Inland Boater Forum

I’ve heard a couple of different takes on this.  Some people feel that your boat should be put up in dry dock no matter what the size.  Others say bigger boats should stay in the water (provided there’s no freeze where you are) even in winter. I’ve left my boat in for the last three seasons.  Pulling it out once a year to clean the bottom and change zincs etc. We do have to paint the bottom here.  I have aa friend who left his boat in for the last seven years and now has it laid up because he has “hull problems.”

Any Advice?

Bay Bay, my situation on the west coast is a bit different. The boat is in salt water year round. She comes out of the water 2 to 3 year intervals for bottom paint. bottom is cleaned every 30 days by a diving service and zincs are replaced in water as needed. It is not feasible for us out here to haul boats too often due to the fees at the boat yards. Dive fees run about $50.00 per month plus any zincs if needed. Having the bottom cleaned and using copper bases ablative paint works well. No issues with hull.She has been in the water for 7 years. Bill

That was my concern too. I’m wondering what happens to the hull, blisters, moisture etc. So far I haven’t had any problems. I guessing a diver might be able to spot some things, but can he see hull damage where you are bill?  I know in the bay they can hardly see anything.  My marina doesn’t allow divers.  You would have to take the bot out into the bay to allow for a diver to get to work.

I want to add the same not to this post That I added to my conversation with salt.  Check out the editors blog. They’re asking for our boating photos. I think this might be a great way to get the photos we’ve wanted to get posted up on the site.  In addition, I think we can get some topics discussed, like what happened at your marina Salt. Send the story to . Maybe they’ll get the word out.

Great article, thanks. Salt and BayBay, boat was hauled 2 years ago for bottom paint. When she is hauled for paint or repairs I am at the yard to inspect hull and running gear. bottom is power washed and left to dry for a day before paint coats are applied (2 coats overall and 3 at waterline). I guess we have been lucky regarding the blisters. We usually run around the boat with a small hammer tapping the hull listening for dead spots. The paints used seem to provide a good barrier and coupled with the cleaning schedule we have not had any negative events. I will probaly be pulling the boat sometime in 2010 so will have another chance to inspect. Thanks again, Bill