Wet storage over the winter

[Irie308]

We've been shopping around for new marinas and winter storage as we pay a premium where we are currently located. From what I can see there is a significant savings by opting to store our boat in the water vs on the hard. If you follow the proper winterization process is there any down side or great risks to wet slipping the boat over the winter here in the north east? We would of course have to plan for short hauls for zinc, prop and bottom maintenance.

 

[Dancin Dave]

You will need to check on the boat throughout the winter, before and after storms, big winds, check lines and fenders. Also you will need an ice eater/ bubbler which will incur electricity charges and of course the rental or purchase of one. You won't need to short haul in the winter. Also you may need to trudge through the snowy docks as many marinas do not shovel or clear the snow.

 

[Air O'Nautical]

Winterize and shrink wrap in saltwater for an inboard isn't a problem in the NE.
Yes, short haul in the summer for bottom maint. is a great idea.
Zincs can and should be changed in the water, along with a bottom cleaning by a diver.

I just haul it when necessary about every other or third year.

 

[Ididntdoit]

Dean, we wintered in Newport Harbor for many years - the Newport Harbor Hotel has a great "liveaboard" community that looks out for one another and keeps the docks clear - last year (we weren't there) was the first time in a long time that ice formed in the harbor - we never had a bubbler - we winterized the mains and a/c, insulated and sealed the bilge vents and used a bilge heater. no growth in the winter and the zincs seemed to last longer too. We kept the water system and head commissioned as we went down most weekends as there is so much to do in Newport all year round (we used an electric heater in the cabin). The pumpout boat runs and the marina ran water hoses underwater so we could fill our tanks - the showers and pool were available too....pm me if you want more info...

 

[Xplicitlnck]

I stay in the water all year round. Have done so for 5 years straight already. Saves me roughly 3000 a year. I don't shrink wrap I leave the canvas up and use poles to support it incase of heavy snow load. Seems that every time it shows not one bit of snow clings to the canvass. Last storm I was able to make one snowball with the acorn of snow that was on it. I also have an old set of is isenglass that I switch with my good set so the ice doesn't scratch it. I winterize the ac system the fresh water system raw water wash down and head system. I never winterize the mains or the genny and I leave a heater in the bilge and cabin to keep it at a nice 65 degrees all winter. I run the boat every week and try to get out once a month to put a load on. This is my first year with a bubbler system. I've never had any issues.

 

[Quint4]

Been in for 3 yrs, hauling in the spring for bottom paint and associated maintenance. I have a bubbler and bilge heater. I still winterize engines before putting her to bed for winter.

 

[Irie308]

Dean, we wintered in Newport Harbor for many years - the Newport Harbor Hotel has a great "liveaboard" community that looks out for one another and keeps the docks clear - last year (we weren't there) was the first time in a long time that ice formed in the harbor - we never had a bubbler - we winterized the mains and a/c, insulated and sealed the bilge vents and used a bilge heater. no growth in the winter and the zincs seemed to last longer too. We kept the water system and head commissioned as we went down most weekends as there is so much to do in Newport all year round (we used an electric heater in the cabin). The pumpout boat runs and the marina ran water hoses underwater so we could fill our tanks - the showers and pool were available too....pm me if you want more info...

Thanks Mike, i will as I'm giving it serious thought.

 

[Irie308]

I stay in the water all year round. Have done so for 5 years straight already. Saves me roughly 3000 a year. I don't shrink wrap I leave the canvas up and use poles to support it incase of heavy snow load. Seems that every time it shows not one bit of snow clings to the canvass. Last storm I was able to make one snowball with the acorn of snow that was on it. I also have an old set of is isenglass that I switch with my good set so the ice doesn't scratch it. I winterize the ac system the fresh water system raw water wash down and head system. I never winterize the mains or the genny and I leave a heater in the bilge and cabin to keep it at a nice 65 degrees all winter. I run the boat every week and try to get out once a month to put a load on. This is my first year with a bubbler system. I've never had any issues.

Jonathan, we'll chat at the winter rendezvous. Interested in your setup.

 

[Irie308]

One of the marinas I'm looking at offers bubblers as part of the wet slip fee. Power as well but not sure of fee. I would have to have it shrink wrapped of course.

 

[h_gerry]

]Have mine in this winter as well. I winterized all systems and both the mains and generator. I had her Shrink wrapped also. Benefit for me is that I can run out and check on her easily and can do some minor work. I keep the power on and have a small heater in the cabin to keep her around 55 degrees. Also have a drop light with an incandescent bulb in the engine room to keep the chill out Anyway.

 

[Xplicitlnck]

Jonathan, we'll chat at the winter rendezvous. Interested in your setup.

Sounds good

 

[Russ Calasant]

Dean, we wintered in Newport Harbor for many years - the Newport Harbor Hotel has a great "liveaboard" community that looks out for one another and keeps the docks clear - last year (we weren't there) was the first time in a long time that ice formed in the harbor - we never had a bubbler - we winterized the mains and a/c, insulated and sealed the bilge vents and used a bilge heater. no growth in the winter and the zincs seemed to last longer too. We kept the water system and head commissioned as we went down most weekends as there is so much to do in Newport all year round (we used an electric heater in the cabin). The pumpout boat runs and the marina ran water hoses underwater so we could fill our tanks - the showers and pool were available too....pm me if you want more info...

Best kept secret! Although storms can be bad in the harbor, couple years ago one caused significant damage to to several boats- totaled one.

Off topic Mike-
was looking back and found some old threads re rendezvous, seems you started one in 2007. Funny, I was thinking in 2010 when I started one that it was an original idea and couldn't believe that no one had done it prior! Egos! Lol anyway I just wanted to recognize that you were in fact the first- in the NE anyway! :grin:

I hope all is well


At the next NE Rendevouz I'm going to make sure you receive proper credit!