Mooring a boat, what all is involved?

skahorse · 08-28-2007, 08:44 PM

So I'm back in the market for a bigger boat. I have a few in mind already, and while they are trailerable, I don't want to be dragging them across the mountains every week or so during the summer. Too much strain on my truck.

I also really like the idea of mooring. Having all of my gear, boat, and ice pre-loaded, so all I have to do is wake up and fish. Not having to tow all of the time. Plus, it'll provide a place to sleep while I'm at the coast.

So what extra work should I expect with mooring my boat? Do you guys take your boats out and clean the bottom's off occasionally? Do you flush your motors with freshwater after every trip? (Is it even possible, without removing the boat from the water?) Do you notice a degradation in any thing else with the boat, besides outside appearance from being parked in the water all of the time? Also, anything else that someone whose never moored before may not be thinking about would be very helpful.

Thanks in advance,
--Ska

Sea Jypzee · 08-29-2007, 04:36 AM

General maintenance is higher when the boat is moored, just because of the constant salt exposure. Depending on the engine setup, Inboards, vs I/O vs Outboards, you may be able to set them up to flush with fresh water back at dock at the end of each trip. This would be your best choice if possible, just to cut down on corrosion as much as possible.

You will also (depending on how 'hot' the harbor is) go through zincs more frequently with the constant exposure.

Depending on the boat, and length of time you keep it moored, you may need to keep it bottom painted to cut down on growth...and haul it out once every year or two to scrape the growth off and repaint.

Another alternative is to get a boat that is 'trailerable' but just get a moorage for the months you'll be using it, and haul it out at the end of the season. This way it will not be as exposed during the winter months, and give you a chance to help keep it cleaned up a little easier back at your home.

5-Cents · 08-29-2007, 06:00 AM

This is a great question... I hope there are more responses. One of these days I may step it up and get a bigger glass boat and was wondering the same thing.

Grady252 · 08-29-2007, 06:11 AM

SKA,
There is not much extra work at all when you weigh out the trailering and lines.... the first thing you better do is get on the waiting list.... most harbors have a list and it may not be an option. I have found that I pay for annual moorage and only use it from about May through Sept./Oct., but the monthly goes up in price and your spot doesn't get saved.

I rinse my outboards and wash my boat after every trip. The docks have fresh water, and the crew jumps and it we get it done. It is a pian for maintenance, because you have to take a trip over if you want to do the smallest thing. One of my battery switches went bad last trip, and I haven't had time to drive over to do it. THe last thing you want to do is be working on your boat at 5:00 am before a trip.

Bottom paint and zincs.... I do think mooring a boat is harder on everything, and I considered giving up my slot, but each time I see that line backed up all the way to Hwy 101 I feel fortunate. Another drawback is: you pretty much have to pick the port you want to fish out of and that is it..... why would you pay moorage and then trailer your boat to other harbors....

Last year the tuna fishing was wierd and the tuna mooved north real quick, and fish were being caught out of Garibaldi, and Astoria, but you couldn't buy a bite out of Depoe...... I moore in Depoe, so that made me think about trailering again.... Good and bad with everything.

Call around and see how the waiting list is...... another option is dry storage in the city you want ot fish out of.... you still have to launch your boat, but not tow it.

Good Luck!

backlash442 · 08-29-2007, 06:13 AM

Just a thought but instead of mooring what about putting the boat in a local storage lot since it can be towed? Would really keep down on the maintanence. Would also think the cost of storage vs. mooring would be cheaper. Same with getting fuel at a gas station vs. the fuel dock. Won't have to have the hull painted etc. It doesn't take long at all for growth to appear on the hull. Biggest problem that I can think of is being able to clean the boat when you are done and where to sleep the night before.

Double Trouble · 08-29-2007, 06:33 AM

Personally, I think mooring is a good option. Yes there is a little more maintenance, but compared to trailering and the lines, there is nothing like it. We only keep it in Depoe during fishing season. After the season, we run it back to Portland and keep it in the water there until the weather turns to crap so the lady's have a chance to use the boat. I love to go down on Friday afternoons and tinker and get things ready for Saturday morning. It's also great if you can sleep on the boat. You get up, start the coffee and start rigging for the day. We use bottom paint, so there is a little added cost there every couple of years. We flush the motors every Sunday afternoon real good, and keep the boat clean to prevent salt build-up. You will likely have to keep an eye on metal components as they all tend to corode.

