Prepping Boats for Storage

We’re about to leave both boats on the hard for the next few months, a process we’ve done a few times before. What’s different right now is that we’re also prepping Mischief to be left for a couple of YEARS (though we’ll be back to address any outstanding items in the fall.) And we just brought her back from a winter in the Bahamas.

*Not that long ago - and a lifetime ago*

There are some obvious steps to take, and some others that might be less obvious. I’m also sure we’ve probably overlooked some, so if you see glaring omissions please let me know! This list is for Mischief primarily, since we’ll be back cruising on Calypso relatively soon.

In a nutshell, we’re trying to make sure the boat is in as good condition when we return to her as she is now.

*Emptying boats. This isn’t the first iteration of this task!*

Step 1 REMOVE/EMPTY/TURN OFF

Remove all sails
Remove all food
Remove all clothing
Remove all items borrowed from Calypso
Remove dodger/bimini
Remove jerry cans
Remove any loose items on deck
Empty water tanks
Empty all lockers to evaluate what stays/goes
Remove solar panels
Remove electronics
Turn off propane at tank
Remove dinghy

*Sails off. Dinghy still on (but it’s off now, going to the lake)*

Step 2 CLEAN

Clean interior, including wiping surfaces with Concrobium to help prevent mold
Vacuum all surfaces, including the bilges

*Old photo but this shop vac has been a workhorse*

Step 3 STABILIZE/PROTECT

Stabilize exterior wood by sealing
Stabilize hull by cleaning/waxing
Protect batteries (AGMs) by leaving them on trickle charge
Protect interior from heat by installing Reflectix in the hatches/portholes
Protect interior from mold/mildew by installing a dehumidifier that drains into the sink
Protect interior from mold/mildew by leaving out some DampRid tubs!
Protect engine and plumbing from freeze damage by winterizing it
Protect cushions from water intrusion by wrapping them in garbage bags - hopefully this step is totally unnecessary but . . .
Protect the boat from critter intrusion by closing most thru-hulls and leaving ant traps out
Protect the boat from water/sun damage by leaving the custom canvas cover installed. Eventually (as in, before the end of the summer) we will get the boat shrink wrapped.

We’ll stow items like sails, cushions, canvas inside the boat.

*Hopefully the organization on Mischief will be a bit more . . . organized!*

As usual in the last few days before we leave, life is a chaotic mess. We’re working on outdoor stuff in the mornings and late evenings, and then escaping indoors during the excessive heat of the day. The southern Chesapeake has not had the overwhelmingly dangerous heat wave that much of the rest of the country is experiencing, but it’s still pretty darn hot. It’s not that Vermont got off any easier - but up there we can jump in the lake to cool off.

*This was taken late October. It was cold.*

Stay cool and dry, and here’s to the boats being in great shape when we return!