Boat in a Bag!

[PCUK]

This has developed from Ahoy2s Outdrive Aversion thread.
The idea of dry berthing the boat while afloat using a bag that is pulled under the boat and then pumped dry to keep the hull dry when not being used. Basically it is a simple concept, the only problem is the need for an air retaining membrane between the outer bag and the hull. Otherwise just having the bag pressing against the hull will cause all sorts of Osmosis type problems with the antifouling and the gel-coat.

 

[fireball]

The idea of dry berthing the boat while afloat

Whilst in your own berth you could install one of them boat lifts - basically 2 wopping great big drums and a ruddy good air pump that lift the boat clear of the water.

Problem with a bag is - where are you going to store it when wet?! Eugh!

 

[PCUK]

Point 1. Problem is the cost.
Point 2. Leave it in your berth.

 

[fireball]

erm - so instead of spending 10k on a personal boat lift you're gonna develop and build a bag to put your boat in ... probably 10k in all!!

 

[Ifraser]

The bag already exists..

There is already a dry berthing system using the bag principal...but rather unhelpfully I'm damned if I can remember what it is called. Basically you drive in bag rises up around boat and water is pumped out. The bag is lined with a rope mesh to allow air to circulate...I'm sure the name of it will come to me... Im not sure if it available in this country yet or how cost effective it is but its out there somewhere...

 

[wattsn]

Seapen

http://www.seapen.com.au

 

[PCUK]

Ifraser,
I've seen that and the cost and complication is going to be too much. I am sure a simple pull-it-under system will only cost a few hundred squids to produce.
Think I'll call it the "Pull-it-Unda" dry berthing thingy.
If anyone can find a suitable rope type mesh to put in the bag that will be a good start.