This will be the fourth winter I've owned my boat, a 1983 Hunter 34. I had it hauled and blocked the first winter for five months. The last two winters I left it in the water and only had it hauled for a week in April so I could paint the bottom. Most of the other owners in my area haul and block for the winter. Am I missing something here? Why do so many haul for the winter? I've not noticed any damage or excessive wear and tear leaving mine in the water but I'm starting to wonder if there's something I'm not considering or don't know about that is possibly damaging the boat. Why are so many boats hauled out? Thanks, Joe Mullee PS. I use a bubbler so ice has not been a problem.
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Dry it out
Hauling the boat gives it a good chance to dry it out. Many people up here will haul it each year, but a few will haul every other year. Economics is better, also. But a good drying out is good for the boat. Plus it prevents condensation within the boat and makes it a lot easier to wax the hull in the spring, plus touch up the bottom. I also like the "ease-of-mind" that it leaves me by not having to worry about it being in the water.
Hauling the boat gives it a good chance to dry it out. Many people up here will haul it each year, but a few will haul every other year. Economics is better, also. But a good drying out is good for the boat. Plus it prevents condensation within the boat and makes it a lot easier to wax the hull in the spring, plus touch up the bottom. I also like the "ease-of-mind" that it leaves me by not having to worry about it being in the water.
Winter Haul outs
While boats on the Chesapeake can certainly stand being in the water over the winters here, you risk a number of things by trying to save a relatively small amount of money by not hauling: 1. It is not unusual for the electricity to go out, or be turned off by the marina, if a bad storm hits the area. If you depend on a bubbler, it may not work when you need it most. As you know the Bay can freeze, and often does. If your boat is "frozen in," it may, or may not, suffer damage. But it's easy for the topsides to get scratched by ice at that time. Also, a bubbler will not protect your boat from possibly being overwhelmed by the weight of a huge snow storm. If your scuppers get clogged by leaves or other debris, you risk a sinking in your slip. Have you ever tried to reach a boat in a slip after a huge snow storm? It ain't fun. 2. Leaving your boat in the water, even with a bubbler going, doesn't protect wet docklines from freezing and perhaps breaking or chafing. A friend of mine used to enclose his docklines around the pilings with old hose. The hose froze and created a sharp surface which cut thru his docklines. He had a lot of "dock rash" that year and spent months wet sanding the abraded surfaces of his topsides. 3. To me the most important fact about getting your boat hauled means being able to inspect how important parts of your boat -- rudder, shaft, prop, strut, cutlass bearing, thru-hulls, etc. -- are doing. This is the primary reason I haul my boat and I think it's worth it.
While boats on the Chesapeake can certainly stand being in the water over the winters here, you risk a number of things by trying to save a relatively small amount of money by not hauling: 1. It is not unusual for the electricity to go out, or be turned off by the marina, if a bad storm hits the area. If you depend on a bubbler, it may not work when you need it most. As you know the Bay can freeze, and often does. If your boat is "frozen in," it may, or may not, suffer damage. But it's easy for the topsides to get scratched by ice at that time. Also, a bubbler will not protect your boat from possibly being overwhelmed by the weight of a huge snow storm. If your scuppers get clogged by leaves or other debris, you risk a sinking in your slip. Have you ever tried to reach a boat in a slip after a huge snow storm? It ain't fun. 2. Leaving your boat in the water, even with a bubbler going, doesn't protect wet docklines from freezing and perhaps breaking or chafing. A friend of mine used to enclose his docklines around the pilings with old hose. The hose froze and created a sharp surface which cut thru his docklines. He had a lot of "dock rash" that year and spent months wet sanding the abraded surfaces of his topsides. 3. To me the most important fact about getting your boat hauled means being able to inspect how important parts of your boat -- rudder, shaft, prop, strut, cutlass bearing, thru-hulls, etc. -- are doing. This is the primary reason I haul my boat and I think it's worth it.
Do You Sail???
We have always enjoyed sailing in winter. Even in the mountain lakes of east Tennessee. There are some risks but most winters in East Tennessee are pretty mild and we got in several days of sailing each month. Chipping a little ice out of the cockpit is a small price to pay for the extra sailing. But if you don't sail year round there are few advantages to leaving the boat in the water.
