Graeme
2008-09-11T11:31:24Z
Looks like I'll be moving abroad for a couple of years, so I've put Gentoo up for sale. It was quite a hard decision to make to sell her rather than store, as she really is the ideal yacht for us as a family.

Another option would be to put her into storage for the period I'm away. How much deterioration should I expect from 2 years storage outside under a tarpaulin cover?

What to the panel think?

Graeme Parker

P235 Gentoo

GeoffTurner
2008-09-12T07:57:40Z
When I took Dawn over from my dad, she had been sitting in the drive on the trailer for over 3 years, no tarpaulin. To my astonishment, she was completely dry inside; dirty outside - but a day's work with a pressure washer and polish sorted that out. The running rigging all needed replacing, but that was about all.

So I think 2 years under a taup wouldn't do much harm at all.

Geoff

Parker 21 / 18 Dawn

Graeme
2008-09-12T08:31:51Z
Thanks Geoff,

Sounds good. I may even have an option to store her inside a shed for the time.

Graeme

David Pocock
2008-09-12T13:38:48Z
Last year, I emptied Arawa out completely and stored all the cushions, curtains etc in my loft, and the engine, sails and spars, etc in my garage. Then, I left the boat outside in a fairly miserable Scottish winter.

I had planned to use a dehumidifier but whenever I checked the boat was in perfect condition inside and so I did not bother. At the start of the season I gave the inside a quick wipe out, and washed down the outside and she looked like new.

My previous boat lived like that for 6 years and stayed in excellent condition.

David Pocock

Parker 235/52 Arawa


David Pocock

Parker 235/52 Arawa

2008-09-16T21:08:16Z
Graeme - I think the boat is better under cover in a building OR outside but am dubious about tarpaulins. I have no evidence but I think there is as much damage done by trapping in of moisture and by potential flapping of a tarpaulin in the wind. Better to let the boat breathe.

I did fit a de-humidifier last winter and checked the boat every few days - there was never a drop of condensate in the collector. There is quite a good flow of air underneath the hatch / above the washboard and if you have the Ventlites in the galley and heads they provide continuous air flow too. Open the internal doors, prop the locker lids open, leave the seacocks open and the sink plugs out and even leave the speed log hole open (but watch for mice getting in!).

I shall not bother with a de-humidifier this winter, and given our winds up here I think a tarpaulin will do more harm than good - the hull can take the weather, and a good wax polish before storage will help cleaning later. Hope this helps!

Stephen Godber

235/51 "Exodus"


Stephen Godber

235/51 "Exodus"

Graeme
2008-09-29T09:09:09Z
Decision made, on account of Gentoo selling very quickly. Good to know that the quality of the Parkers results in a good resale market.

Graeme