All in all, I would have it no other way. We even did this with our 20' boat. With our new 30' boat, it was not much of a decision.

In Depoe Bay, you need to watch the obituaries. I think the only way to get a space if for someone to pass on. Not many move out on there own. Make sure you pay for the annual moorage even though you don't use it all year.

You can talk to Phil the Harbor Master to get on the list.

goodkarma · 08-29-2007, 06:37 AM

I keep mine in the water during the summer months and just rent a slip on a monthly basis. For me, the benefits outweigh the downsides by far. One of the biggest things I've noticed is that the salt/moisture gets places on the boat that it just doesn't get to when you trailer it every time. The boat really never 100% dries out because whatever water is left in the bilge sort of permiates inside the boat. The cabin and deck areas are fine, it's more the enclosed spaces under the deck that seem to be affected. You'll notice any exposed connectors/wires/ etc. will corrode much faster. This may depend on the boat too, but I think no matter what you'll see it. On the plus side, I show up, check things out, start up, and drive off. I basically just take bait and ice and good to go. Oh, another nice thing, staying there overnight. There is a whole different "beach culture" you experience after the sun goes down and it's also the best night's sleep I ever get with the fresh salt air.

greenbuttskunk · 08-29-2007, 06:49 AM

I keep my boat in the moorage slip from mid may till nov. early nov.
There is the cost of moorage, it's not cheap. BUT, I am paying for convenience. No lines, no ramps. Just got on the boat, fire it up, and away I go. When I return my normal routine is to have the crew start cleaning fish while I clean the boat, flush the motors, stow away the gear. No biggie.
I also like the "community" at the dock. After a day of fishing it's fun to drink a cold one and chat with the others at the dock and fish cleaning station.

Another thing to consider is I save a little on gas and wear/tear on my rig not having to tow the boat back and forth from portland to Garibaldi. I hate towing a bigger boat, it's a pain driving through portland. Glad I only do it once a year now.

retaliate · 08-29-2007, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by backlash442

Just a thought but instead of mooring what about putting the boat in a local storage lot since it can be towed? Would really keep down on the maintanence. Would also think the cost of storage vs. mooring would be cheaper. Same with getting fuel at a gas station vs. the fuel dock. Won't have to have the hull painted etc. It doesn't take long at all for growth to appear on the hull. Biggest problem that I can think of is being able to clean the boat when you are done and where to sleep the night before.

This allows you the best of both worlds, Tow your Boat down once a year, Launch the night before Fishing for a place to Sleep, or Launch the Morning of Fishing, & Store high, & dry til the next time.

So Ska, what Boat are you going to get?

Pilar · 08-29-2007, 07:37 AM

Dry storage near the ramp is a good compromise. Add a small storage unit and you have a near perfect setup. Where I store they have a washdown station too. After trailering, unloading fish, gear and trash I tow to the storage and do a detailed cleanup. Then I store anything I can't replace if stolen and go home. There have never been any problems with security.

The only hassle so far is sometimes you can get hurried and leave batteries on or a window open. But no marine growth, easy access to the whole boat before any trip and no trailer wear or rediculous fuel bills.

Most storage places have a waiting list too. Since I only use the spot 6 months a year, I just pay for the whole year to save the spot.

Crustycritter · 08-29-2007, 07:48 AM

We always keep our moored. Definitely some maintenance issues such as yearly pull out for hull painting and zinc replacements. The biggest issue that I have found is that it is an hour and forty-five minute drive to go do any repairs unless you like working the night before you go out fishing. But I definitely enjoy always knowing its over there and ready if the time arrises and no waiting at the boat launch, not to mention a place to stay.

Seelicious · 08-29-2007, 08:02 AM

The environment is tougher on everything...shore power is key to keeping things dry...a little portable heater will keep the cabin and helm area warm and dry...no mildew or dampness.

There is nothing like a "short notice" trip and having your boat ready to go! Bring the gear and roll!

