Long term layup

[DoubleEnder]

For various reasons I may want to lay the boat up for 2years. I have a full tailored canvas cover; it's breathable and covers the Whole boat as well as the upper foot or so or the topsides. The boat is in good condition. Mahogany on oak, riveted planks splined above and caulked below the waterline with a traditional teak deck. What realistically should or could I do? No access to a Dutch barn, sadly; but I could possibly have her in a yard, well shored and chocked up with electricity to run a heater in the winter and keep the air moving..... Engine ? Will that suffer ? I would of course remove all contents, upholstery etc. Any views or experiences out there? Location would need to be in striking distance of London probably on east coast.

Thank you
Graham

 

[Keith 66]

Good ventilation is important, also try to keep the sun of her, a dark cover will raise temperatures drastically in the summer which is bad, if her tailored cover is dark consider a cheap white polytarp over it.

 

[chinita]

Wind will dry her out more than sun so make sure she is in a sheltered spot.

 

[Seajet]

A yard with an at least occasional burst of electricity available, both for heating and inevitable odd jobs - but most of all some security - sounds best; of course thieves love covers to work under too, there might be something to be said for leaving her unlocked to avoid break-in damage, once everything possible is removed.

 

[Woodlouse]

A mud berth somewhere sheltered would be optimum. Preferably with shore power to keep the pumps and dehumidifiers working.

 

[stuhaynes]

For various reasons I may want to lay the boat up for 2years. I have a full tailored canvas cover; it's breathable and covers the Whole boat as well as the upper foot or so or the topsides. The boat is in good condition. Mahogany on oak, riveted planks splined above and caulked below the waterline with a traditional teak deck. What realistically should or could I do? No access to a Dutch barn, sadly; but I could possibly have her in a yard, well shored and chocked up with electricity to run a heater in the winter and keep the air moving..... Engine ? Will that suffer ? I would of course remove all contents, upholstery etc. Any views or experiences out there? Location would need to be in striking distance of London probably on east coast.

Thank you
Graham

Hi Graham, you don't say how old the boat is. If she is old enough to have a fairly high water content in the wood, shrinkage is going to be a problem. I note that you are removing the upholstery, good call. The last thing you want to come back to is black mould on all of your soft furnishings. Whatever happens you will have to be prepared to face some work before you relaunch.

Engine wise, winterize it, completely draining the cooling system. Although we're on our boat most of the year, we often don't run the engine over the winter. We do however spin the engine to 'wet' the bores maybe once a month. I've no idea whether this is a practicality for you or someone you know, but condensation does occur in engines and can cause serious problems.

Likewise most people will suggest filling the fuel tank(s) to avoid the condensation causing damage to the tank as well as the old water in fuel problem.

Afraid no-one can answer this in black and white, but basic common sense will help reduce the number of problems you may have to face after the lay up.

Good luck.