Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
...and I will be leaving it behind for the season in roughly four, or five. Any suggestions for securing and maintenance while I'm gone? Boat will be out of water on a lift. I opted NOT to buy an outboard until I return to Florida next season. Looking to compile a prioritized checklist here. I'm a newbie through and through.
Depends how long you are leaving it. Im guessing you will be leaving it Ft Meyers and heading north somewhere. If that's the case, I would store it on the hard. No worries about it sinking or a major storm while you are gone. Since its new to you, I wouldn't leave it in the water until you have had a chance to inspect all of the thru hulls, keel tube, ect. Basically, you don't want it filling up with water while you are away.
Other than, store the sails. Pull the head sail off the roller if it has one. Put the rudder away if its painted.
I would also tarp the boat, but that's my preference. The windows probably leak. Also, grab a bucket or two of moisture absorbent. Even with that, you will probably have a mold battle to fight when you get back.
If you have access to shore power, you might consider a small Peltier dehumidifier with a drain into the galley sink, as well as a clip-on fan to circulate air (and blow air across the power brick). That has been a great option for me. Of course, anytime you leave electrical appliances running unattended there is some risk of fire.
Otherwise, get the really big moisture absorbent buckets. You're gonna need them.
Rick S., Swarthmore, PA PO of Take Five, 1998 Catalina 250WK #348 (relocated to Baltimore's Inner Harbor) New owner of 2001 Catalina 34MkII #1535 Breakin' Away (at Rock Hall Landing Marina)
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.