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Julie Mor · 24-09-2013, 04:20

We were very close to buying a boat this summer. Things took longer than we thought and before we knew it, the season was more than half over. So we put things on hold, figuring we'd buy in early spring.

But now I'm imagining had we bought that boat what state of mind I'd be in now. For eight seasons, I sailed on Lake Michigan. I also prepped the boat in the spring and put it to bed in the fall. I was younger then and it didn't seem so bad when the end of the season approached. But having been so close to buying another boat, after so long without one, I find myself really affected by the end of the season. I'm trying to imagine how hard it would be had we bought the boat.

How do you handle the winter blues?

ElGatoGordo · 24-09-2013, 04:27

Well, it's not very helpful, but I'd say move to a year round sailing location. My sailing sessions is just starting ;-)

Mike OReilly · 24-09-2013, 04:44

Oh Julie ... you've asked at the perfect time b/c we're unloading the boat and beginning the tear-down so we can pull and and winterize her over the next few weeks. It's a huge amount of work, and each year I wonder if it's all worth it. We have to:

Remove everything that can freeze.
Empty water tanks, change the oil, fill the diesel tank.
Clean everything up, get the boat ready for 6 months of winter storage.
Remove all sails, canvas, dingy, BBQ, liferings, etc.
Remove the boom.
Remove the mast (every 3 years or so).
Prepare our storage pad, service the jackstands.

Once the boat is hauled and safely on its stands we need to winterize the engine and plumbing/water systems. Then we construct our frame, and finally get the boat all covered for the winter. Through the winter we need to check on her, esspecially after winter storms, to make sure the cover is holding, and no snow is piling up.

You know what ElGatoGordo, I think you're right

.

Julie Mor · 24-09-2013, 04:53

Mike, even though the last boat was a lot of years ago, I remember it like it was yesterday. I'll bet it took us a couple of weeks to put her to bed at the end of the season. And that didn't include the stuff we did in the yard.

Then the cold and snow moves in and your baby is all alone in the freezing cold. But when the first sunny day above 40 arrives, you're back in the yard filled with hope again.

Yeah, maybe we'll move south before we buy that boat!

**boatman61** · 24-09-2013, 04:53

Julie...
Buy in Autumn... folk are more likely to accept a haggle when faced with winter storage costs...
Prep the boat in Winter...
Sail Away in Spring...

ctl411 · 24-09-2013, 04:59

Not over yet. Last year we didn't come out until 2nd week of November.

gunkylump · 24-09-2013, 05:03

We are lucky here in the Windsor area, we get an extended season compared to those of you further north.....but not like a Florida season

Our boat will be hauled today....I had surgery on my leg once again cutting our season short....removed the plate and pins put in a year ago....BUT...

We had put Kewalo up for sale in August, and it appears that, pending a satisfactory purchaser's survey, she is sold

. The prospective new owner sailed with her to her winter storage berth on Sunday, and was very pleased, so all that is remaining is the survey. I am confident the survey will not be an issue.

So, winter storage is exciting for us this year....we will be on the hunt for a newer, larger boat. We have looked at a number of Gozzard 36's, and even a Jenneau 43 DS....but the Gozzards really sit well with us.

How are we going to pass the winter blues? Florida....boat hunting...relaxing....making plans for our Caribbean venture in two years....lots to do for us, and exciting times.

Remember....I take it you're in Lake Michigan area...Florida is only a car ride or short plane hop away...warm weather, water...not ice...sailboats....helps to get us just that much closer to spring!

gunk

WebWench · 24-09-2013, 05:24

Where we are on the Chesapeake our biggest sailing season is the spring and fall. Last year we winterized Dec. 29th and then got going again in mid march.

I feel for the Op though....it would be much harder with just a short, only summer months season.

I also believe buying now would probably be a good time to shave some funds because the seller might give you a better deal if they don't have to winterized and pay over winter storage.

Tim R. · 24-09-2013, 05:42

Our season is little more than half over. We sail up to Dec. 1st here. Our cockpit enclosure and 12v heating system makes this a great time to cruise. Halloween alone at a secluded anchorage is fun. Thanksgiving on a island.

Boatman61 is right. This is a great time to buy. Not to mention it will give you the winter to do upgrades/mods and be ready to start early in the spring.

Our current boat we purchased at the end of August(2010) when the previous owner was ready to quit cruising to be a ski bum.

Julie Mor · 24-09-2013, 08:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by boatman61

Julie...
Buy in Autumn... folk are more likely to accept a haggle when faced with winter storage costs...
Prep the boat in Winter...
Sail Away in Spring...

We looked into that. When we added up the costs of hauling & storage & prep and compared sold prices, spring vs. fall that we got from a broker, it seemed like a toss up. The discounts you get in the fall are practically all negated by the costs of putting the boat up for the winter (we included shrink wrapping).

Sand Castle · 24-09-2013, 10:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Julie Mor

How do you handle the winter blues?

1. Rebuild fresh water filtration system.
2. Replace hose clamps
3. Ream the heat exchanger.
4. Research replacement port lights.
5. Replace hoses and belts
6. Paint bilge
7. Create extension handles for painting hard to reach areas in bilge.
8. PM the generator.
9. Clean the galley fridge one beer at a time.

For starters...

**sailorchic34** · 24-09-2013, 10:18

One nice thing about the SF bay area is it does offer year round sailing, though a little chillier and a little moist (rainy season) in winter. There's this crazy blonde hippy chick that's been know to sail and anchor out in 30-40 degree F weather. Mind you I do try to find a cheap dock for January-February an use an electric heater and shore shower facilities. A solar shower is a little brisk in the middle of winter.

As others said I would think about buying now or in winter, if you live in a not too cold region. That way you'll have more spring time to enjoy sailing.