Sailboat in winter?

Question

I am going to buy a sailboat next spring (16-22ft). I live in upstate NY and everything freezes in the winter. Can I keep the boat in the slip all year, or will the hull crack? Should I pull the boat out for the winter months?

Sorry if this question sounds stupid, but someone told me you can leave them in all year.

Answer 1

If the water freezes, the pressure against the hull can do some real damage. Some people install "bubblers" to kep the ice from forming around the hull, but that only works in areas with thinner ice. The best and safest thing to do is get it out of the water and into safe, secure storage.

Answer 2

In upstate NY you need to pull it. A 16 to 22 should be trailered. In MD we leave a 30 foot in the water, but the ice is less.

Answer 3

You can leave the boat in all year long provided it is sealed against any water getting inside the boat. The rudder and outboard motor should be removed and great care should be taken regarding snow and ice build up. On a boat this small, I would save the money and keep the boat on it's trailer and keep the snow and ice from building up on it.

Answer 4

i lived in maine for 34 years and built boats there over 15 years,,,,,PULL the boat,,,,and when people tell ya ooo ya you can buy all kinds of things to keep ice from CONNECTING to your boat,,ask them if they gonna stay out there in your dinghy and keep ice from smashing into your boat, the water is alwayz moving,,which means your ice is too

Answer 5

Yes you can keep it in the slipall year round. However you need to buy a De-Icer or a bubbler. You can buy one of tehse from Boaters World-
http://www.boatersworld.com/bubblers-ice-prevention.htm?bct=t13037503%3Bcidocking