winterizing

[ed]

we re probably leaving our 26.5 in the water for the winter.has anyone experience of the bubble jets, etc. unlikely to freeze as mooring is in a lagoon on barnegat bay n.j. but do not want to take chances.also is it best to have boat hauled and bottom powerwashed before winter sets in. hull at water line is dirty and deposits on the water line. used good epoxy after stripping old bottom paint off last spring. do t want to have to completely strip off again!!any help and advise more than just welcome!ed

 

[John K Kudera]

Winter in NJ

HI ED,I have wintered on Barnegat Bay the last 10 years, and yes, I saw Ice in the lagoons at some times during that period. However, this is to be a mild winter, and if there is a bubbler or flowing water where you are you should be fine.As to the (scum line) wait til spring,get the boat hauled and have the marina use the acid wash on the waterline, the acid will remove the scum and your bottom will look fine.J K Kuderas/v Fifty-Fifty, H34, 1984

 

[Jim McCue]

winterizing in Barnegat

I second Kudera recommendations. I've been in the water year round in Metedeconk near Bricktown. I'm towards the outside of the dock in the river and it barely gets more than ice scales. The tide there is minimal. Maybe all I get is a little eching of ice against my waterline antifouling. The marina's bubblers are mostly for their dock... if they work at all. I'm only subjected to NE wind and have set-off "H" fenders to keep me off the piles in a blow.s/v SafeharborJim McCue