Summer Storage on the Hard

[Suncatcher]

For various reasons I am passing up sailing this summer and keeping the boat on the hard where it was during the winter (in Ontario Canada near

Lake Ontario). It is covered with a synthetic winter cover and was prepped for the winter. Is there anything else I need to do for summer storage? It is quite dry. I don’t keep the screened ports open during the winter; should I do that?

 

[PaulK]

It is probably a good idea to have as much ventilation as possible, so long as you can keep things dry. You will want to watch for chafe, too.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Take a lesson from everyone here who stores during summer (not our sailing season):

Ventilation is crucial - open stuff up

Remove anything fabric covered and foam filled

Dehumidifiers help tremendously in avoiding mold growth

Ensure boat is well secured and balanced

Ground mast

 

[Bob J.]

I'd remove the winter cover.

 

[dlochner]

Open the seacocks for the sink drains combined with other openings ventilation is much improved.

Crack open a few ports, especially those with screens.

Charge the batteries and recharge them periodically over the summer.

Don't be surprised if you have boat guests. I have a bat that has taken up residence in my quarter berth.

Check on the boat periodically make sure things are as they are supposed to be.

 

[rgranger]

Well I repeat this advice a lot and some are probably sick of hearing it.... but I'd leave a pan of mothballs out in the galley and another on the deck. Keeps wasps, daublers and the like from taking up residence. Also seems to help with mice and spiders but I still have a few spiders on the topside of my boat. None inside. I actually keep mine in a coffee can and put the lid on when I'm using the boat. Open things up and in about 30 min the smell is mostly gone.

 

[Capt Robbie]

1) engine
plug exhaust or tape, seal air intake air filter, maybe add a few drops of oil to the cylinder head.
2) fuel
Add more fuel stabilizer
3) rigging
Lube turn buckles
4) cabin
Add moth balls thru out the cabin and storage lockers to prevent insects small critters, turn up or remove cushions, add moisture bags in all cabin areas
Open all storage compartments to allow ventilation.
Cat litter or char coal for orders
Maybe rig a large isolating fan with a solar panel to circulate air within the cabin.
5) head
Add a gallon on treatment to holding tank
6) battery
Remove or trickle charge


Hope this helps

 

[Tom J]

My boat is near Boston, not as far north as you, but for summer storage, I usually cut some U shaped vent holes in the shrink wrap near the bow and stern. This allows for ventilation and keeps things from getting too hot under the cover. I've never had a problem with mold or insects.

 

[FastOlson]

I have a bat that has taken up residence in my quarter berth.

Oh My. Hope your significant other does not read these forums!

 

[dlochner]

Oh My. Hope your significant other does not read these forums!

I've already fessed up. The fuel lines need replacing, one sprung a slight leak on the day I hauled the boat, some diesel was spilled yesterday. I'm hoping the odor drives the bat out. If not, time to find some moth balls.

 

[rgranger]

I have a bat that has taken up residence

a sheet of large towel is a good way to catch a bat.
Ball it up and then release it outside.