Winter on the hard?????

[Joe M]

Not sure what to do. Just bought my first big boat in June, 2001. It's a 1983 Hunter 34. Before buying she was hauled out for the survey and the bottom looked good. She was bottom painted in March, 2001.This is all about expenses. Like everyone else I have to keep paying for the slip thru the winter. To haul, wash, and launch is $9 per foot. To block and store is $100 per month for four or five months. Total cost approximately $700-800. I have the money but there's always other things I'd like to use it for on the boat. Should I dry store it or not? I need advice.Thanks.

 

[Jerry Smith]

My boat stays in the water...

I live in Mobile, Alabama so my weather conditions are obviously different than yours. I leave my boat in the water year round. I do a haul out once every 1 1/2 to 2 years and have no problems. I am a diver so I inspect my bottom a couple of times a year and clean any algae that accumulates. It's nice to just go down to the dock and spend time on the boat even in the winter. There are also some winter days that are quite nice for sailing in Mobile. This is just an added bonus. I am not familiar with the obvious freezing conditions that you may encounter, but I would guess that you could handle these conditions just as well with the boat in the water.

 

[Bill Murray]

check out with other sailors

ou need to check out with other sailors in your area. The most prudent course is to do what most everyone else does. If you are going to take a less traveled route, talk with others who have done it before.Not doing proper winter preparations can cost really big money for repairs.Have a great time in that "other sailing season".Bill MurrayS/V Good FaithH29.5 #175

 

[Jim Merry]

Winter in the Water

I had an O'Day 40 at White Rocks Marina near Baltimore, MD. I kept her in the water during the winter and actually lived aboard. The marina had bubblers which helped prevent the ice from freezing to the hull. Check with your marina and as others advised, check with other boat owners.

 

[Pete]

Winter in the Water

I am not the voice of experience, but I do have a few comments. I decided to stay in all winter. I am in the Middle River Md area. I am likely to sail when it is pretty cold so it was kind of a no brainer for me. Also we have warm days in every month of the year most years so why not take advantage of them.The marina mentioned a few issues to consider so I will pass them on.1. If you are going to stay in the water it is a good idea to be at a marina that will be using bubblers.2. You need to have a deep enough slip to allow the bubblers to do their job. They draw warmer water from the bottom and if the water is too shallow there is no warmer water.3. Remember that depending on your location and the weather, the water can get blown out more than you might have thought when considering comment #2.4. Even if you keep using the boat during the winter you still need to prepare it for sub-freezing conditions.5. You will need to check on the boat frequently, at regular intervals, after storms, etc. unless someone you really trust at the marina is looking after it for you (I wouldn't have that much faith in anyone).Good Luck,Pete