Moorage is a whole lot easier...but being tied to one location can be a negative. It seems though that the folks moored with us would not do it any other way.

skahorse · 08-29-2007, 08:19 AM

First off, thanks to everyone for your responses! I'm still not sure what I am going to do, but this helps for sure.

For you guys getting the bottom painted and cleaned, how much does that usually cost?

Also, several mentioned that they still flush thier motors even though it's moored. I'm not sure how this works, can someone explain it? I have an outboard right now, and the only way I know how to flush with freshwater is with the earmuff thingys way down on the intake, by the prop. How does that work while it's in the water?

Quote:

So Ska, what Boat are you going to get?

Right now I'm looking at a 26' Striper and a 25' Pro-line closely, among others.

CR dog · 08-29-2007, 09:52 AM

SKA:

I used to trailer the boat. What a difference it has made in terms of the time it takes to get fishing and clean up afterwards. The boat is always ready to go.

This last weekend was the closure for the CR salmon ocean area. The line at the ramp was at least over an hour long. I kept telling myself the justification for a slip. The cost is not that high either. I moore the boat from May till November, then I have a dry storage shed I rent to keep the boat in the winter. Total cost is like $1300 a year for both. The storage shed has power for heaters and is large enough to do my winter projects or repairs.

The draw back is I only fish out of the Ilwaco area. For me the area has much to offer and plenty of fishing opportunities. Plus plenty of other activities for the wife and kid and guests.

In the spring I always touch up the bottom paint and replace zinc's as needed. Preventive maintenance is key before putting the boat in the water for the summer season.

I would suggest putting your name on the waiting list now at several ports of your interest. You can always back out if that's not the route you want to take.

Oh by the way the engine does not get flushed and the manifolds lasted me over 10 years. I just replaced them this year. I've could of gone a few more years but felt it was just plain safer to do it now along with the water pump. Again staying in front of the preventive maintenance curve is key to mooring a boat in hot water. (High salinity water)

Grady252 · 08-29-2007, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skahorse

First off, thanks to everyone for your responses! I'm still not sure what I am going to do, but this helps for sure.

For you guys getting the bottom painted and cleaned, how much does that usually cost?

Also, several mentioned that they still flush thier motors even though it's moored. I'm not sure how this works, can someone explain it? I have an outboard right now, and the only way I know how to flush with freshwater is with the earmuff thingys way down on the intake, by the prop. How does that work while it's in the water?

Right now I'm looking at a 26' Striper and a 25' Pro-line closely, among others.

My outboards have a connector for a garden hose.... I connect let the water run for 5 minutes as it is flushing the entire system and coming out the little hose in back.... I then tilt the motor up and done.....

When I had an inboard I had a three way valve on the raw water pick-up for my fresh water cooling system, and I could simply open a valve and connect a hose.... not near as important when you have fresh water cooling, but I still flushed it sometimes....

greenbuttskunk · 08-29-2007, 04:24 PM

mooring at Big tuna Marine has been a dream! Thanks Bud! not only are the slips first class, clean, and well-maintained, but the location could not be more convenient. Keep the boat clean, and dry and scrub off growth every chance you get. Other than that, you'll enjoy the ease!

Tip-Sea · 08-29-2007, 05:37 PM

The little bit of extra wear on the boat is worth it for sure. I'm moored at the Embarcadaro in Newport. Cost is about $120 a month (less then it costs to pull my boat over twice a month) that includes all electricity, water, cable tv, access to the pool, weight room, crab cookers, etc. While everyone else is geting up at 3 am and driving to the coast to wait in line at the ramps I'm sleeping on the boat waiting for the sun to come up. As soon as it comes over the top of the hills, the engine fires, the crew wakes up, and were off for another great day of fishing while those guys are still waiting in line. Just my opinion!

Pau Hana · 08-29-2007, 10:36 PM

Another consideraton is a bottom liner- in short, it's a bathtub for your boat. Several friends in San Diego had them- while in port, the boat is floating in FRESH water inside the liner. When ready to depart, you drop the gate, and offf you go.

When you get back, you slip the boat as normal, raise the gate, and you're done. no problem with hot harbors, far less worries about marine growth. Most folks I know drop a freshwater hose into the liner to dilute the seawater in the hull, and some even put a cup or 2 of bleach into the liner to kill off any marine organizms.