sitting boat

[nightvision]

Hi all,<br />I just bought a new Sea Ray 2005 180 sport. I'm curious to know how often I should take it out for the purpose of charging the battery and circulating the oil/other fluid. We are only 25 minutes away from a lake. When letting a boat sit for say three - five months, what concerns would one need to consider? Thanks.

 

[DJ]

Re: sitting boat

Leaving a boat "sit" is the death sentence of any boat.<br /><br />First off, I have no idea where it will sit. However, you can bet that "bottom growth" will be an issue. Nothing robs performance more that "bottom scum" and growth.<br /><br />If you want a boat, for "sometime" enjoyment, have it dry stored. Otherwise, you are in for a world of maintenance nightmares.

 

[KM2]

Re: sitting boat

Read up winterization FAQ. It should answer most of your questions. If I lived in a warm climate I would change the oil after the last trip in the fall and forget about it for a couple of months and get out on the water the first nice spring days.

 

[Solittle]

Re: sitting boat

nightvision - If you don't plan to use your boat for a while it is good practice to start it at least once a month. That will get fresh gas in the carb and if your is an I/O it will lube the internals. It is also a good idea to put a trickle charger on the battery for a couple of days once a month. You will not keep the battery topped off by charging it off the alternator for 10 minutes.