I want to keep the boat in the water for the winter. Average ice depth 8". Maximum 14".
I do not have electricity - so no inside heater or bubbler.
Now, I heard a lot of "Don't do it...I heard..." When questioned, these same people admit they have never experienced it or actually looked at anything pertaining to keeping a boat in water year round in northern lattitudes.
So I called Harbor North and got ???? on the phone. He has kept his boat in the water year round for 14 years, without a bubbler. When he hauls out he said his boat is fine. No ice damage. He leaves his valves open except the motor intake. Winterizes the motor.
Said the solar heat on the boat always keeps a small area of water surrounding the hull so that when the wind blows on the mast, the boat moves in water. Also the boat is in a very sheltered area.
Last winter I drove up there to see for myself. There were 7 boats in the bay area, his included. 3 of them were 50' Bennetau's. READ THAT PART AGAIN. They were newer models and LAID OUT. In other words...booku bucks.
The basin had 3 aerators of some size, probably 3/4hp. Not one boat was totally free of being in ice and three of them were 100% in ice. They had no problems. And all had internal heaters.
In addition there are several boats or more staying on the Cuyahoga river year round. Most have have been there for years, most covered, and no electricity for heaters etc. Now this part of the river gets ice, but thin ice because the river is heated form the steel mill upriver. The mill just started back up. That is where I plan to leave my boat.
Now, what do I need to know? Do you have any experience or know factually people who have done it, etc.
For the first twenty who just HAVE to answer "You'll shoot your eye out", I get it.
I do not have electricity - so no inside heater or bubbler.
Now, I heard a lot of "Don't do it...I heard..." When questioned, these same people admit they have never experienced it or actually looked at anything pertaining to keeping a boat in water year round in northern lattitudes.
So I called Harbor North and got ???? on the phone. He has kept his boat in the water year round for 14 years, without a bubbler. When he hauls out he said his boat is fine. No ice damage. He leaves his valves open except the motor intake. Winterizes the motor.
Said the solar heat on the boat always keeps a small area of water surrounding the hull so that when the wind blows on the mast, the boat moves in water. Also the boat is in a very sheltered area.
Last winter I drove up there to see for myself. There were 7 boats in the bay area, his included. 3 of them were 50' Bennetau's. READ THAT PART AGAIN. They were newer models and LAID OUT. In other words...booku bucks.
The basin had 3 aerators of some size, probably 3/4hp. Not one boat was totally free of being in ice and three of them were 100% in ice. They had no problems. And all had internal heaters.
In addition there are several boats or more staying on the Cuyahoga river year round. Most have have been there for years, most covered, and no electricity for heaters etc. Now this part of the river gets ice, but thin ice because the river is heated form the steel mill upriver. The mill just started back up. That is where I plan to leave my boat.
Now, what do I need to know? Do you have any experience or know factually people who have done it, etc.
For the first twenty who just HAVE to answer "You'll shoot your eye out", I get it.
