Can I keep the boat in the water???

[kyboatgirl]

I have some questions about leaving my boat in the water year round (or at least for a season). We have a 20' sea ray cuddy cabin, and with each boat ramp experience, we are increasingly interested in purchasing a slip at a local marina.<br /><br />What do I need to be aware of when leaving the boat in the water? <br /><br />I don't want to bottom paint it because of the depreciation, but if I take it out of the water and clean it once a month, will that suffice to maintain the quality, structure, and "prettiness" of the boat?<br /><br />Also, I have heard several things regarding the fiber glass and don't know what to believe. Is the fiberglass waterproof in the sense that too much exposure (the boat sitting on the water) won't damage the hull? Is this something that used to be a concern before our ever growing knowlege of composites and better materials surfaced? <br /><br />One more thing.. marine growth. How damaging is the marine growth? Is this something I have to worry about with respect to the boat? I know I can clean it off, and I'm not worried about interim periods where there may be growth and we may lose some speed off the top end while crusing the river... But how damaging is this to the structure?<br /><br />Fill me in on all your knowledge and experience!!Thanks a million in advance!!

 

[amirm]

Re: Can I keep the boat in the water???

Is this in saltwater or freshwater? If it is the former, taking it out once a month is not goign to do. You are going to get nasty marine growth, especially in the warmer climate that you live it. You would need bottom paint and have to renew that every couple of years. <br /><br />Fiberglass will do just fine in the water though. It is made for that use . So unless you have poorly added fixtures, or defects in the hull, this should not a be a concern.<br /><br />Getting a slip is not a good replacement for learning the ropes at the ramp. I am coming from a larger (32') boat that we kept at a slip to a 23' on a trailer. What a relief it is to not pay the high morrage fees, deal the growth (we got it on our outdrive which was not painted), more corrosion, etc.<br /><br />IMHO he reason to get a slip is to have a larger boat than you can trailer.<br /><br />The other option btw, is dry storage. They stack up the boat for you and put it in the water when you need it. It will be expensive but may be a good option to avoid the above hassles. Although you do need to plan your usage better.<br /><br />BTW, if you get a slip, you would need to learn how to dock the boat. That requires as much if not more skill than trailering. If you screw up here, you may damage a million dollar boat next to you!<br /><br />Amir

 

[kyboatgirl]

Re: Can I keep the boat in the water???

The boat will be in freshwater.. I know the ropes for the ramp (although I am not that practiced, but the husband is!) and it seems it would be much easier to leave it in the water and get in and go for a Wednesday night cruise that only lasts an hour..<br /><br />The fees to dock are well worth it to me if I can get out of trailering, UNLESS there's something I am unaware of. Or if after one year the boat is worthless because I left it in the water. That's what I need to know.. hehe<br /><br />So all the more information I can get from you experienced boaters, please send my way! Thanks!

 

[bayman]

Re: Can I keep the boat in the water???

After trips, do you have to drain any water out of the bilge? (Just talking about water that has seeped in, if any)<br /><br />Or, does your bilge pump ever have to turn on due to water seeping in? Even if you do have a bilge pump, the pump or the battery that powers it, could die and then your boat could sink.<br /><br />If you do have any such water (and plenty of boats do..from damage or improper installation etcc) then I wouldn't put the boat in for a lengthy time until that is fixed.

 

[MichaelMullis]

Re: Can I keep the boat in the water???

kyboatgirl, I talked to a freind of my fathers, about 5 years ago and I asked that question. I had heard bad things about the gelcoat on boats that deteriated after sitting in the water for long periods of time. This gentleman is the owner of Stingray boats in Hartsville SC. His repley was that the Gelcoat has to dry out from time to time. He told me that they had a lot of people that had brought their boats back to dealers for repair of the gelcoat and after investigating found that most were left in the water for extended periods of time and this will not be covered under warranty. According to him the boat must be pulled out of the water every so often to allow the coat to dry. I did not get into detail about this as I did not have a fiberglass boat.I was just making small talk while waiting on my dad to finish some consulting work that he was doing for Stingray. He said that the gelcoat will get soft and start pitting if it does not dry out from time to time, and he did not give any kind of time frame. You may want to contact your maker and ask them. StingRay has a good rep in our area and I took him at his word, after all He owns the company. <br />Good luck<br />Michael

 

[kyboatgirl]

Re: Can I keep the boat in the water???

