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Old 11-28-2017, 05:52 PM
 
Location: Port Charlotte, FL
306 posts, read 391,230 times
Reputation: 198

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Question for you boating snowbirds.

What do you do with your boat when you leave for the summer?

Do you leave it on a lift and if so, any concern about the motor being stolen or, is that not possible while on a lift?

Any worries about letting the motor sit unused for months? I always had to winterize my boat up here before putting it away for the season. Is there a similar process for summer?

I'm asking because I'm picking up a boat next month, but won't be using it until we get down there, hopefully by February.

Thanks.
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Old 11-28-2017, 06:56 PM
 
Location: Port Charlotte, FL - Dallas, PA
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I run fuel stabilizer through the system and motor, take off the electronics and gear, put a container of moisture absorbent in the center console, cover it, and hoist it on the lift as high as it goes. But I'm usually only gone for 3 or 4 months at the longest. This year took me away for longer then normal; it'll be 7 months when I get back. Hopefully just a charging of the batteries will be all it takes. Theft isn't much of a concern on our canal (famous last words!).
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Old 11-28-2017, 06:59 PM
 
Location: New Jersey/Florida
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I usually leave the boat on the lift during the summer. Stressful this year as Irma approached and I was north. Not to worried with a 9 year old outboard. Next season I will put it on a trailor in a gated yard and I don't have to worry about getting it off of my roof after a big hurricane.
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Old 11-29-2017, 01:23 PM
 
Location: Lemon Bay, Englewood, FL
3,179 posts, read 6,002,426 times
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As high as it can go on the lift (reduces sway in high winds), and tie it off good. Batteries charged for the bilge pump, EVEN if you opt to remove the drain plug, the hole can get plugged with debris, so you need the bilge float switch and pump in good operating condition.
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Old 11-29-2017, 04:25 PM
 
Location: Port Charlotte
535 posts, read 1,031,796 times
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I would suggest getting a good battery conditioner/trickle charger and leaving it hooked up will not hurt battery and assures a full charge
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Old 11-29-2017, 04:30 PM
 
Location: Port Charlotte
535 posts, read 1,031,796 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JERSEY MAN View Post
I usually leave the boat on the lift during the summer. Stressful this year as Irma approached and I was north. Not to worried with a 9 year old outboard. Next season I will put it on a trailor in a gated yard and I don't have to worry about getting it off of my roof after a big hurricane.
Strapping the boat to the lift then strapping the lift to the pilings is safer than on a trailer. You might end up with a boat and a trailer on the roof
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Old 11-30-2017, 04:10 AM
 
Location: New Jersey/Florida
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rock creek View Post
Strapping the boat to the lift then strapping the lift to the pilings is safer than on a trailer. You might end up with a boat and a trailer on the roof
That's what I did/do. With a 10-15ft flood surge and 100 miles plus wind I don't think it will matter. I don't want the aggravation of getting a new dock and lift and possible house damage. I'll feel safer storing it at the storage yard where my trailer is stored that is about 5 miles from house.
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Old 11-30-2017, 11:08 AM
 
Location: Port Charlotte, FL
306 posts, read 391,230 times
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Thanks everyone for the tips, all good information. Sounds like I won't have much to worry about leaving it for a couple of months. I'll be leaving it on the current owners lift until mine has power, so hopefully he can start it once a week or so.

Visiting again in 10 days, can't wait to pickup the boat! If you see a dude in a 19' Key West with a huge smile, that's me!
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Old 11-30-2017, 02:05 PM
 
Location: New Jersey/Florida
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Good luck Sgt. There is no one size fits all with what to do with your boat on a lift in the summer. Whatever makes you feel better. I forgot to say that when I came down to check on the house and boat a few days after Irma the 2 drains were clogged in the cockpit with leaves and twigs blown in from the storm. I'm guessing at least 100 gallons of water accumulated. So if we had more rain the weight of the water could of snapped the cables. Anyways, I got the yellow 21 ft. Key West.
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Old 11-30-2017, 03:09 PM
 
Location: WI
1,133 posts, read 2,931,160 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Harbor Hopper View Post
As high as it can go on the lift (reduces sway in high winds), and tie it off good. Batteries charged for the bilge pump, EVEN if you opt to remove the drain plug, the hole can get plugged with debris, so you need the bilge float switch and pump in good operating condition.
We used to put window screen over the drain plug hole (on the inside) ...It keeps out the debris yet still lets the water run out. Just keep the screen a couple of inches away from the drain hole.
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