Should I Haul?

[kjones]

I have a 76 Pearson 26 located near Annapolis, MD. It is current at a dock equipped with a bubbler for the winter however I cannot get the old Spartan seacocks to close and am skiddish to try and force the issue too much with the boat in the water and that water being particulary cold. There are 4 thru-hulls (2 cockpit drains, head intake and discharge (teed into the line for the holding tank)).

The question is, should I err on the side of caution (and savings) and haul for the winter or it be ok in the water with the bubbler?

[Lake Superior Sailor]

Thru hull valves need to be working at all times or your setting yourself up for a sinking! problems are caused by little mistakes that add up!-Dale

[BubbleheadMd]

I'm in your area, and on my previous boat, I had a frozen seacock as well.

Here are some choices-

1. Haul out.
2. Place drop lights with 75 or 100 watt light bulbs next to the seacocks.
3. Use a wetsuit to jam wooden bungs into the through hulls so you can safely work on shutting the seacocks. (with the expecation that you will immediately haul out if they break while trying to free them).

I was unable to haul out, so I went with option #2. It worked fine during 2 very cold winters where the cove froze completely over. Oh, you can also pour RV anti-freeze into these drains. It will force the seawater out, and leave a "plug" of seawater/anti-freeze mix about at the level of the thru-hull and the seacock. This is a "hope and pray" suggestion, not a gaurantee of success. Just to hedge your bets.

[jameswilson29]

I vote haul (good for drying out your hull, too).

[vega1860]

Haul out and replace those thru-hulls and sea cocks. Not that I know anything about keeping a boat in freezing water, you understand but if the sea cocks will not close they need to be replaced. Just prudent seamanship.

[nickmerc]

I had my boat in Annapolis (Back Creek) for the previous 3 winters with a bubbler. I had a bit of water in my bilge from the stuffing box leaking slowly. The bilge water never froze. The brackish water in the Annapolis area coupled with the relatively warm water the bubbler keeps against your hull should prevent freezing in all but the worst winters.

Since the seacock is not closed the ice has somewhere to go when it expands and will lessen the likelihood of it cracking your seacock.

I assume no responsibility for any loss or damage incurred from listening to me.

[ftldiver]

Well, you're going to have to do something about the seacocks..... why wait?

haul it, and replace them in the spring... or asap....

or you're planning on ignoring it until it creates an emergency?

What is your thinking of waiting? even if you sell it, you'll have to do something about it.

[kjones]

Thanks all! The thought was to do a quick haul in the spring to fix them and save the winter storage money. I'm going to haul at least for the peace of mind to not have nightmares of cracking hoses. Thanks again for the input.

[jameswilson29]

You might find much cheaper winter storage rates if you are willing to sail the boat a short distance away from Annapolis, which has some of the higher boating-related costs in the area.

There are some reasonably priced haulout and storage fees advertised on Craigslist and in Spinsheet.

[BubbleheadMd]

Originally Posted by jameswilson29

You might find much cheaper winter storage rates if you are willing to sail the boat a short distance away from Annapolis, which has some of the higher boating-related costs in the area.

There are some reasonably priced haulout and storage fees advertised on Craigslist and in Spinsheet.

Indeed. Rockhold Creek Marina is nearby, in Herring Bay and has very reasonable rates. They allow DIY maintenance, and have electrical outlets scattered through the yard, so that you can power your tools and worklights.

You might call them and ask if they have room left for you, and if it's too late to haul you out.