When a boat is at the dock, it is no longer just a vehicle and becomes a complete piece of water infrastructure, and owners of boats often face the dilemma of leaving the boat on the water for quick access or pulling it out on land after each exit. Permanent parking Afloat has its undeniable advantages, such as being ready to sail immediately, but requires a careful approach to service.
However, do not forget that water is an aggressive environment that does not spare even the most modern materials. Aluminum alloys And fiberglass reacts differently to long-term immersion, shelling, and temperature changes, which is why the right place at the berth becomes a critical aspect of operation.
In this article, we will analyze in detail all the nuances of the content of the boat at the mooring wall, from the choice of the anchor system to the fight against fouling. The need for regular inspection of the underwater part of the hull increases exponentially after two weeks of continuous parking. Understanding these processes will allow you to extend the life of your boat and avoid costly repairs.
The benefits and risks of keeping afloat
The decision to keep a boat at the dock year-round or throughout the navigation period is often dictated by convenience: you don't have to load a heavy vessel on a trailer every time, look for a parking spot with a trailer, and waste time descenting, which is especially true for those who use the boat for short fishing trips or evening walks.
On the other hand, biofouling The water-sweetening of the bottom with algae and shellfish not only increases water resistance, but can also lead to metal corrosion and the destruction of fiberglass structure, and owners must be prepared for the cost of anti-fowling coatings and frequent bottom washing to increase significantly.
The risks are also linked to weather conditions: Storm winds or a sharp rise in water can be fatal if the boat is moored incorrectly. Dynamic loads And so, when you roll the mooring ends, they can quickly be rubbed or the anchorages can break, so evaluating the reliability of the mooring and the parking area you've chosen is the first thing to start with.
⚠️ Attention: Long-term stay of the boat on the water without antifouling coating can lead to fouling of the lower unit pipe and propeller, which is fraught with overheating of the engine and its failure.
Organization of mooring and anchor system
The safety of the boat at the berth depends on a well-organized mooring. Simply tying the nose faline to the berth is often not enough, especially on waters with heavy traffic, where there is a strong wave, you need to use a comprehensive system that includes bow, stern and storm moorings.
For boats that do not have the opportunity to come close to the board, the use of the boat is an indispensable solution. anchor-chain They allow you to fix the boat at a certain distance from the shore or the berth, maintaining the vertical position of the side, and it is important to correctly calculate the length of the anchor rope, which should be 3-5 times the depth at the berthing point.
When choosing materials for mooring, you should prefer synthetic cables with a low tensile coefficient or special anchor chains. The chain lying on the ground works as a shock absorber and additionally fixes the anchor. nylon inserts Or mooring shock absorbers.
- 🔗 Nasal faline: should be long enough to compensate for fluctuations in water level, but not sag into water where it can be cut.
- ⚓ anchorage: requires regular checks for crumbling and integrity of anchor paws.
- 🛡️ KranzThe mandatory element of protection of the board from impacts on the pier or adjacent boats must be installed before contact with the obstacle.
Remember that the nodes on synthetic cables eventually "float" and lose strength. ryma and duck It is a mandatory procedure before each season.
Protection of the body from fouling and corrosion
Protecting the underwater hull is one of the most painful issues for owners who have boats at the dock, and the watering begins almost immediately after the descent, and the speed of this process depends on the temperature of the water and its pollution. antifowling.
There are several types of antifouling coatings: hard paints work on the principle of a self-pollinating layer, which slowly dissolves, carrying with it attached organisms. Soft or blurred paints create a toxic layer, which the fouling simply falls off. The choice of the type depends on the material of the case: aluminum-boat Only copper-free paints are suitable to avoid electrochemical corrosion.
In addition to chemical protection, physical cleanliness is important, and regular lifting of the bottom wash boat allows you to remove the plaque before it hardens. ultrasonics protection from fouling, which emit waves that are deadly to shellfish larvae, but safe for humans and fish.