We have always enjoyed sailing in winter. Even in the mountain lakes of east Tennessee. There are some risks but most winters in East Tennessee are pretty mild and we got in several days of sailing each month. Chipping a little ice out of the cockpit is a small price to pay for the extra sailing. But if you don't sail year round there are few advantages to leaving the boat in the water.
One more thing
The very idea of having the boat out of the water suggests a workbench of ideas. A couple of months on the hards gives you time to work on and under the boat. Once you're done, relaunching is an inspired act of accomplishment. Bring a champagne bottle!
The very idea of having the boat out of the water suggests a workbench of ideas. A couple of months on the hards gives you time to work on and under the boat. Once you're done, relaunching is an inspired act of accomplishment. Bring a champagne bottle!
more reasons to haul
Warren made a good list of reasons for hauling and I'm just going to add some more to it: 4. Electrolysis--if you're in salt water your prop shaft zincs may only be good for 90 days, depending on water composition and other issues (dock power line not grounding correctly, nearby powerboat engines creating fields, your own engine's grounding characteristics). You must replace these when they go or risk massive damage to your prop and shaft. Most Northeast boaters know 2 or 3 zincs will last through the typical season (May-Sept) and then replace them before the start of the next, but you've got to get her out of the water to do it. 5. Osmotic blisters--there's no reliable way of knowing which fiberglass hulls will blister through water absorption. Hauling in the off season gives the hull a chance to dry out and the owner a chance to see what's going on with it. 6. Critters--don't laugh, you may never see seals or other sea mammals at your marina in the Summer but they are often out there cavorting unseen along your shore during the migration season. They can do a lot of damage to deck hardware if they find your boat a cozy spot!
Warren made a good list of reasons for hauling and I'm just going to add some more to it: 4. Electrolysis--if you're in salt water your prop shaft zincs may only be good for 90 days, depending on water composition and other issues (dock power line not grounding correctly, nearby powerboat engines creating fields, your own engine's grounding characteristics). You must replace these when they go or risk massive damage to your prop and shaft. Most Northeast boaters know 2 or 3 zincs will last through the typical season (May-Sept) and then replace them before the start of the next, but you've got to get her out of the water to do it. 5. Osmotic blisters--there's no reliable way of knowing which fiberglass hulls will blister through water absorption. Hauling in the off season gives the hull a chance to dry out and the owner a chance to see what's going on with it. 6. Critters--don't laugh, you may never see seals or other sea mammals at your marina in the Summer but they are often out there cavorting unseen along your shore during the migration season. They can do a lot of damage to deck hardware if they find your boat a cozy spot!
Too Risky In Water
I have my boat hauled every winter here in the north east,we never know how cold or how much snow we will get. I love the fact that I can go to the boat any time I want and never have to worry about the weather if the boat was in the ice. It is so easy to check the boat out on the hard and to do all the necesary things like waxing and cleaning the prop and replacing the zincs and a whole bunch of other things and not being limited time wise,its so much better all around. The would never leave my boat in the water in the winter here in the north east,the cold ,snow and wind can get really nasty. Last year all the pilings were bent over and some of the docks in the creek were badly damaged and had to be replaced. nick
I have my boat hauled every winter here in the north east,we never know how cold or how much snow we will get. I love the fact that I can go to the boat any time I want and never have to worry about the weather if the boat was in the ice. It is so easy to check the boat out on the hard and to do all the necesary things like waxing and cleaning the prop and replacing the zincs and a whole bunch of other things and not being limited time wise,its so much better all around. The would never leave my boat in the water in the winter here in the north east,the cold ,snow and wind can get really nasty. Last year all the pilings were bent over and some of the docks in the creek were badly damaged and had to be replaced. nick
a different perspective
