Lift ashore or use sealift??

DOK

DOK

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OK, I have a slight dilemma so I am offering this one to the collective wisdom of the forum?

This is my second winter owning a big boat that is kept on the water (in a marina). I am used to having my boat ashore except when I am using it. The boat (a Princess 430) has been afloat since March/April 2006, just before I purchased it. It was anti-fouled and had new anodes fitted by the yard at Swanwick immediately prior to being put back on the water. Since that time, I have used a diver to clean off the bottom and report on the anodes/state of the anti-fouling.

Thing is, I reckon now I have to redo the anti-foul within the next couple of months; the anodes are, apparently, still OK. What I can't decide is whether to use the Sealift at Cowes or get the boat lifted out for a couple of weeks at Chichester Marina. Sealift is clearly cheaper but I will have to a) get a weather window for an overnight stay and b) get a mate (or my brother /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif) to help with the painting. Chichester are (a lot) more expensive but the work will be slightly more relaxed - although I would not want the boat left out of the water for too long (that would guarantee good boating weather /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif ). They seem to have a busy schedule so there is a risk that I could end up with the boat ashore and a long wait to get back in the water.

Ignoring cost, the real advantage of Chichester is that (subject to availability), I could simply ring them and book a lift and leave it to them to get the boat out. On the other hand, with Sealift, there is no risk that the boat ends up ashore waiting to be relaunched.

Oh, I hate decisions /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
It's been a fairly long time since she was out. I've be tempted to get out at Chi and take your time to go over the hull properly. Won't hurt to dry her out a bit either.

Cheers
Jimmy
 
I have allways been advised that the boat should be allowed time, ashore, to dry out.
I know its expensive but so is osmosis treatment! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
We try to put a bit by each month to pay for a 2 month hardstanding every two years, guess that should really be every year?
Don't forget the new anti foul has to have time to dry before you re launch.
Not looking forward to being boatless for 2 months though, will let you know hoe I get on in 22 months time. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
It will need re antifouling before next season, anodes will need changing, check cutless bearings, props, rope cutters , continuity check of all underwater metal parts, check all skin fittings etc and clean and polish the hull.

A boat of this size will take an amateur about 6 hrs per coat so a good weekend for two.

Do it at your liesure and get to know the boat check and clean it yourself.

For weather allow two weekends and one week .

Dont rush it.
 
Looks like I'll be lining Premier's pockets then /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

I guess these comments just reinforce the way i was starting to feel about it all anyway. It certainly does seem to make sense to have the boat out for a short while to give me time to check her over.

Thanks for all the comments
 
Just to balance things up how about leaving it in the water for the moment. You need antifouling during the strongest gowing months May - Aug or so, little seems to grow in the winter in Portsmouth Harbour. Therefore leaving it until the spring means you have fresh antifoul for the worst months. Space ashore is at a premium during the winter, lots available after everyone has launched during the spring. If your painting her yourself its a lot easier in warm May rather than cold November. Winter cruising around the Solent is superb, its empty. Just a alternative viewpoint to mull over.

Pete
 
I too have the same thoughts. Fouling will slow down now the days are getting shorter and soon the water will start to cool. I'd get your friendly diver to give you another scrub sometime soon and then relax until the spring. I always think May/June is a good time to antifoul for all the same reasons as Pete7.
 
Must admit, that sounds like a good idea. Can't say I really fancy the idea of doing anti-fouling at this time of the year /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif I might just speak to Premier and see what their schedule looks like for early spring.
 
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