Winterization

Chris989

Chris989

New Member
Oct 3, 2006
49
Seattle, WA
So while all of our Northeast and Midwest brethern secure for the winter, it seems most of the Norwesterners don't lay-up for the winter. (Agree with the snow on the canvas ambience - until it piles up TOO high :smt013 ) - I know most of you in California, at least outside of the Tahoe or mountain areas, can't even spell "winterization".

For those that keep cruising, any favorite winter time spots around the Sound or otherwise?
 
I think you should change the topic name to winter time hot spots, or destinations, or something. The present topic title does not describe the topic you wish discussed.
 
I think you're right. I should have put it in "quotes". Nevertheless, I was hoping to entice some more West Coast types to post to this site and since not too many winterize here, thought it might get some attention.

I guess I could re-name it "spotted owls" - which is still a non-sequitur but might get some responses!

Thanks,

CP
 
Not to hijack back to the subject, but I plan to install a bilge heater for this winter. My boat is in dry storage with no doors on the warehouse. Just an insurance policy in case we get a few sub-freezing days. Think this is overkill?
 
Personally, I don't (think it is overkill). I have been toying with installing one of the advertised, and expensive, engine compartment heaters that is on the market. Since "reflection" stays in the water year round, and she does get some use during these months, it would make life simpler. Currently, I two low-wattage dehumidifiers in the helm / cockpit area, a small electric heater set to low in the cabin, and put the heat lamp in the engine space if the temperature is going to be consistently below freezing for any length of time.

I thought maybe all of this was overkill, but I have never had a a freeze problem and both engines have always started on the first short crank.
 
Two years ago, before I got heated space to keep my boat, I used a small heater in the cabin and small lamp in the engine space. I eventually 'chickened out' on the lamp, as I kept worrying what would happen if I got a gas leak and the lamp broke, sparked, or came loose in the socket.

The other worry I had was about the heater. It only operated as needed, using an open thermostat. That makes sparks when it opens. So I knew I was betting my boat and all nearby that if I DID get a gas leak then fumes could not make it through any holes, crannies, or whatever and get into the cabin.

I think one is better off with heaters designed for that task, explosion proof, even if used in the cabin. Odds are small, but the wager is large.
 
280 SeaRay said:
whi..... wwiinn..... errrr .... wawa... iiiii.... nnnnnn ah heck never mind :smt001
Click to expand...

Well then, where should one go? Lake Oroville, Folsom Lake, downtown Sacramento, Lake Shasta? It's cold up here! :wow:

Lake Shasta has always looked interesting, but I haven't seen much for nice sandy beaches there.
 
Shasta is an amazing Lake... we go every year.... very true there is not much for sandy beaches ... it is more foresty (is that a word?)..... a huge lake.. after Labor day the traffic diminishes dramatically... but so does the staff at the various marinas. Transient slips are few and far between that will allow for a 280... so your on the hook.... shorepower (unless you are a houseboat) is non-existant.... lots of wildlife to be seen everywhere...... very cool caves to explore on your shore excursions.

Oroville is also a nice choice.... another great lake that would be very "private" this time of the year.... heck all of the destinations are quiet right now.... Folsom Lake is always a good choice... it is 2-3 miles from my front door..... so I am pretty biased.... great coves for anchorages.... really nice area to chill out... dusk and dawn you are likely to see a deer swimming near your boat as you eat your scrambled eggs and cheddar for breakfast :)

The downtown Sac river area would also be nice..... plenty of transient slips.... pretty decent restaurants.... and if you get the itch you can head down into some of the sloughs of the delta... or turn right at Rio Vista and head into the SF Bay..... anchorage in the American river at Sacramento is always fun.... lots of river trees with fall colors. You can watch the salmon cruise up the American... as it is nice and clear Folsom Lake water.

We are actually seeing a bit of an unusual cold spell right now.... but beautiful bright sunny days....
 
For the last couple of years we have made a trip to Paradise to visit relatives in march or april. Then go to the coast, Ft Bragg, then up the northern CA and OR coast. This is with the fifth wheel. Every time I do this I wish I was pulling the boat, not the 5th wheel. I would visit as many of those boating places as I could fit in.

We have been going from Chico over to I5, then down to where we cross over to the coast. But we could just as well go south to Yuba City. And once there, that sounds like boating territory to me. And on the way down we always pass Lake Shasta, of course. It might be a bit cold at Shasta that time of year.
 
OK Jeremy.............what's with the signature picture? Trying to copy me are you? :smt021

:grin: :grin: :grin: :wink:
 
Dave.... I was simply trying to show you that if you insist on leaving your merc 3 star emission sticker on the port side.... then you must take a shot of the boat from the starboard side. :grin:

I dont make the rules... just here to enforce them. Actually this is a picture from July..... I did not realize the similarity until after I put it in the signature... haha... now go get your goo gone and take that darn sticker off... hahaha..... see example below :grin: :wink: :grin:

87923903-M.jpg
 
Hey DaveS, take note of the shine on Jeremy's boat, water reflection under bow, shore reflection in side, you got some work to do. :grin: :thumbsup:
 
After our wicked storm, we were very close to needing to stay aboard the boat, where there was electricity and heat. My marina in Tacoma is fairly well protected.
Yet another reason to not to winterize.

Back on the hi-jacked topic, I am getting black spots on the underside of my canvas over the helm. Does using the humidifier stop this, or is there a trick?
 
Ventilation, even just a little bit will reduce the build up. It's just mold that is trapped and circulating in their until it finds a nice warm and moist place to start a new family. We unzip about six inches from each edge on the top of the stern canvas where it attaches to the top. Then you can fold that down just a little bit, but it's still protected from the rain and will allow some ventilation to circulate the air in their. Crack any other window that you can and it will make a big difference. The dehumidifiers will work to, but require some maintenance. The venitilation is easier and should cure your problem.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,112
Messages
1,426,288
Members
61,027
Latest member
NeilS
Back
Top