Keeping out the frost

[Miker]

My boat's out of the water with crystals in a tub to keep the mildew at bay. I've no access to mains electricity so does anyone know of any cheap and safe device that will heat the boat?

 

[pvb]

Don\'t think there is one without electricity...

But, if you've winterised the engine and drained the fresh water system, why bother heating it? The best safeguard against internal damp is good ventilation, which will help to keep mildew at bay. Helps if you can take any fabric-covered berth cushions etc home for the winter.

 

[frilaens]

As the other poster said, I have come to the conclusion that ventilation is best. This year I installed a heater as a trial but as she is sits out on the water she gets some warmth from that. I have removed sails (forgot them one year) and either removed or stood on their sides the cushions; this let's the air circulate around them. This seems to be OK. Last week the lowest air temperature was -23C and the lowest in the boat -7C. Yesterday it was raining!

Andy

 

[Viking]

Like 'frilæns' (I'm a bit south of him and its my first winter with containt ' - ' temperatures.)
I've strip the boat out of all 'mildrewable' items. Emptied all water, winterized the engine. But kept a small container with water on board, to keep a eye on the temp. which todate as not frozen, lowest so far -17. Ventilation, can be a problem when the boats covered with snow. I have rigged the spinnaker pole from the backstay (boom removed) and covered the cockpit with a tarp. Keep the snow out of the cockpit and freezing up the cockpit sole drainers and helps ventilation.

 

[frilaens]

I've wondered a bit about covering the cockpit etc and tried different things. My first winter I spent ages building a nice dome covering only to see it flattened by the first real snow! The following winter I tried the tent approach using the boom and custom built supports (built in the dark at -15C) but the cheap tarpaulins were shredded in the first storm. Another factor to consider as she is in the marina is that my various attempts at building covers seem to be very efficient as sails and generate movement in the berth. I usually remove the wind instruments and boom to cut down on wear. As I don't have any nice teak decks then I leave up the spray hood and just let her fill up with snow. The hood protects the instruments, the winches and most of the halyards etc. I clear the snow when it compacts or becomes warmer and more often from the hood. During the really cold spell I leave it all on to help insulate her. I think I would like to take her out during the winter but don't have a crib yet; but then she will be subject to even colder temperatures than in the water. I would definitely use a heater then if possible. Funny things happen to tabasco sauce at -20C.

Any plans, Viking, for the Nordenfjeldske Seileruke 9.-13.juli in Trondheim?

Andy

 

[Miker]

Re: Don\'t think there is one without electricity...

I think that you are right but I thought I'd ask. I, too, have winterised the engine and stripped the boat, and have taken out the paddlewheel log to aid ventilation.
Last year I got some mildew on the cabin walls but it came off with a good spray with cleaner.

 

[Viking]

Hi Andy
The tarp. I've left not to tight, the movement in the wind helps keep the snow off. Its held OK so far. My boats still in, with a bit of protection from boats each side. The marina's well tucked away as well. I've put on any old canopy cover over the hatchway but the tarp. cover it as well.
I had a the same model boat in the UK (Solent Area) But I must admit this cold here does make me nervous. But here I havn't the 70+ mile drive to the coast our the marina costs, I had in England. Only 15mins so I can keep close eye on it. Unfortunatly we have limited power points in the pontoon for a heater - being a new boy.
No plans yet. My crew is new to sailing so any racing will be limited to local events that are not to serious.
How about you?

 

[frilaens]

I sailed dinghys at school and when I started working I took up windsurfing for a while. I wanted to get back into sailing when I moved to Trondheim, but found out that windsurfing was too cold, not enough wind and too short a season in a wet suit so ended up buying a 30 foot boat about 5 years ago. As a novice the first couple of years I stayed in Trondheimsfjord, then ventured out to Hitra, Frøya and Halten and the last big trip was to the Tall Ships in Ålesund; basically building up my confidence and experience in the boat and my navigation skills! Last summer Frilæns was out almost all of the summer with engine and painting jobs so I'm looking forward to this one coming up. As I only had experiece of how to sail it's been a bit tough as a boat owner, especially as all my crew have not sailed before and although I can read up about how to do various things it's complicated a bit by being in Norway where I don't always understand the system.... this PBO site has been great to get another perspective on things (in English!) Learning to maintain the engine (and change the cylinder head gasket) when everything is in Swedish was interesting....

Anyhow, plans this summer are not set... I'm only allowed a couple of weeks sailing holiday each year and I would like to sail north to Rørvik. I realy enjoyed the trip to Ålesund (especially as we sailed Hustadvika both ways) and thought Ona and Grip were really special. Regatta sailing is serious for some.... most just sail them for the fresh air I think.

Andy

 

[Guest]

Re: Keeping out the frost reply to Frilean

Hi Andy, Viking tells me that you are based in Trondhiem. I am trying to make some contacts for a forthcoming trip to Norway - we will be spending May - September cruising from Stavanger to Lofoten on our 35 foot Warrior Tidos. Please contact me on my email lizrobertson35@aol.com.

Liz & Laurence
Tidos
Warrior 35