[chiefaponte]

I am planning to sell my 76 8.0C. so if you know of anyone in Florida looking for a turn-key boat let me know.

I recently returned from a six-month deployment (Navy), my boat remained dry and the bilge accumulated about 3 gallons of rain water that likely leaked in from the anchor chain hole. In the event the boat does not sale before I leave for Japan for 3 years I would like to run something by you wise men/women.

here is my crazy idea: should I drill a hole in the keel towards the aft end to allow for water to drain? it can be easily resealed with SIX10.

Be gentle.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

My suggestions would be in preference to drilling a hole:
1. cover the boat, or
2. fix the leak.

 

[BobM]

Actually

It isn't such a bad idea to drill a hole if she will be on the hard a long time. Another good idea is to insert a shoelace through the hole to act at a wick. It will prevent the hole from getting closed off by anything in the bilge too. I used to drill a hole in my rudder every fall to let the water out and patch it with JB Weld each spring. I have head of people going the more permanent route of installing a drain plug too.

 

[mark_swart]

Chief -- I would sell it at whatever cost. Three years of storage is going to eat you up and no matter what you do, being closed up for three years is a long time.
All I could really recommend is good ventilation -- day/night solar vent and possible some passive venting as well. I don't think the hole sounds like a bad idea, but finding and fixing the leak would be better. Just remember to fill that hole before you splash her again!