Long Term Storage BB14

[m stewart]

I own a 4 year old Ceader on Oak Buzzards Bay 14. I have enjoyed
this boat but can not find the time to use if enough to justify launching
it. I do not want to sell her. What are the long term effects of leaving
her inside storage for say 10 yrs? How much more will she dry up,
compaired to one winter inside? Thanks.

[Ron Carter]

Tough call. Since she's nearly new 10 years storage won't be kind to her unless it is climate controlled. Storage fees and the potential cost of refit thereafter would have me thinking about selling now and buying another boat when the time is right.

[Thad]

Unheated, over a dirt floor, would be best.

[m stewart]

Could you shrinkrap and install some type of moisture control system? The storage is free to me, unheated, concrete floor.

[Ian McColgin]

I sure would not shrinkwrap. For ten years, probably ought to make some sort of shed.

Another, interestingly risky alternative might be to find someone who could responsibly lease the boat, use and maintain her in a worthy manner. If you can make an adequate and clear contract specifying maintenance, condition, what to do about consumables like the sails - maybe even specifying a good yard to do the winter storage and maintenance - this could be a good deal for all, especially the boat.

Boats are like people, good dogs and horses - they want to do their job.

[JimConlin]

My hare-brained idea for today:
How about drip irrigation for humidifying during the warm months?

[m stewart]

The thing I strugle with is how much more will she dry out.
What is worse for her:

-10 cycles of dry to swell (normal use)

or

-10 yrs no cycle just dry out after 2 yrs?? and set.


I feel the cycles are worse.

I thought abought leaseing her, but do not feel that would work out.
Selling is an option, but it is kind of like selling your first born.

[Roger Cumming]

The boat must be kept out of the rain in a well-ventilated place preferably shielded from the sun and the wind. A shed as Ian suggests would be best - with a dirt floor. Birds and other animals must be prevented from nesting in the boat. And you must check on the boat periodically. A roof leak above the boat or a raccoon family taking up residence in the boat can be destructive. Most important are keeping the rain off, ventilation and avoiding extremes of humidity.

[DanO]

Hey Mike,

How's the BB14? You may remember that your Chip Flanagan-built BB14 was the inspiration for my building project. I had a photo of yours on my screen saver for about 2 years!

Anyway, not to hijack your thread, but I figured I'd send long a photo of my work-in-progress. My project link on the "Other Resources" section of the WB "Store" link is temporarily not working. Unfortunately, I'm not that much farther along than what this photo shows.



http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b8dd34b3127cceb75ec405cb8b00000026100GYt3Lhi5Yq

Anyway, keep the forum posted on what you decide to do with long term storage. Someday I might have to deal with the same issue...that is if I can ever finish this!

Dan O.