Storing my boat in the water

[Jersey Guy]

I have a 26’ Crownline 226br, I/O and was wondering if is possible or advisable to have my boat winterized and stored at my own dock for the winter?

i live in the North East on a river that leads into Sandy Hook Bay. My dock is on a quiet lagoon and I have a complete de icer bubbler system.

 

[cptbill]

The water getting in your outdrive intake and exhaust ports is where your biggest problem will be, but also the weight of snow has to be dealt with, if I was your advisor I'd say don't do it

 

[Chris1956]

How much ice (if any) do you get during a cold year? I would think you would want to disconnect the raw water intake and plug it to keep the antifreeze in the block (raw water systems). Not sure what else would be needed to protect engine and drive.

 

[alldodge]

Folks in KY winterize boats and leave them in the water every year. I'm finding the average water temp is between 34 to 39 F. If done right there should be no issue.

 

[Jersey Guy]

First, I would have the boat shrink wrapped at my dock.

Although its gets very cold at times the water is a combination of fresh and salt water and with the constant tide and de icer does not freeze solid.

My my main concern is my drive and that it could be winterized properly in the water.

My boat is 20 years old and the cost of hauling and storing is approximately $1,500 and I would love to take advantage of my dock.

 

[Jersey Guy]

It’s a little colder than KY

 

[alldodge]

It’s a little colder than KY

I know that, the temps listed are your local water temps. Having some salt in the water helps even more. We have some winters where there is a foot of ice, and others when its just a trace, and were 100% fresh

 

[Old Ironmaker]

It’s a little colder than KY

I would have more than a few sleepless nights worrying that the bubbler system may fail. A cracked hull and sunken boat will cost more than 1500 bucks.

 

[Scott Danforth]

if you can guarantee that there is no failure of your bubbler system, the bilge will be at the same temp as the water.

the drive would be fine

however if the bubbler system fails, the boat gets iced in, then the temp in the bilge drops......your drive and motor are now FUBAR

they also sell SAE 1171 compliant bilge heaters (that can and do fail)

many places keep boats in the water year-round in cold climates. however they also have people checking on everything often.

I personally wouldn't do it.

 

[kpg7121]

If things go south & you needed to pull the boat out in an emergency, how would you do it? Not something I would do.Murphy's Law.

 

[alldodge]

Guess you guys will never own a boat in a cold climate that is to big to pull out

 

[Bob_VT]

WHY? Is there a lack of a trailer, tow vehicle or storage space? Personally I would not do it due to the weather fluctuations. Yes, the bubbler could stop - a nor-easter could hit the list is huge and the repairs could be devastating.

Just a FYI - there are sections of ice that are finally leaving us in VT........ I am not a fan of winter

 

[Watermann]

That would cause me too many sleepless nights and worry. One thing goes wrong and you'll no longer have your boat.

 

[Sprig]

Why not just pull it out for the winter and leave it on your trailer on your property for the winter?

 

[Jersey Guy]

No trailer
No room

 

[Old Ironmaker]

There are many here in Ontario that keep their big boats in the water all year, especially house boats and believe me it can get cold. But they are there every day as they live on them. I think you got the advise that you may not like. Good luck Jersey Guy.

 

[Bob_VT]

No trailer
No room

Well that sums it up. Are there others in the same dilemma? If there are other boats doing it - I would team up with the other owners to check on things for each other through the winter months. It would be an added safety.

If you are the only boat .......... I would reconsider it.

 

[Jersey Guy]

Thanks all-

 

[kpg7121]

Guess you guys will never own a boat in a cold climate that is to big to pull out

Triggered.

 

[cptbill]

Had a 40' pacemaker flush deck in PA, pulled it every year. Well worth the money spent