Winter in the NorthEast

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S

Sherlock

I have a Hunter 45CC. what do folks do for the winter in the NorthEast? 1) Go South, and if so, any recommendations? 2) In water storage? 3) On land storage?
 
B

bob G.

Smart Move

Always risks involved if you store in water, helps to be close by, so it"s smart move to store on the hard, but it's a smarter move to head south, if you can. I would guess 95% of salt water boats come out of water, 100% of freah water boats, if you do stay in water do you use a bubbler? what if the power goes out? what if we get a noreaster? For me piece of mind up on land fewer worries. Farmers almanac is good BUT......just how cold will it be????
 
Dec 3, 2003
2,101
Hunter Legend 37 Portsmouth, RI
Insurance Reqmts

Many insurers only cover in-water until Nov 1. So you will need to speak to your insurer if you leave it in.
 
Feb 26, 2004
41
Hunter 38 Portland, Oregon
keep sailing

We keep sailing here in the Northwest - frequent temperatures in the 50's, Oh, you said Northeast. Sorry, (had to rub it in).
 
Dec 1, 1999
2,391
Hunter 28.5 Chesapeake Bay
The one winter....

... I decided to leave my boat in the water was a nightmare. It got cold early that year and ice began to form in the marina (which is mildly salty). Then it warmed up and rained. Then it got cold and the ice returned. I visited the boat often, and once found the dock lines, which had gotten wet, were now frozen, had no "give" and there were sharp edges where they rounded the pilings. A few weeks later, we had an unusually big snowstorm. I attempted to get to the boat. I had to leave my car at the edge of the marina and walk through about 15 inches of snow to get to the docks. Then I realized how dangerous it would be to walk down the snow covered docks. I did it anyway. Have you ever been on a boat covered with snow? Sort of sporty. My boat, which had some tarps over it, still had about of foot of snow on the side decks. It appeared thatleaves had somehow gotten into the cockpit and frozen over the scuppers. About 6 inches of ice had formed there. I was not a happy camper. In the end, the boat survived the ordeal of winter better than I did, with only a few minor scratches at the waterline where the hull chaffed against ice the froze, melted, and refroze. I'll never leave my boat in the water again in winter in a place where ice forms and it snows. The boat can take it, but I can't.
 
Dec 1, 1999
2,391
Hunter 28.5 Chesapeake Bay
Crap shoot

I can't think of one good thing, other than possibly saving a few bucks -- that leaving your boat in the water over a NE winter would produce. And the risks associated with saving a few bucks for hauling and blocking could produce some huge repair costs depending on what kind of winter you have. The only people I know who really "enjoy" having their boats in the water in cold climes are liveaboards who are there all the time and can deal with whatever nature serves up -- sometimes. I know one such guy who got stranded on his frozen-in, snow covered boat one year. He wasn't having a great time, either. Get your boat hauled for winter, relax not having to worry about it when the weather sours, and be sure to visit it regularly on the hard and make sure your best friend is doing well. YOu won't regret it.
 
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