storage in a dried up wet slip

[alisah]

Just bought my first boat, a Catalina 25, and LOVE it. However, we are experiencing a severe drought in Oklahoma and the lake is literally drying up. The lake was low enough a few months ago that there was no water in the wet slips. I noticed at the time that many owners had their boats, including the one that is now mine, suspended on straps. As a new wet slip lessee, I received an email today that warned owners to be prepared for such extreme dry conditions again but that boats should not be suspended and instead allowed to sit on dry ground but be tied securely.

Any suggestions?

I realize it would be best to dry store the boat on a trailer, but I have no trailer, nor a vehicle to pull one. That's one reason I waited so long to buy. However, this boat, the timing, and the price were too good to pass up. I LOVE HER, and want to take good care of her. This is not a toy to me, but a lifelong dream come true.

 

[shipwreck66]

If it is a swing keel and you get the keel up it will probably ride it out ok. I would never let a fixed keel settle in though. Like you I have no trailer and this has been a concern.

 

[OldCat]

I'd try to find someone with a trailer, find a boatyard (even if you have to haul it to a much larger lake or the coast) and have the yard put the boat up on stands (then the trailer owner keeps his trailer after the move). I'd really hate to leave it on the ground, especially if that ground were rocky. Go look up the Catalina 25 association and see what you can find.

I have seen pictures of boats lying on their side in high tidal areas - but I don't know anything about that or leaving the boat on its side for a long time - like months - and how long does the drought last? You don't know.

And if you move it, another option is to put her on a mooring somewhere where you can get some use of her.

My 2c,
OC

 

[jrowan]

Remember that its a sailboat & one of the main requirements is WATER to sail her in. If your lake is experiencing such a bad drought, then its probably time to move her.
That is if U want to sail & not just stare at your boat. You can rent trailors from bigger boat dealers, and I would do so & rent a powerful truck, at least an F 150 to haul her.
Swing keels are a lot easier to trailer, as the center of gravity is much lower. Think about moving soon, before U have o water or options left. Otherwise you'll need a crane to move the boat onto a trailer which adds expense. Good luck.