First Season in a Marina & lots of questions!

[MDJ1016]

Happy boating season everyone (or new boating season for us northern ?errs!)

Just rented the boat slip for the summer season, and this is the first time the boat will be left in the water. Previously the boat was trailered, used and pulled out all the time before, except for the yearly vacation up north. When up north the boat was used daily so not a worry, however this will be a weekend only venture this year where it is docked. So being 20-25 minutes away from my boat I am curious what I should do. It is a 1986 Four Wins Liberator, which leaked like a siv through the bellows last year. Seals/bellows replaced and seems to be ok. Thus my questions-

1. It has an auto bilge pump; I assume that should be left on?
2. Any tips of what to do or not do, as this is my first season docking it.
3. The water is very fresh (and cold?); will this tear up the boat?

Any help that can be offered I would greatly appreciate. Getting ready here to take the boat out for the first run of the season!

Thanks in advance everyone.

 

[Blk-n-Blu]

Re: First Season in a Marina & lots of questions!

I would make sure you have a good mooring cover, that the batteries are in good shape and test the float switch for the bilge pumps. Maybe find someone to look in on it if you go away. Happy boating

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: First Season in a Marina & lots of questions!

Even in fresh water you will be burdened by a dirty bottom that will require cleaning. It will pick up and adhere to all the lake scum.

 

[180shabah]

Re: First Season in a Marina & lots of questions!

bottom paint - with barrier coat
one more bilge pump
good cover
solar battery charger

 

[rodbolt]

Re: First Season in a Marina & lots of questions!

along with an extra auto bilge pump possibly an onboard charger.
high bilge alarms can and will alert other boaters that some one getting ready to have a submarine.
I would also have someone use the reference electrode and a digital multimeter to inspect the area for stray current and insure the anodes are working correctly.

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: First Season in a Marina & lots of questions!

I understand your concerns. I'm a hour away from my slip.

I have one bilge pump (automatic). You could have 3 pumps but your real concern should be battery power. With no battery power none of the pumps will work. There is no electric hookup and I don't think those solar chargers are really worth anything. You'll get used to it after awhile. Just make sure there is nothing left on that will drain the battery while you're gone.

I've found that most people are nice at the docks. Where I am there is a pretty good party scene on the weekend evenings although we don't partake. It's nice to know that there are people around to keep an eye on things.

Worst I get is a scum line and a brownish stain that's a ***** to get off. I have no bottom paint but I'm in lake water, not salt. I don't see where cold water would be any harder on your rig.