Every thing every one has said is absolutely true. And I agree that if it is easy to haul, you have a reputable and experienced and reliable yard that it's most likely the best course. But just for balance I'll add a couple of thoughts for leaving the boat in the water. Actually, many people up here do. One: It's warmer in the water. What if your boat hasn't completely dried out before a deep freeze settles in? That great big warm ocean might actually help protect your boat! Two: It's not just saving the cost of hauling your boat in and out of the water...Hauling involves a bit of risk to your boat. And, there is wear and tear involved. Sometimes "things" happen. Yeah stuff can happen to your boat when it's in the water... but the forces placed on your boat when it is slung and moved can exact a toll too. Three: When your boat is on the hard, there is less give and take on your boat. The effects of a hard wind on a stationary "on the hard" boat is greater than one that is in the water where it can bob and lean a bit with a heavy wind. Four: Things can happen to boats when they are stored on the hard. They can blow over. (even when cradled or boat stands are properly used) Maybe it's not your boat that blows over... it could be your neighbors! On the hard is not an absolute guarantee that nothing can happen to your boat. Five: Isn't there some kind of relationship to how many boats are pulled out of the water and the size of the boat? It seems to me that the bigger a boat gets, the less likely it is to be pulled out of the water every winter. There must be a way for those big boats to survive the perils of winter. Six: Which is safer from vandalism or thief?... Your marina where there are people around or in a deserted boat yard? This of course depends on the marina and the boat yard. But it could be a factor. Seven: It's a lot more fun to visit your boat in the winter if it's in the water. It just is! There are probably more advantages to leaving a boat in the water. But those are the ones that came to mind this evening. Oh... And you may have noticed that I didn't mention anything about trailers.... that's because if you have a trailer for your boat... it's a no brainer. Haul your boat!!!! Cheers
Every thing every one has said is absolutely true. And I agree that if it is easy to haul, you have a reputable and experienced and reliable yard that it's most likely the best course. But just for balance I'll add a couple of thoughts for leaving the boat in the water. Actually, many people up here do. One: It's warmer in the water. What if your boat hasn't completely dried out before a deep freeze settles in? That great big warm ocean might actually help protect your boat! Two: It's not just saving the cost of hauling your boat in and out of the water...Hauling involves a bit of risk to your boat. And, there is wear and tear involved. Sometimes "things" happen. Yeah stuff can happen to your boat when it's in the water... but the forces placed on your boat when it is slung and moved can exact a toll too. Three: When your boat is on the hard, there is less give and take on your boat. The effects of a hard wind on a stationary "on the hard" boat is greater than one that is in the water where it can bob and lean a bit with a heavy wind. Four: Things can happen to boats when they are stored on the hard. They can blow over. (even when cradled or boat stands are properly used) Maybe it's not your boat that blows over... it could be your neighbors! On the hard is not an absolute guarantee that nothing can happen to your boat. Five: Isn't there some kind of relationship to how many boats are pulled out of the water and the size of the boat? It seems to me that the bigger a boat gets, the less likely it is to be pulled out of the water every winter. There must be a way for those big boats to survive the perils of winter. Six: Which is safer from vandalism or thief?... Your marina where there are people around or in a deserted boat yard? This of course depends on the marina and the boat yard. But it could be a factor. Seven: It's a lot more fun to visit your boat in the winter if it's in the water. It just is! There are probably more advantages to leaving a boat in the water. But those are the ones that came to mind this evening. Oh... And you may have noticed that I didn't mention anything about trailers.... that's because if you have a trailer for your boat... it's a no brainer. Haul your boat!!!! Cheers
Hauling and critters
Another post mentioned critters. I removed all of my stuff from my boat before storage and was lucky. Apparently a racoon had been using the boat and had been eating corn inside the boat. But with nothing to destroy all we had to do was remove poop and wash the area. He would probably have desroyed cushions etc if they had been left inside. Apparently he was strong and smart enough to open the hatch. There was a thread about a boat sitting on the not so hard!!! The keel sank in mud but the jackstands didn't doing considerable damage to the boat. My last boat was on a trailer and I had to pay the marina if the boat was in the water or not so money wasn't a issue. We left it in the water purely to go sailing. It is soooo cool to be the only boat on the water on a nice winter day. Then after a day of sailing to anchor out and snuggle with someone in your warm sleeping bag. A hot cup of tea tastes much better when you have cold hands and can see your breath. But as mentioned earlier the water keeps the boat relatively warm. 45 degree water will kill you but 45 degree air inside the boat isn't too bad. We also see more birds like loons and eagles during the winter. Of course if you live where there is a solid freeze during the winter things are different. But the worst I've experienced is thin ice back in coves. Now that we have our boat in Panama city Florida hauling out for the winter isn't even being considered.
