Hauling/Blocking for Winter

[Eric R]

Last year was the first winter with my C28. As with my previous boat, I winterized and left it in the water. I also added bilge and cabin heater for extra piece of mind (something I never did with the previous boat), and temperature sensors for remote monitoring. My current marina doesn't do bubblers so I also purchased a Kasco once I realized we were in for an unusual freeze. Good thing, because we definitely ended up getting a lot of ice and I stayed basically ice free in my slip. All in all, everything went well...

... except for my stress levels about everything. As a result, I'm debating hauling and storing on land this year. I'm not sure I love the downside of not having the extra piece of mind with the heaters and sensors, but I like the upside of not having to worry about it freezing and sinking. That and I can touch up anything that needs done before spring. I think I was spoiled by my old marina and how they basically took care of everything for me! I never worried then... although it sure cost me $$$! :lol:

Anyway, for those of you that haul and block, what sort of set up do you have? Blocks, stands, etc. I'm trying to get a plan of what I need put together in case I decide to haul.

Thanks!

 

[BradOwens]

Indoor heated storage. More expensive than storing at home, but no need to winterize.

 

[dclagett]

One thing you might want to do is ask the factory where the weight should be put (keel or bottom of hull sides or both). Years ago I had a Cruisers Yacht and the Cruisers factory did not want any weight on the keel. Most yards I have used will put most of the weight on the keel.

The yard where I take my RT25 uses 2 large block under the keel and 6 jack stands (3 on each side of hull). The jack stands are chained together side to side so they will not slip out from under the hull.

I also shrinkwrap the boat with a door for access. I don't have electric to the boat but I have a solar panel. If you have a solar pannel it will maintain the batteries thru the shrinkwrap. On some boats the solar pannel apparently does not charge all batteriies so you will need to charge thoes separetly.

For moisture control I use several "DampRid" bags in the cabin and one in each cockpit compartment These bags can be purchased at Walmart for about $7 for 4 bags. I will go in the boat at least monthly to see if the bags need changing. I also put a canister or 2 of "Tea Tree Oil" in the cabin. These are purchased at West Marine at a rediculous price. Using this method I have not had any moisture issues in my boats over the winter.

Good luck!

 

[rpmerrill]

I have gone through two winters with the solar panel (under the shrink wrap) and it still kept the batteries up to charge. Of course I had everything electrical shut down. I would visit often doing small projects and as I recall the solar was putting out about a half amp on all but the most dreary days.