Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Storing Your Boat Properly This Winter With The Help Of St. Petersburg Marinas

By Jay Dy


Unfortunately, boats moored in temperate climates are often not given the preparation they need for the onset of wintertime. Owners can get caught out when a cold snap (even a short one) plays havoc with their vessel's structure and systems. Owners using St. Petersburg Marinas can rely on getting timely help with this all-important aspect of boat ownership.

In areas of the country that have harsh winters, keeping vessels onshore for the winter season is standard practise. In states with milder winters, the in-water vs. Onshore issue is really down to personal choice. Many choose to keep their vessels sea-bound since this makes things easier when it comes to re-commissioning.

Overall though, on-shore storage is perhaps a wiser option. For a start, the risk of sinking is zero. A sunken vessel is a hugely expensive and time-consuming problem to put right. Many vessels are sunk as a result of having their thru-hulls left open.

It is essential that water-borne vessels have all of their seacocks closed when they are decommissioned for wintertime. The only exception are those servicing the cockpit drains. A vessel with any thru-hulls below the waterline that cannot be closed (if they are broken, for example) should certainly be kept onshore.

With regard to fiberglass hulled vessels, on-shore storage has the advantage of keeping them exposed to air and thus reducing the risk of blistering. These unsightly blemishes develop when water seeps beneath the hull's gelcoat and penetrates the first layer or so of fiberglass composite. They can be up to a few inches in size and are a most unwelcome (and expensive) development for any owner.

In general, preparing a boat for winter need not be a difficult undertaking. St. Petersburg Marinas can help owners do it the right way and ensure their vessels remain safe and ready for the next season. If they are in any doubt about what to do, experienced staff are always on hand to give advice.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment