Wet Winter Storage

[Evan]

I recently bought a 1975 CD25 which has been kept in the water year 'round in a well-protected inlet in Brooklyn, NY for the last few years. I don't know the precise condition of the bottom, but I plan on hauling her soon to inspect. In the meantime, I was wondering if any of you might have some words of advice on wet winter storage in these northeast waters (it's an inexpensive option for me.) Is wet winter storage ok? Any specific precautions I should take? Or, is it a bad idea to begin with? All repsonses greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance...


Evan
s/v Chloe
CD25



eeames@aol.com

[Rich]

Presumably, you will assess the condition of the bottom regarding moisture content and blisters. If the hull was in good condition, you would still probably want to strip to bare gel coat and apply a barrier coat and multi-season antifouling paint. Then be prepared to haul at least once per year to inspect. You would want to check the performance and configuration of the automatic bilge pump. Also take a look at the anode on your outboard, especially if you anticipate leaving it in place during storage. That leaves all sorts of maintanence issues that one normally deals with as part of the annual launch process, such as inspection of rigging, condition of batteries, etc. If you are the sort that is religious about these sorts of details, it might work out to be cheaper.



rpassmore42@hotmail.com

[Chris Reinke CD330]

Evan - I usually store my CD330 on a rotating schedule of one year in the water, next year out. In the water is actually better for the hull from a structural view point. Hauling the hull causes significant stress on the lifting points and the jack stands concentrate the supporting loads to a few contact points (compared to the overall bouancy of the water). I winter just north of you on the Hudson and a bubble system is used to eliminate ice. I would investigate the type of anti-icing system the marina provides and ask how successful it has been (prior to the last two mild winters). Ice can cause significant damage if not properly controlled.

Pulling the boat provides me with the opportunity to drop my rigging for a full inspection and applying a thick layer of high quality anti-fouling paint.

I guess I have not provided you with any specific suggestion, other than saying that either method is acceptable provided you do not ignore the annual maintenance.

One other point I must admit - I sleep better when she is out of the water and the forecasts are for a bad winter storm.

I recently bought a 1975 CD25 which has been kept in the water year 'round in a well-protected inlet in Brooklyn, NY for the last few years. I don't know the precise condition of the bottom, but I plan on hauling her soon to inspect. In the meantime, I was wondering if any of you might have some words of advice on wet winter storage in these northeast waters (it's an inexpensive option for me.) Is wet winter storage ok? Any specific precautions I should take? Or, is it a bad idea to begin with? All repsonses greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance...


Evan
s/v Chloe
CD25

[Jim Swiatocha]

I don't know about storing a boat in the water that far north, but I used to store a boat in the water in the Chesapeake. One problem I had was that the scuppers would clog with leaves and other debris and the cockpit would accumulate several inches of water. At best this turns into a disgusting slimy mess; at worst I'd be concerned about the water freezing and perhaps damaging the hull.

One advantage of wet winter storage is that you are ready to sail on the first nice day of spring and you can pull the boat for bottom painting in mid-summer when the boat yards aren't so busy. This also gives you fresh bottom paint when the water is warmest and the critters that grow on your hull are most active.

Jim Swiatocha
CD25




cpgjim@erols.com

[Mark Yashinsky]

Where is her new home??? If it is still around New York Harbour or farther north, be careful of the ice!!! This winter, there was still a good amount of ice on the Hudson all the way down to New York Harbour. One yacht club up in Croton on Hudson had some ice damage to teh docks that were not hauled out over the winter (yes, bubblers were running). There was also a good amount of ice floating on the East River over this winter too.

[Evan]

Thank you all for your responses. I am so pleased to have found this site. It is comforting to know there is a group of good people out there ready to offer helpful advice on the maintenance of my new (old) CD25. I'm sure I'll have more questions down the line. Thanks again to all!



eeames@aol.com