Soon to be sailboat owner

[dmksails]

Getting a lot closer to owning my own boat. I've been taking classes and feel pretty confident as far as sailing goes. What the classes don't cover is how to maintain the boat. For instance - do I keep it plugged in to shore power when at the dock? How do I deal with condensation below?

I've read a lot about these on this forum. What I'm wondering is if there is a good book that covers this as well.

[Lizzy Belle]

Originally Posted by dmksails

do I keep it plugged in to shore power when at the dock? How do I deal with condensation below?

What kind of boat are we talking about (approx size + steel, plastic, wood)?
What will be the boats location?
Will you be living aboard or just take her out for day sails or ..?

[Tayana42]

dmksails, welcome to the adventure of sailboat ownership. LizzyBelle's questions are a good start in allowing people on the forum to give you advice.

For starters though I suggest you have good tow insurance and make friends at your marina so you can ask experienced people there what works in your situation. Generally most people do keep their boat plugged into shore power to keep batteries charged (if they have a multistage or smart charger - which you should have).


S/V B'Shert

[Cheechako]

Without knowing the area and boat.... the quick answer is:
- many keep them plugged into shore power. But it has risks like stray current corrosion from the marina or nearby boats.
-It depends on how long you don't go to the boat, if you go to the boat every couple weeks, run the engine and charge the batteries you probably don't need to be plugged in. (if the boat is sound)
-Condensation depends a lot on your area. But the boat needs ventilation. A light bulb running or a small drier/heater helps a lot. I just helped a friend sell a family members boat (death) that was unused for 7 years. It had one of those heater driers in it on the whole time. The boat was nice and dry inside.

[dmksails]

Up in Puget sound to start, then bringing it down to SF Bay. I'm looking at either a nor'sea 27 or a tashiba 31. Eventually will live aboard for a few years

[maxingout]

I love the Norsea 27. I came very close to purchasing one, and if the right one comes by, I still might get one.

[CTKismet]

Buy the Chapman's Piloting book. A must read for new boaters...and a nice reference for experienced.

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by maxingout

I love the Norsea 27. I came very close to purchasing one, and if the right one comes by, I still might get one.

Big difference in size for sure. Both are nice. The Tashiba very much so! (a Baba 30 without all the teak right?) Up here in the PNW you don't need a lot, if you winter over then my earlier post is appropriate.

[robgrant1]

Here are a couple of titles that people might have opinions on: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0071462848/...I39Y3DIGN47OYE and http://www.amazon.com/dp/0071493441/...I2TNQ6KB113624

[iyamwhatiyam]

Since you asked about books, this is my core library:
Chapman Piloting and Seamanship (Maloney)
Sailing Fundamentals (ASA)
How to Read a Nautical Chart (Nigel Calder)
Cruising Fundamentals (ASA)
The Annapolis Book of Seamanship (John Rousmaniere)
Coastal Navigation and Piloting Course (ASA)

We just made an acceptance on a CAT 30, and will have many of the same questions so thank you for starting this thread. When I was smart, I just crewed and let the owner worry about such things!

[TheWingman]

I went through this two years ago and got a lot of info from this forum, and my dock neighbors. You have gotten good advice above on condensation and charging. You will also need to set up a local diver for bottom cleans and zinc replacements. I have this done at least every three months in SF bay. One thing I discovered late that really improved the quality of life boating every weekend was the mobile pump out service. After several sprays in the face, I gladly pay the $20 to have this done on a regular schedule.

Good luck with the new boat!

[iyamwhatiyam]

Offer accepted, here we go

[krafthaus]

Here are another couple of standard books to answer your questions:

https://www.amazon.ca/Boatowners-Mec.../dp/0071432388

https://www.amazon.ca/Boatowners-Ill...BH1RATBSDW9VB5

Keep learning & good luck!

[Stu Jackson]

Ditto on Calder and Wing. Casey's better book is "This Old Boat" 2nd edition, although it's electrical stuff is worthless; great rest of the stuff.

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by robgrant1

Here are a couple of titles that people might have opinions on: Don Casey's Complete Illustrated Sailboat Maintenance Manual: Including Inspecting the Aging Sailboat, Sailboat Hull and Deck Repair, Sailboat Refinishing, Sailbo: Don Casey: 9780071462846: Amazon.com: Books and http://www.amazon.com/dp/0071493441/...I2TNQ6KB113624

Originally Posted by krafthaus

Here are another couple of standard books to answer your questions:

https://www.amazon.ca/Boatowners-Mec.../dp/0071432388

https://www.amazon.ca/Boatowners-Ill...BH1RATBSDW9VB5

Keep learning & good luck!

These four links arte excellent. I cut my teeth on them and still keep Calders book