Storage question

[norman360]

Our sailboat is on the hard in Florida and it looks like we will not be able to sail her for 2 years. Other info - we emptied her out before storing her so there is nothing left on board. We also have the yard checking on her monthly. The only thing at this time that causes concern is that there was some rain that got in and caused some mildew, it has been cleaned since. That being said if we didn't go down to check on her for the said 2 years what will we be facing when we get back?

[norman360]

Sorry about that, but I think I've posted to the wrong section, how do I move this question? thanks again!

[MaryEllenCarter]

You posted it in the "Challenges" section.

I think you have the right section!

[Vasco]

Depends on what the yard does as far as "checking" goes. If nothing is done re keeping the boat dry you will return to a very unpleasant boat. Strong measures have to be taken in FL to prevent mold.

[hellosailor]

Norman, if you have power, etc. where the boat is stored, I would suggest looking into the options to put a webcam belowdecks, so you can "look in" regularly. And if there's electricity, add a couple of small fans and electric dehumidifiers. That could mean a "goldenrod" heater type in the winter, and a small AC type dehumidifier in the summer. Also some screened ventilation, either a small fan or solar vent.

Florida can be relentless about trying to grow mold, and if it costs a couple of hundred bucks to make sure that doesn't happen, that's way cheaper than the time and effort to get rid of the crud afterwards.

Obviously if you have a "boatsitter" that's the best thing of all, but folks tend to be SO reliable these days...a backup plan might be nice.

[Lake-Effect]

Any trusted friends in Florida who would like to use her in exchange for footing the costs and doing the maintenance for two years?

Could be win-win, if you can find the right people.

[tdoster]

Most Important - Keep the moisture off the boat and out of the bilges and airflow. The more airflow the better. If you have day and night vents on the boat now, are they less than 5 years old? If older, buy brand new ones, if less, buy new batteries and make sure the solar is clear. Don't count on power from the yard - invariably, it will be unplugged by someone or go out for whatever reason, so you want the boat and any systems to be autonomous and in your control.

Whatever you can do to provide good airflow through the boat while keeping it sealed up to the elements, the happier you will be when you return.

You should have no problem finding someone to pay to watch the boat and keep it cleaned up and ready for what happens next. Many times, folks find they are not getting back and not in a place that makes sense to truck the boat to, so end up on the market. Spending a few bucks a month for a licensed and bonded company to keep it clean and aired out is a good investment.

[hellosailor]

"You should have no problem finding someone to pay to watch the boat and keep it cleaned up and"
No trouble finding someone to pay, sure. Finding someone who is reliable and will actually keep showing up and doing their job...ah, much harder to find on this planet and frankly, Florida is not known for reliable help even when it is the very very pricey kind. Good help is hard to find, even on the mainland United States. In Florida, especially SE Florida....

[JusDreaming]

where is the boat stored?

[sailvayu]

I just did a survey on a boat the owner left for 1-1/2 years, A mess, he trusted someone to check on it but it is clear it has been repeatedly flooded with rain water, Water in the transmission it was so deep, lots of damaged wood work. First I would say install a garboard drain and make sure the bilges are clean so it will not clog. If you can leave fans running that would help too. Above all makes sure water can get out if it gets in. Cover the boat, heat shrink is best might cost a bit but you will be glad you did and it will protect from sun as well. Cockpit drains will get clogged no doubt about that. Expect the worst and plan for it.

[ssanzone]

still predicated on the access to power...

a running bilge pump
dehumidifier (remember the trays fill up with water so make sure the overflow wont pool up on your sole etc)
2 fans (positioned to get good ventilation)
opening thru hulls to allow (flood) waters to drain if possible

i would also make plans to replace the battery after about a year (for the bilge) as the 24/7 trickle charger might over charge and fry it.

-s