Slipping my 240 SD for 1st time. Any suggestions?

S

So Cal Sundeck

New Member
May 30, 2007
11
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
This weekend I will finally be putting my boat in my slip at Lake Mead where I have a weekend getaway mobile home. I was wondering if there is anything I need to do as far as any kind of prep before I put it in the water? Anything to protect the drive or bottom? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I have always pulled my boat out of the water after use each time and with the launch ramp being so crowded on weekends, I am going to start leaving it in the slip that I am paying for every month so I can just "show and go".

Thanks very much.
 
We have our boat wet slipped at our house. Prior to that it had been dry stored at a marina. We had the bottom painted prior to putting it into the water. We also keep a close eye on the zincs. Hope that helps.

Chazaroo
 
Check operation of the bilge pump. Get adequate fenders.

Approach the dock fast and with a beer in hand... uhh, wait, strike that. :smt021
 
Have you considered a lift? We keep ours on a lift and it keeps the the bottom and outdrive in great condition. The lift also protects the boat if the water gets rough.
 
Thanks for the replies. What are the zincs? Sorry for the dumb question. I was actually thinking of getting a submersible dock lift, but I am only going to have my boat in the slip for the summer months and maybe into Fall, and then it will be stored in a covered spot so I can't really justify spending the money. I have my snap on cover too that I'll be putting on when not in use.

How can I check the bilge pump? I know there is a switch, but how do I know it will come on automatically?

Thanks again for all of the help.
 
So Cal Sundeck said:
Thanks for the replies. What are the zincs? Sorry for the dumb question. I was actually thinking of getting a submersible dock lift, but I am only going to have my boat in the slip for the summer months and maybe into Fall, and then it will be stored in a covered spot so I can't really justify spending the money. I have my snap on cover too that I'll be putting on when not in use.

How can I check the bilge pump? I know there is a switch, but how do I know it will come on automatically?

Thanks again for all of the help.
Click to expand...

In layman terms. Zincs keeps the corrosion from attacking the out-drive. They go first. always keep an eye on them. Saltwater you really have to keep an eye on them.

What is they say "never go faster when docking, than you want to hit the dock" :lol:

Easiest way to check the bilge pump. Run some fresh water into the bilge and it should come on and pump it out :thumbsup:
 
woah. . .is the bottom painted now?

If not. . you don't want the hull in the water for more than a few days without paint. That includes the outdrive and the hull.

There is alot more to this subject. . .

. . .but having the boat OUT of the water is always better than in the water for storage.
 
comsnark said:
woah. . .is the bottom painted now?

If not. . you don't want the hull in the water for more than a few days without paint. That includes the outdrive and the hull.
Click to expand...

Even in a fresh water lake?? :huh:
 
If it's in for the summer it's probably going to need bottom paint.
 
The bottom is not painted. I will be taking it out every few weeks to clean it and power spray it. Very few of the boats in slips in the marina have bottom paint, even the 40-50fters. I mentioned this to my friend at the Sea Ray dealer and he told me I would be fine. I would have a bit of discoloration on the bottom if left in the whole summer, but nothing the power sprayer wouldn't take off. I checked my zincs and they are new looking. I will also check the bilge when i get there. Thank you all for the suggestions. I'm off in a few to hit the lake for the weekend.
 
That's what we did this past summer. Probably kept her in about 3 weeks at the longest, pull out and clean, then back in again. As you said, some discoloration but it came off with sprayer and a few other tricks you can probably find doing a 'search' here.

Enjoy your weekend! I may finally get to get out myself again :smt038
 
Awesome...thanks for the info. What's the water like at the like you go to? Is it murky or clear? Lake Mead is pretty clear and you don't see too much accumulation on the boats that are slipped unless they have been there for 10 years.

Have a great weekend and thanks again.

-Chris
 
I've had my boat in our local Fresh Water lake for years with no problems. Yes clean it every few months and never had a problem.
 
Recommend you review Chapman's Piloting for guidance on rigging lines and fenders. A boat properly secured with adequate lines and fenders can withstand a lot of weather. My 420 weathered Tropical Storm Ernesto last fall--60 MPH winds and 3 footers coming unabated over the seawall with the tidal surge--I had primary and secondary lines tight, plenty of oversized fenders, fwebster on speed dial, and a lot of luck.

Do not scrimp on the diameter and quality of your lines. I see boats in my marina secured with 1/4" dry rotted lines and I cringe.
I affix lines permanently to my slip, and maintain a secondary set of travel lines aboard.

Once you have done your homework with Chapmans, get her rigged, then have somone you trust who is knowledgeable and experienced inspect your lines and fenders. Adjust lines periodically, as they will stretch. Train your crew how, and in what sequence, to affix lines to the boat when you come into the slip/exit the slip.

if you do not think the dock's rubber edging or other protections are adequate, bite the bullet, purchase and install your own.

If in narrow fairways or anxious about entering and exiting your slip and Marina, make the time on a quiet weekday to practice until you are comfortable with it. Close quarters maneuver is easy with a bit of practice.

best regards
Skip
 
So Cal Sundeck said:
Awesome...thanks for the info. What's the water like at the like you go to? Is it murky or clear?
Click to expand...

Murky at best! We are fed by 2 rivers...wth the continual rain we have had, right now it is a very pretty cinnamon color .... heh Water temp gets very warm also..
 
weeeeee, I solo docked 2 times today. had to take the boat in for a quick fix on the other side of the river and the little woman had to work so I was on my own. super tight at the service marina, windy back at mine. had all my lines ready in advance and quick feet when I touched the docks. Almost wet myself but everything went smooth like butta'
 
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