Keeping boat in river - water mark question

(wetsuit) · (wetsuit) **Join Date: Mar 2008** 03-18-2008, 4:59 AM

Just got a place at the local river and will have the opportunity to keep the boat at our dock this summer. It is a regular dock, not a lift...Can anything be done to protect the hull from the brown water line that shows up after a few days? p.s. I have an 18' fiberglass Chaparral I/O. While we are at it, anything wrong with getting a custom snap on cover made? Seems like the most effective way to keep the boat covered while docked. My current cover is trailerable and needs to be strapped down to be effective. Just looking for some tips, thanks.

(tinytdubb) · (tinytdubb) **Join Date: Jul 2007** 03-18-2008, 10:29 AM

Wax like a mo fo before you put it in? Free bump at least...

(sulmaxwell) · (sulmaxwell) **Join Date: Dec 2003** 03-18-2008, 10:44 AM

lots of wax, HCL or murric acid to clean it when you do if it gets really grungy...
As for the tarp...I have the same..in the water..attached weighted jugs or 2L pop bottles on bungees to the straps...they will hang below the surface of the water and keep the tarp tight...(this works in calm water area, i wouldn't do it if it was in a really rough area..) I can think of some more...and will update!

(srh00z) · (srh00z) **Join Date: Jun 2003** 03-18-2008, 3:39 PM

I would think a nice wax too. Starbrite hull cleaner works wonders to get rid of water lines. I am sure it has an acid of some sort in it, so I wouldn't use it over and over, but maybe towards the end of the season. You do need to look into the risks/benefits of leaving a boat in the water. My old boat had gelcoat blisters from being left in the water. The newer gelcoats are supposed to be less porous, but I would think you will still run the risk. It will probably be harder on the boat interior and mechanicals too.

(srh00z) · (srh00z) **Join Date: Jun 2003** 03-18-2008, 3:43 PM

You may want to watch this thread and ask some questions about how boat owners wound up with blistered hulls. http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/3183/559046.html?1205871068

(dhcomp) · (dhcomp) **Join Date: Jun 2003** 03-18-2008, 11:47 PM

Get a brush on a long handle, and clean the waterline once a week.

(wetsuit) · (wetsuit) **Join Date: Mar 2008** 03-19-2008, 10:19 AM

Thanks for the tips guys.

SulMaxwell, are you talking about attaching the weighted jugs to your trailerable cover? Sounds like a good idea, and will save me some serious $$$ on a snap on cover.

Thx