Thanks for the replies so far! Bayman, there are no leaks yet.. We were getting a lot of water in from the housing of the drain plug, but the husband fixed that and the bilge pump did not come on once this weekend (we stayed the night on the river), so I think leak-wise, we are ok...<br /><br />Good point on the gelcoat, I'll ask around to get a time period. Or, if anyone who reads this post knows, plese feel free to respond! Thanks everyone!

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Can I keep the boat in the water???

Like Baitkiller described.. Blisters in the gelcoat would be the big concern over the long haul... <br /><br />Depriciation cause a boats been bottom painted.... Phooooey, I say!!! <br /><br />Blisters from having no barrier coat and/or paint... Now that'll cause some depriciation right there...<br /><br />FWIW... I'd give the bottom a good epoxy barrier coat or two first, then paint her with the correct type of bottom paint for your environment...

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Can I keep the boat in the water???

I wouldn't consider a boat that's been bottom painted to be "depreciated". Never heard of that gelcoat breathing thing either. I agree, with a slip you'll use the boat more and not have to deal with the ramp scene. Good luck!

 

[JRJ]

Re: Can I keep the boat in the water???

kyboatgirl, I have slipped my 181/2' fiberglass boat in salt water and freshwater. The main thing is yes, you will enjoy your boat more in a slip. Covered slips are very nice. Some marinas rent air docks that will keep your boat out of the water and you just let the air out to float the boat and go. Boats are pretty easy to clean-up in fresh water use. If you have a boat cover, use it. If you don't have one, get one. Rig it so you don't get rain water in the boat. Take some car wash brushes to the boat and outdrive once in awhile. You can do this in the water. (no soap) In my marina, there are some large glass boats, including SeaRays, that never leave the water. I don't think you have to worry about your hull blistering or taking on water through the glass. Remember, this is the internet, and you'll have to sort out the wisdom,truth,and gossip Good luck.

 

[kyboatgirl]

Re: Can I keep the boat in the water???

I am surprised at how many of you say that bottom painting won't depreciate the boat.. I guess I think of it more like a car.. so you all are saying it really doesn't affect the value of the boat? But if not in the economic sense, won't it be less "valuable" to the next owner because they will have known it was kept in the water? And it won't be in "stock" condition and won't look as neat either because of the dark bottom paint on the hull of a shiny white boat.. ??

 

[Manipulator]

Re: Can I keep the boat in the water???

I understand your frustration about the trailer issue. I have a slip and leave my boat in freshwater 6 months out of the year. This year the marine growth was insane and a ton of it grew all over the hull and lower unit in just two weeks. It slowed my boat down so much I thought it had some major mechanical problems. Turns out it was from all the growth on the bottom. This is what you will have to consider if leaving it in the water. I too thought about painting the bottom but once painted then it has to always be repainted and that costs big bucks. Not only will you get marine growth but like baitkiller said, it can mess up the gel coat with time. The gel coat can begin to blister if left in the water for long periods. If price is not an issue, then get a slip, and then purchase a lift. Lifts can be pricey but that's the price you pay to keep the boat looking great. I was given three choices and they were to take it out and put it on the trailer, get a slip with a lift or paint the bottom. I chose to pull it out every weekend and park it on the parking lot. This is the most economical. Lifts for your boat will be $3500+ for a new one. On weekends I'll just rent a slip or find a vacant one no one is using.

