Keeping boat in water all year round

[kengill]

It's better for the yot to be in the water rather than on the hard. It's not subject to such temperature extremes and on theose astonishing good days like we've had this winter there is some cracking sailing to be had when all the moorings are empty.

I take mine out for two or three weeks each year and it seems great.

 

[reginaldon]

I suppose the answer is a charcoal heater, but no room on a 19 footer. I might go for those 'crystal dehumidifiers' - I suppose the idea of the plant pot on the gas ring idea will not eliminate the damp.

 

[Lakesailor]

If you look at the caption for this piccy you'll see it's "Boxing Day Sail", chilly but a great couple of hours.

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and this was February

 

[vyv_cox]

I remember sailing into a very small port in the Haringvliet, to be met by huge crowds all looking at us. We realised that we could not be the attraction and turned round, to see Santa Claus (Sinta Klaas) on a motor boat behind us.

Go for it. So long as the port offers sufficient shelter it can be very rewarding.

 

[Gordonmc]

I keep a wooden boat on a swinging mooring year round and use her most weekends.
Damp can be kept at bay with plenty of ventilation, but make sure you aren't leaving an open door for critters. Cormorants and mink are my worries, but so far they have not been able to get past the flower pots in the open portholes and a box with louvres over the forehatch.
I won't go into the plusses of moorings over pontoon berths, but would stress that pre-planning will overcome most of the downsides. I have a ticklist of kit and consumables needed for a day or two on the boat because there's nothing worse than leaving an essential at home when there may not be a chandler to hand.
Water is a constant problem for me. I take bottles for drinking and cooking but the only way I can fill the tanks involves a trip to a harbour which in my case is a good three hours away.