Thursday, 5 December 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 parts of the country that suffer cold winters, storing boats ashore is the norm. In warmer states, the decision to store ashore or in the water is more open to personal preference. Perhaps the main advantage of keeping a vessel sea-bound is ease of re-commissioning.

Many owners however prefer onshore storage since this is overall the safer option. One obvious but huge advantage is that a land-stored vessel can't sink. Reclaiming a sunken vessel is a massive and expensive task which is of course best avoided. Significant numbers of craft sink each year due to thru-hulls that have been left open.

If a vessel is kept in the water, it's essential that all of its seacocks are closed to prevent water ingress. The exception being those used for cockpit drains. If there are any thru-hulls below the waterline that cannot for any reason be closed, then the vessel must be stored ashore.

With fiberglass vessels, another advantage of storing ashore is that the hull will be exposed to air and thus be less likely to blister. These blisters can develop when water penetrates the hull's laminate below the waterline. They can range from a few millimeters to a few inches in diameter, and are an unsightly and expensive nuisance for any boat owner.

Owners need to be aware that these kind of problems are entirely avoidable. St. Petersburg Marinas can help with correct preparation and ensure boating enthusiasts have a sound vessel ready for their enjoyment. Staff are on hand to answer any questions owners may have and give the benefit of their experience.




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