Another post mentioned critters. I removed all of my stuff from my boat before storage and was lucky. Apparently a racoon had been using the boat and had been eating corn inside the boat. But with nothing to destroy all we had to do was remove poop and wash the area. He would probably have desroyed cushions etc if they had been left inside. Apparently he was strong and smart enough to open the hatch. There was a thread about a boat sitting on the not so hard!!! The keel sank in mud but the jackstands didn't doing considerable damage to the boat. My last boat was on a trailer and I had to pay the marina if the boat was in the water or not so money wasn't a issue. We left it in the water purely to go sailing. It is soooo cool to be the only boat on the water on a nice winter day. Then after a day of sailing to anchor out and snuggle with someone in your warm sleeping bag. A hot cup of tea tastes much better when you have cold hands and can see your breath. But as mentioned earlier the water keeps the boat relatively warm. 45 degree water will kill you but 45 degree air inside the boat isn't too bad. We also see more birds like loons and eagles during the winter. Of course if you live where there is a solid freeze during the winter things are different. But the worst I've experienced is thin ice back in coves. Now that we have our boat in Panama city Florida hauling out for the winter isn't even being considered.
I'm Hauling
Set it up yesterday but scheduled it for December. There are many nice days here in November and maybe I'll get out some. Thanks for the advice. JM
Set it up yesterday but scheduled it for December. There are many nice days here in November and maybe I'll get out some. Thanks for the advice. JM
Rule of Threes
I haul my boat every third year. So I winter for two years in the water then pull it for the third winter. This has worked well for about 15 years now. Bottom paints now last for multiple seasons so that is no reason to pull it. I agree it is better to wax it but I suffer that. Every single time my boat has been pulled it has been damaged. I have had a ding put in the mainsail track on my mast, a broken rub rail requiring replacement, and scratched gelcoat on the topsides. In the water is way better support for the hull. I scuba dive so replacing zincs is easy and I also tie a five pound zinc "fish" to the grounding system and dangle it over the stern. Washing the bottom is also easy as a diver. In the spring when everyone is busy painting and waxing and waiting to get launched I am relaxing and enjoying my boat. Dave
I haul my boat every third year. So I winter for two years in the water then pull it for the third winter. This has worked well for about 15 years now. Bottom paints now last for multiple seasons so that is no reason to pull it. I agree it is better to wax it but I suffer that. Every single time my boat has been pulled it has been damaged. I have had a ding put in the mainsail track on my mast, a broken rub rail requiring replacement, and scratched gelcoat on the topsides. In the water is way better support for the hull. I scuba dive so replacing zincs is easy and I also tie a five pound zinc "fish" to the grounding system and dangle it over the stern. Washing the bottom is also easy as a diver. In the spring when everyone is busy painting and waxing and waiting to get launched I am relaxing and enjoying my boat. Dave
Dock Chafe
My 26 was on the market last winter, so I left it in the water (in Connecticut) to make it easier to show. We had some nasty storms with North, North Easterly winds. The boat was slipped on the Southern dock. The winds caused the boat to sometimes ride up on the floating dock. Fenders proved useless. The hull showed a good deal of abrasion. I would store in water again, but make sure that I am in a double slip with the boat on the Northern side so that the wind would blow her away from the dock.
My 26 was on the market last winter, so I left it in the water (in Connecticut) to make it easier to show. We had some nasty storms with North, North Easterly winds. The boat was slipped on the Southern dock. The winds caused the boat to sometimes ride up on the floating dock. Fenders proved useless. The hull showed a good deal of abrasion. I would store in water again, but make sure that I am in a double slip with the boat on the Northern side so that the wind would blow her away from the dock.
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