Boats stored in water

[tomsmyth]

Looking at a boat that has been stored in water most of its life-span (@20 years). Anyone out there with similar experience and effects of the in water storage on the hull.

[capttb]

Hulls maintain shape better in water as opposed to trailers or stands because hull is evenly supported by water. Boats in water may develop blisters.

[hamiam]

Except for the benefit mentioned above, I can''t think of any benefit to keeping a boat in the water. You are subjecting the hull and all its components to a constant barrage of growth, electrolosis, corrosion, blisters, etc. Keeping the boat in the water from May to Octobor does enough damage; I cant imagine what would happen if you kept it in all year especially in a climate like the Northeast where you are subject to freezing and icing.

[928frenzy]

I''ve been told a boat on stands absorbs more stress loads from winter winds than a boat left in the slip. (Basically, a boat in the slip can rock and heel, while a boat on stands cannot.)

Since the Bay rarely ices up where at the marina, I decided to keep the boat in this past winter, mostly to save the haulout and relaunch fee and the dry storage fees. The effect on the bottom will probably amount to having to replace the zincs a bit sooner, and some extra bottom cleaning the next time it gets hauled out. The net savings is probably about $500. ;^)

~ Happy sails to you ~ _/) ~