 

[kyboatgirl]

Re: Can I keep the boat in the water???

ok then.. maybe this is a better question. hehe<br />If I decide to keep the boat in the water, but take it out once a month and let it dry and clean it, will the boat have any irreversible damage that will haunt me for years to come?<br /><br />Are there any hidden problems that will rear their ugly heads when the time has come and gone to be able to fix them?

 

[JRJ]

Re: Can I keep the boat in the water???

No damage and no problems? Who knows? But a boat in a slip is normal, and pulling it once in awhile for cleaning and waxing is a good idea. Is this a 1993 SeaRay?

 

[milkyway]

Re: Can I keep the boat in the water???

You want to have it all. For me, from all that's been said and all true, I have decided to trailer the boat because I want it at home and tinker with it, clean it, and learn more about it. I have been "told" that a boat's lifespan is longer when kept dry than when exposed to all natural elements. I bought the bought used with bottom paint. My friend said that was good so I did not have to pay extra, even if I trailer it. Paint protects the bottom. I have used the boat more than 200 hours since last year and has not let me down. I really like being able to get the boat out of the water when I'm done for the day, and wash it, wax it ( 2 times a month), rinse the outdrive and engine, recharge the batteries, tune ups, clean the bilge, check all connections, all sorts of things at my own time. If at the marina, I have to drive and bring all my stuffs and tools. Can;t stay too late. Very inconvenient.Can't do that.If at the marina, I will rely more on mechanics to fix anything broken. At home, I can devote all the time I have. Last time I fixed the leaking fuel tube, took me 6 painful hours, out of ignorance. But I was at home and the fridge was steps away, so no problem. The boat is 23 ft. and this is my learning boat. If I use a slip, then it will be at least 29 feet and has the funds to pay someone all sorts of things. Right now, I am very happy trailering. Though my neighbors think it's hardsship, who cares? A lot of joggers have admired the boat coz it's always clean and shiny. You have all the facts. Whatever makes you happy and willing to spend, just do it and enjoy the boat.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Can I keep the boat in the water???

My #1 recommendation if renting a slip for then entire season would be to invest in a lift. It's a one-time expense that solves all the problems.<br /><br />I bought a 1992 boat not long ago that spent it's entire life floating in a slip. The hull was blistered, the bellows were all cracked and rotted, it had obviously sat too long while seeping water and had waterlogged and rotted engine mounts and stringers. As a result, I got it for $500 and spent the winter doing a crazy restoration. So in my mind, a trailered boat that's usually dry will always be worth more money after several years than a boat that's been floating in a slip the whole time (mine depreciated down to $500!) Granted, the 1992 I got was likely very poorly maintained and obviously not watched after, but believe it or not extended time in the water is not very good for boats! However, if you can keep after your aggressive once a month pull/clean plan, it will probably be fine. But I think you'll be surprised at how much work it is to clean off a month's worth of residue...this procedure may get pretty old as well...but that depends on thte quality of the lake water. It's all a catch-22, everyone has their own opinions on the subject, and much depends on your intended use. Me, I prefer storing on a trailer in a dry, secure garage and spending the 10 minutes before/after each day at the launch. I'm not opposed to the idea of a slip, but I'd never float a boat in a slip unless I had a lift to raise it out of the water between uses.

 

[milkyway]

Re: Can I keep the boat in the water???

