In water spring commissioning

PalmettoSailor · #1 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010

Ok, here's a dumb question. This is the first time we've left our boat in the water over the winter and I'm now somewhat at a loss as to the order of tasks to get the boat ready. At minimum, I plan to do a quick haul and wash of the bottom which will allow replacing the running gear zincs and a repacking of the stuffing box.

My delimma is I'd like to at least get the hull waxed and I had really hoped to do a polish and wax. What do you guys that stay in the water year round normally do? Just do a wax job from the deck/dock/dingy?

I'll definitely pull the boat next winter, so it proably makes sense to skip the expense of a haul and block this year, but waxing the hull in the slip seems like a difficult proposition.

Besides the stuffing box and zincs what else should I address while the boats in the slings?

tommays · #2 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010

In this neck of the woods its common to have a haul/wash/fix deal AFTER the spring rush for the wet stored boats as there is no way unless you were sinking they will give you sling time right now

Gene T · #3 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010

I have waxed from the dock, from a dingy and from a ladder in the boat yard. All work fine for me. I generally use a power buffer. This is a project that seems to take me several days to accomplish, but that depend on the size of the boat. The last boat yard I was in it was very difficult to do it, so I just did the aft quarter in the yard and finished off at the dock. It is tricky to use a power buffer from a dinghy, and somewhat dangerous so I just do it without power. But if you are on the hook somewhere enjoying your boat you need something to do anyway. Takes more rubbing and doesn't seem to do as good a job but it works and is kind of enjoyable.

Gene

PalmettoSailor · #4 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommays

In this neck of the woods its common to have a haul/wash/fix deal AFTER the spring rush for the wet stored boats as there is no way unless you were sinking they will give you sling time right now

Well for the next two weeks thats true, but after that they told me they could haul and block or a quick haul, whichever I preferred.

I'm leaning towards, just doing the best cleaning and waxing I can manage in the slip and use the next two weekends to de-winterize and put everything back aboard so I can move the delivery to our new slip up a couple of weeks.

The boat will be a lot closer to home when its hauled at the end of the season so, I can take my time on a proper buff and wax next year.

scottyt · #5 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010

around me a lot of yards to specials at great prices for 1 week blocks and hauls. its normally close to just a short haul and wash. one i know does it for 6.50 a foot, thats a haul, power wash, block and a splash a week later all in one price

PalmettoSailor · #6 (**permalink**) 04-01-2010

Yeah, If I get hauled and blocked I get 2 weeks before storage kicks in at the yard I'd use. I'm up against a deadline to move the boat to our new marina though and Don't know if I have the time to spend on the polish and wax.

DrB · #7 (**permalink**) 04-01-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by midlifesailor

Besides the stuffing box and zincs what else should I address while the boats in the slings?

While it is IN the slings? Seems very, very dangerous to me. Sling breaks or slips, boat slips and falls, you could be seriously hurt or die. Can't the block it for a few hours so that you can safely work on it? Half hour or so for SB and same for zincs. They could block it, go to lunch, and then resplash it. If you need time to wash and wax it, have them haul/block it before they leave. Then wash and wax it until dark and finish early AM next morn. When they return, you're ready to splash.

DrB