Leave the Boat in all Winter in Maine?

[Muscongus]

I'm in a harbor that doesn't freeze up and the lobster men leave their boats in year round.

I'm thinking of going out and shrink wrapping it up the morning ball just leaving it in. I'll pull the motor and the battery, of course, be back out sailing in April.

what do you think?

[Muscongus]

forgive all those typos. I'm using a speech to text the recognition thing

[capttman]

I've left my boat in at York harbor for a few winters

[Navicula]

I shrink wrap and leave mine in....

[CaptTom]

Water supports the hull better than stands. Lots of people leave their boats in. I wouldn't remove the batteries though. What's going to run the bilge pumps? Also consider that if you're in open water, ice flows may put extra strain on the mooring; make sure it's 100% reliable. Smaller coves with slower currents can freeze over altogether.

Another option would be a marina with shore power to keep the batteries charged. Slips are very cheap in winter, compared to summer. Just find one with flowing water so you don't have to worry about de-icers.

[psk125]

As Tom suggests, you'll want to leave a battery to run the bilge pump, and might want to consider a solar panel to keep the battery charged. (A foot of water over the cabin sole can ruin more than your weekend.)