Conference unifix::sailing

While you may get some some excellent ideas from other noters, for 
completeness of your checklist, I'd suggest investing an hour in your 
local library and looking up "winter lay-up" articles in SAIL and CRUISING 
WORLD.  They are often well laid out and quite thorough if general.  

Laying up for a couple years shouldn't be much different than a top-notch 
winterizing, though you may want to check antifreeze levels, ventilation,
condition of your cover, etc, regularly every couple months.

Just think how the boat must feel!

;-),  J.

    Since St. K will be sitting in the same yard for several years, will
    the yard commit to holding its current storage rate for the entire
    duration?  Might save a few dollars although your partner is probably
    not in a position to have to worry about such things.
    
    Have you discussed the benefits of in the water storage, at least on a
    periodic basis - like from May through October.  Cheaper than a yard
    and keeps the hull from drying out and deforming.  And, as we all know,
    electrical and mechanical systems that are not regularly exercised soon
    deteriorate.  Save you partner from the heartache of systems atrophy. 
    Volunteer to keep St K properly exercised during his absence.  If this
    poses an undue drain on your precious spare time, I shall gladly
    volunteer to share the burden.
    
    - gene

I would worry about ventilation a whole lot. A closed boat will most 
likely have mildew problems galore, especially during the summer. 
Unfortunately, adequate ventilation makes the boat more vulnerable to 
cover failures, vandals, etc. I would remove everything possible from 
the boat and store it elsewhere to minimize the risks. And pay the 
insurance bills promptly. 

    The boat is sitting in the yard of a close friend.  Same person that
    donated the mooring for us to use.  Storage costs are to be borne by
    the company while my partner is in China.  Actually, the money will be
    put back into the boat for some custom work and possibly new paint.  We
    have stripped the boat of all valuables eg. stereo, electronics etc. 
    There is also a person living at the house year round who as part ofthe
    condition of living there, will perform small tasks as needed.  It should 
    be as safe as if it were in a yard if not more so.  
    
    The boat is well ventilated and all of the lockers were propped open. 
    I suggested keeping the main hatch propped open as well to increase the
    air flow below.  I am more afraid of critters taking up residence.  The 
    cover we put on will be open in the bow and stern to allow free movement 
    of air.  I expect that there will be work performed this coming summer as 
    well to begin the refit.  
    
    I like your idea Gene, maybe I can trade slave labor for useage. 
    Hmmmm.
    
    Brian

    Your concern about critters is a valid one.  Raccoons took up residence
    in my boat over the past winter.  And birds the year before that.  At
    each spring's unveiling I find several small wasps' nests under the
    deck.  The bilge usually has miscellaneous droppings from who knows
    what kind of animal.
    
    Maybe some screens over all the open hatches and ports might be a good
    idea.
    
    - gene

    Regarding storage:  I strongly recommend that you set the engine up so 
    that it can be periodically run, both summer and winter.  If you have
    not
    done this before, I would be willing to work with you on this. (My home
    telephone is 617-237-2952). I have worked on engines almost ruined over
    one Winter of improper layup.
    Regarding screens: I also strongly recommend something like 1/2 inch
    wire
    mesh over any regular screens.. One year they got into my mast and ate
    through coax cables!!.

Just wondering, is St. Kilda back in the water?

How did your extended layup go, or did you put her
in the water while your partner was gone?