Winter Layup

[bemiller75]

I guess this is the first time I've posted since joining -- thanks to you all for the wisdom I've been able to mine from these posts!

I've been the proud owner of SHADOWFAX, our Ranger R31S, since April. My wife and I love the boat (I'm an old converted sail guy - this is my first power boat), and she is new to boating.

Anyway, as Fall approaches, I have a quick (or maybe not so quick) question. I keep my boat on the Chesapeake, about 20 nm south of Annapolis. I'm considering leaving the boat in the water over the winter. Most, but not all, owners here haul their boats from about November to March. I'm not sure I see the need. I've already bought an engine compartment heater, and am looking at bubblers (although my slip neighbors tell me I probably don't need one).
My question, then, is what are the pros and cons of leaving my Ranger 31 in the water? If I do leave it waterborne, what should I be watching out for? I'd appreciate any thoughts -- I must decide soon if I want to get on the marina's schedule to haul and store. Thanks!

 

[Bruce Moore]

Bumping post delayed in moderation queue.

 

[dbsea]

My boat is in the water at my marina year round here in Seattle. Even in fresh water where I moor it, it doesn’t get cold enough to freeze. I have an engine room and in cabin heater and I just make sure the fresh water pump is off and faucets drained when I’m not using the boat. I boat pretty much year round, so it’s less of a worry for me. We have lots of sunny cold days and it’s a lot quieter on the water in the off season.

 

[GaylesFaerie]

I would make sure your anodes are in good shape to make it thru the winter or just change them out in the fall. HTH, Gary

 

[Haifisch]

Would also recommend draining and closing off the freshwater cockpit taps (the little sink and the shower by the swim step.). On mine, there are a couple of valves accessed through the salon floor hatch just aft of the water heater. I don't know if those are standard or if the previous owner installed them, but they take care of the sink. For the shower, I just open the valves and nozzle with the freshwater pump switched off to prevent any freeze above the water line from breaking the mixing valve.

 

[srhawk454]

Factory's "As the prop turns" winterization webinar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHZr7ANbIkI&t=300s is the one not to miss. I find it super useful.

 

[it4llc]

I keep our C28 in the water year round in DC on the Potomac. I've got an engine heater and our marina has bubblers. I do winterize the water systems though by blowing out the water with pressurized air, draining the water heater, etc. I think the main risk would be if power fails, and the engine heater isn't running, or the bubblers aren't running.