You want to have it all. For me, from all that's been said and all true, I have decided to trailer the boat because I want it at home and tinker with it, clean it, and learn more about it. I have been "told" that a boat's lifespan is longer when kept dry than when exposed to all natural elements. I bought the bought used with bottom paint. My friend said that was good so I did not have to pay extra, even if I trailer it. Paint protects the bottom. I have used the boat more than 200 hours since last year and has not let me down. I really like being able to get the boat out of the water when I'm done for the day, and wash it, wax it ( 2 times a month), rinse the outdrive and engine, recharge the batteries, tune ups, clean the bilge, check all connections, all sorts of things at my own time. If at the marina, I have to drive and bring all my stuffs and tools. Can;t stay too late. Very inconvenient.Can't do that.If at the marina, I will rely more on mechanics to fix anything broken. At home, I can devote all the time I have. Last time I fixed the leaking fuel tube, took me 6 painful hours, out of ignorance. But I was at home and the fridge was steps away, so no problem. The boat is 23 ft. and this is my learning boat. If I use a slip, then it will be at least 29 feet and has the funds to pay someone all sorts of things. Right now, I am very happy trailering. Though my neighbors think it's hardsship, who cares? A lot of joggers have admired the boat coz it's always clean and shiny. You have all the facts. Whatever makes you happy and willing to spend, just do it and enjoy the boat.

 

[kyboatgirl]

Re: Can I keep the boat in the water???

yes - it is a 1993 searay. well, i am getting some great information, so i appreciate what you all are telling me.. I am getting a good picture. I would love a lift, and that would solve all the problems and hesitations i have about putting it in the water, but i don't have the $$ right now.. because those are definitely expensive. hehe <br /><br />yeah, it's going to be maintaned pretty well, and i think that i'd rather clean the boat than trailer it. we do a thorough cleaning each weekend we take it out anyways (about an hours worth of washing and scrubbing) so maybe it won't be a huge adjustment pulling it out of the water once a month....

 

[ewenm]

Re: Can I keep the boat in the water???

my boat has been moored all its life year round and the ability to come and go as you please cant be minimised however the boat takes a caining from the elements. i am currently looking for a trailer and intend to have it at home and only moored in my holidays. so that as mentioned above i can tinker on it at my leisure and while i will miss the convenence of full time moored the cost savings of being on a trailer will vastly out way that- mooring per year $2500, antifoul $500, additional maintainance $500-&1000 = typical saving pa of$3000 not to mention being able to get fuel at a better price than the Marina.<br /><br />Ewen

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: Can I keep the boat in the water???

Kyboatgirl, I'm upriver from you in Cincinnati. I have cruised my boat down to Louisville several times (we always stay at Heather's marina). You are in a rough situation because of the size of your boat. When someone looks at a used 37 foot boat, they expect it to be bottom painted. Most people would not expect a 20 footer to be bottom painted in this part of the country. With that said, I'm in the same water you are. Do not leave that boat in a slip without bottom paint. The bottom will get stained very quickly, and will develop nasty growth in a few weeks. Washing with a hose or even scrubbing will not take it off, you would have to pressure wash it every few weeks. I understand a boat lift may be out of the question for now. I would suggest you call a few of the local marinas and ask about their valet service. It is pretty reasonable here. They store the boat on your trailer, you call them on your way to the marina, they launch the boat and tie it off on the courtesy dock. You show up, get in and go. When you are done they pull it for you, and you can either hang around and squirt it off, or come down anytime and wash and wax it. Most places will also let you tie off at the courtesy dock if you come in late and they will pull it the next morning. You also have full marina privledges, use of the showers, the swimming pool, etc. I would suggest that route, and call around in Louisville, to check out the price.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Can I keep the boat in the water???

Is there any reason why you can't combine both - trailering and leaving in the water? Just trailering your boat say, once a month, for home maintenance?<br /><br />There's no doubt that a boat in the water will attract growth fast. That's the reason for antifouling. Growth can only be successfully removed when the boat's out of the water, and then it's best to do the job while the hull is still wet.<br /><br />What does it matter to the next owner if it has been antifouled? He'll see that you've tried to care for your boat, if he knows what he's looking at.<br /><br />If yours is an I/O, then the outdrive will also require regular attention to remove growth (an outboard can be swung clear of the water).<br /><br />If your water is brackish (I don't know your water conditions) then you'll need to pay more attention to sacrificial anodes than if you trailer.<br /><br />Lastly, there's the old bugbear - theft. A trailered boat is secure. A boat on the water unattended is not.<br /><br />You pays your money .....