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theway · 27-09-2012, 19:54

I am planning to go on a six-month vacation. How would you prepare your boat to be alone for six months in the water, in her slip, in San Francisco (no freezing temps)?

Here are a few topics:
- close seacocks
- lock the hatch
- shore power
- new Zincs

Any thoughts are appreciated, thanks.

austin

Vasco · 27-09-2012, 20:19

Haul the boat and keep it on the hard, unless you have someone checking on it regularly.

If you do keep it in the water:
empty fw tanks
empty holding tank
stand cushions on end
treat diesel
top up batteries
will the shore power be-reset if the breaker trips?
switch everything off at the panel (except battery charger)
double all lines
lots of fenders

I would also hang lots of packs of Sun-Pac mildewcide around.

Target9000 · 27-09-2012, 20:25

I know this is probably obvious but...

Strip it of sails, bimini, dodger, etc. Take everything you can off the deck and double check all the scuppers and drains to make sure they're clear of any debris or anything that could clog them.

theway · 27-09-2012, 20:36

I'm already starting to think I should do dry storage. Anyone know any good locations on the SF Bay

susanna reiter · 27-09-2012, 20:44

....don't forget to drain and close off the sea cock to the head....

Ya... a haul out takes care of a lot of unnecessary problems but you still need a periodic check on her by some knowledgeable person from the boat yard to be sure nothing is leaking in or mildew starting in the interior, lockers etc.......get rid of all cardboard and moisture holding materials that might be left on board too....that type of stuff invites mildew and mold as well as cockroaches...

cfarrar · 27-09-2012, 20:54

A small solar panel to keep the batteries topped off, whether in the water or on the hard. You'll worry less about lightning, tripped breakers, faulty chargers, etc.

ksanders · 27-09-2012, 22:31

There are outfits that will work as a "boat watch" at least in my home area.

My boat watch costs $65 a month. For that he comes to the boat once a week, checks the lines, checks the shore power, etc...

lorenzo123 · 27-09-2012, 22:33

I hear Napa is relatively inexpensive. A few hours up the river; watch for shoals on the way up.

good luck!

Richard5 · 27-09-2012, 22:45

How do you plan to keep the rodents off the boat? Empty all storage lockers, especially all food and cardboard. Turn cushions and mattress on end or at least sticker them off the supporting surace.

Shutting up tight instead of proper airflow will require dessicants. Six months is a long time in the bay area weather...whether it's Richmond or Rio Vista or wherever.

Some guys use temporary hatch covers or porthole screens. Temp hatches have louvers for airflow.

Richard5 · 27-09-2012, 22:49

Just a wild guess but marinas in the Vallejo area might appreciate the business due to the fiscal shennigans.

RyanC · 27-09-2012, 22:49

I second Napa. You'll probably save money on their storage fees even w/ the haul compared to what you'll pay in the Bay. Else find a place up in the Delta; cheaper, less wind and fresh water, though greater likelihood of freezing temps.

Knowing my boat is on the hard until March across the country in North Carolina is much less stress on me if she was in the water.

theway · 27-09-2012, 23:27

Thanks all... This is helpful.

Alameda looks decent. $150 a month. What's this bit about the cushions? Why can't they stay in place.

Celestialsailor · 28-09-2012, 02:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by theway

I'm already starting to think I should do dry storage. Anyone know any good locations on the SF Bay

Personally...for 6 months, I wouldn't worry about it. Shut off the valves, make sure the bottom is maintained and have a friend wash it down twice a month. To haul it for 6 months is a waste of money in this area.

theway · 28-09-2012, 07:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

Personally...for 6 months, I wouldn't worry about it. Shut off the valves, make sure the bottom is maintained and have a friend wash it down twice a month. To haul it for 6 months is a waste of money in this area.

Well the slip I'm in is $275. And dry storage looks to be $150 plus $10/ft(?) haul out. I think I would actually save a few bucks in the end to do dry.