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| Type of protection | Principle of action | Term of service | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid antifowling | Mechanical abrasion of the layer | 1-2 seasons | Glass plastic, metal |
| Soft anti-fowling | Toxin flushing | 1 season | Glass plastic, wood |
| Ultrasound system | Acoustic effects | 5 years | Any material |
| Copper plates | Galvanic protection | 1 season | Only fiberglass. |
⚠️ Note: When applying antifowling to an aluminum case, be sure to use insulating soil, otherwise copper in the paint will cause instant corrosion of the metal.
Seasonal maintenance and conservation
The maintenance of the boat at the dock requires a clear plan of seasonal maintenance, in the spring, before launching, you need to conduct an audit of all systems. anodicZinc or aluminum anodynes protect the body and engine from galvanic corrosion and must be replaced when they are more than 50% destroyed.
In the summer, the main task is to monitor the condition of the moorings and clean the case. If you plan to park for a long time in hot weather, it is recommended to periodically rotate the propeller shaft manually to prevent acidification of the lower unit pipe bearings, and it is also worth checking the water level in the hold to detect possible leaks in time.
Autumn conservation is the most important stage. Before putting the boat in winter storage (if you decide not to leave it on the water) or before long parking in a freezing pond, you need to drain water from all systems. outboard It must be preserved according to the instructions and the fuel system treated with a stabilizer.
☑️ Autumn conservation of the boat
Electricity and safety in the parking lot
If your boat is equipped with an electrical system, its safety in the parking lot comes to the fore. Moisture, salt mist and temperature changes create the ideal conditions for oxidizing contacts and short circuits. All electrical connections must be made using the use of the water. shrinkage and special sea connectors protected from water.
Automatic chargers with desulphation mode are recommended to keep the batteries charged while stationed, however, connecting the boat to the 220V shoreline network requires the installation of quality protection systems, such as: CCD It's going to keep the on-board electronics from jumping on the grid and protect people from being electrocuted.
Lighting is an important element of safety. lamp-light Or an anchor light, if the boat is standing on the water at night, so that other boatmasters can see your boat and avoid collisions, check the lights regularly and the condition of the wiring to the navigation lights.
Secrets to protecting batteries
To extend the life of batteries in the parking lot, use lead tips instead of brass tips - they are less oxidized. It is also useful to fully discharge and charge the battery once a month to prevent memory effects (relevant for some types of batteries).
Legal aspects and GIMS
Parking at the dock is not only a technical issue, but also a legal one: the docking place must be agreed with the dock owner and, in some cases, with the local authorities of the State Police. Unauthorized mooring can lead to fines or forced displacement of the vessel to the parking lot.
Small boat owners are required to carry their ownership documents, register with the GIMS and have valid insurance, and the internal regulations of the port or yacht club may also dictate certain requirements for the appearance of the boat, noise level and time on board.
Environmental regulations are also strictly prohibited: the discharge of untreated water from bathrooms (if any) or the dumping of garbage overboard in the dock area, which helps to keep the water body clean and avoid conflicts with other water users.
Keep a log of the parking lot, where you will record maintenance dates, replacement anodes and weather conditions, which will help to identify patterns in equipment wear and budget for the next season.
Competent organization of the parking at the pier turns the boat from a source of problems into a ready-to-swim vessel, saving you time and nerves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often do I need to pick up a boat to clean the bottom?
The frequency of the ascent depends on the reservoir. In warm seas, fouling is fast, and cleaning is required every 2-3 weeks. In cold fresh lakes, it is enough to raise the boat every 1-2 months or as the speed of the trip decreases.
Can I leave my boat on the water in winter?
This is only possible in areas where the water does not freeze, and if properly preserved, in freezing water bodies, ice can crush the hull, so the vessel must be pulled ashore before ice is delivered.
Which anchor is best used for short-term parking?
For sandy and muddy bottoms, Denforth or Plow anchors are great. For rocky soil, it's better to choose a cat anchor or an anchor with paws that can catch on to irregularities.
Do I need to take off the battery overnight?
If the boat is in a secure location and the alarm is connected, the battery can be left by turning off the mass. If the boat is in a public place, it is better to remove the battery to avoid theft and self-discharge.
How to protect the boat from the waves from passing boats?
Use additional moorings (storm springs) set at an angle, they extinguish the longitudinal and transom swing, preventing the side from hitting the berth.