Leaving The Boat For 6 Months

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by theway

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.

...Well unless you need a haul out, I don't see the savings. I would guess for your size boat, the lift in and out charge would be around $400. over 6 month that is around $65 a month. $150 + $65 = $210. Not much of a savings.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by cfarrar

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.

Yes, I wold not leave the boat connected to shore power. I've seen lots of damaged batteries, chargers, and other electronics due to strikes and surges.

[theway]

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

...Well unless you need a haul out, I don't see the savings. I would guess for your size boat, the lift in and out charge would be around $400. over 6 month that is around $65 a month. $150 + $65 = $210. Not much of a savings.

Savings of about $65 a month, which is little compared to my concerns and the result of those concerns should they come true. Boats don't usually sink on dry land but if there are reason not to do dry storage other than money I am happy to hear those from anyone. Money is not the concern for me here, simplicity and a working boat when I return is.

[Richard5]

Originally Posted by theway

What's this bit about the cushions? Why can't they stay in place.

Presumably you'll have the boat locked up tight against the weather. Still, condensation will form. Having fabric laying on a hard horizontal surface could be bothersome for the chance of mold and mildew. Let the interior breathe is the main point.

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by theway

Savings of about $65 a month, which is little compared to my concerns and the result of those concerns should they come true. Boats don't usually sink on dry land but if there are reason not to do dry storage other than money I am happy to hear those from anyone. Money is not the concern for me here, simplicity and a working boat when I return is.

Simplicity? Leave it right where it is, pop your cushions up if you must (to keep air moving around them) and enjoy your vacation.

A dock neighbor hadn't come down to his boat in five years, it's still there!

I suggest you avoid keeping it plugged in, get a solar panel.

Maybe have someone come down and check it, or ask the harbormaster.

It'll be there when you come back.

Enjoy your trip.

[mbianka]

Originally Posted by theway

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

Cover the prop. I was off the boat for a month and did a little experiment with a plastic bag covering the prop before I left. Worked great in keeping the marine growth down:
THE BIANKA LOG BLOG: WHAT WORKS: Plastic bag on the prop.

[theway]

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

...Well unless you need a haul out, I don't see the savings. I would guess for your size boat, the lift in and out charge would be around $400. over 6 month that is around $65 a month. $150 + $65 = $210. Not much of a savings.

Update on this. Turns out its $300 a month for a boat my size 34' LOA. What I saw ($150) was for trailered boats. And it's another $400ish for the haul. Looks like she'll stay in the water. I have a neighbor that might be willing to look at her every now and then. Plus I have hull insurance, so that helps. Thanks again for the input and feedback.

[theway]

Any specific thoughts on disconnecting batteries? Or is solar the way to go. I have 2 house banks.

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by theway

Any specific thoughts on disconnecting batteries? Or is solar the way to go. I have 2 house banks.

Did you read Reply #20?

[POH]

If you can set up a dehumidifier, running of a small solar or batteries supplied with solar, draining over board, you might save yourself a lot of hassles.

Locking a boat up "tight" can result in a lot of corrosion & other problems if it's smoking in the sun all day - less a problem in San Fran than in Caribbean, but still a problem to consider.

You might be able to get a rebate on insurance while on the hard - could help the calculus on the boat watch vs haul out equation.

Assuming you are in a marina, you'd save a lot of fees too. Plus, I'm just guessing you're do for an anti foul anyway

[theway]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

Did you read Reply #20?

Indeed, thanks Stu, I'm just feeling it out and fishing for other insight.

[theway]

Ok folks. I plan to get back to the boat at the end of may! I've been gone a year and 6 months. My friend tells me that the boat is still there but the lines were worn pretty bad (about halfway gone).

I appreciate all the advice before but I'm now seeking what seems to me to be more important information. What do I need to do/check to get the boat active again? Ill do a thorough walk-around to check the obvious. My main concern is starting up the diesel which has been sitting idle the entire time, any advice on that. It's Yanmar 30gm30f.

Thanks again!

[Stu Jackson]

Most input I've seen regarding starting unused engines suggest changing the oil first, although how they do that without starting the engine and getting the oil warmed up is beyond me!

Others have suggested turning the engine over with the kill switch or stop lever engaged so it doesn't start. I'd check the oil and coolant levels before anything else.

Since you're not the first one ever with this issue, you might want to try searching on this forum and Google, like, "starting a diesel engine that has been sitting for over a year."

Good luck.

[a64pilot]

I would pull the injectors and squirt a teaspoon of light oil like transmission fluid or Marvel Mystery oil in each cyl., let it sit a few minutes and with the injectors still removed spin the engine with the starter for 30 sec or so, this will eject any additional oil to prevent a hydraulic lock and also pump oil through the engine with no compression and therefore little stress on at least the bottom end.
Re-install injectors, start it and run it until fully warm, then shut down and change oil and filter.
Oh, change raw water pump impellor before you do anything

[SaltyMonkey]

Id also use fresh fuel from a jerry can. Diesel might be corrupted or jelly