10 replies to this topic

[moosehead]

Seems like there is an ongoing debate whether or not these jetboats should be stored in a slip, even for just a 3 month season in fresh water?

I understand those who would rather not risk a sinking ship or blistered bottom, but these are boats with bilge pumps, right?

Any thoughts or first hand experience either way? Thanks.

[Kevin Leclair]

Maybe it is just me, but I believe a boat belongs in the water so I don't see how three months of fresh water would hurt it. If it is salt water then I would definitely recommend painting the bottom to give it better protection. The other option would be to buy a lift or a jet dock to keep the boat out of the water when not in use. Keep us posted on what you decide.

[moosehead]

Thanks Kevin, I feel the same and have had the boat slip moored in fresh water since July 1, and plan on keeping it so through late September before pulling for winter garage storage. The bilge is checked regularly, and the boat is covered 90% of the time. Carbon seals are good. The slip is in the lee and reasonably well protected. We only get 3-4 months for boating season here, so a slip maximizes our time underway.

I understand not doing this with a PWC. It's the concerns about finding your boat sunk at the dock that struck me as a bit alarmist. Here's hoping not to jinx myself.

How expensive is a jet dock or lift? Can they be installed in a floating dock slip in say 10' of water?

Edit: whoa, $2k+ for a new PWC jet dock, and more than twice that for a new jet dock for a 20' boat.

[Pete Z]

There are lot's of Sea doo boats (and PWC's) in my area that spend 3 months+ moored at docks and in boat slips and I have yet to see one on the bottom. Depending on the body of water, they can get a little grimy, but I haven't noticed any through the shop here with any osmosis. However of note, the Muskoka lakes (for example) are a little acidic and as such there is more evidence of galvanic corrosion on the jet drive, which is no different than with a sterndrive on those lakes. Now a lake like Couchiching which has lots of limestone and is relatively PH neutral this tendency toward galvanic corrosion is greatly reduced. There are exceptions to every rule of course esp. in a marina where electrical current can be making it into the water and rot the crap out of all sorts of underwater gear. That would be my only real concern in your situation.

[Mod]

x2 on what Pete said. I have had mine in and out of the water. The only problem I have run into is the little bit of grunge from the water. A good acid wash when you pull it out for the winter will take that right off.

[arboldt]

We always kept our previous boat in the water. No problems. Our lake stains the hull a lot, so an application with hull cleaner when we pull it for the year makes everything nice again.

That said, last year we began looking for a shore station (lift). We kept our eyes out on Craigslist, iBoats, and a few other places (hadn't yet discovered this board). Most were in the $1000 - $1599 range used. Just before Labor Day we found one 25 miles away for $550, and bought it right away.

So this year did not need to use hull cleaner.

[seadoofanatic]

What product do you use to clean the hull?

[Pete Z]

What product do you use to clean the hull?

The best thing to clean the hull is industrial toilet bowl cleaner that contains a high concentration of muriatic acid. Kleen Flush and Toilet King are two brand names that I am aware of. Keep it off your skin and out of your eyes (obviously). Apply with a long-handled scrub brush or a garden sprayer that is acid safe - one with no metal parts. Just make sure it doesn't sit on your trailer for too long before you rinse it off or it will etch the paint. Doesn't harm fibreglass in the slightest and will absolutely eat whatever kind of fouling or stains that you might have with a minimum of scrubbing required. Rinse everthing well with fresh water afterwards.

[Mod]

The best thing to clean the hull is industrial toilet bowl cleaner that contains a high concentration of muriatic acid. Kleen Flush and Toilet King are two brand names that I am aware of. Keep it off your skin and out of your eyes (obviously). Apply with a long-handled scrub brush or a garden sprayer that is acid safe - one with no metal parts. Just make sure it doesn't sit on your trailer for too long before you rinse it off or it will etch the paint. Doesn't harm fibreglass in the slightest and will absolutely eat whatever kind of fouling or stains that you might have with a minimum of scrubbing required. Rinse everthing well with fresh water afterwards.

When are we doing ours?

[Pete Z]

When are we doing ours?

Mine's clean, but we can do your's whenever you want.

[arboldt]

We've gotten Star Brite brand Hull Cleaner at WalMart and put it in a spray bottle -- well marked so we'll never use it for anything else. Spray it on, wait a couple minutes, wipe it off with a wet-damp cloth, then rinse well.

I suppose any strong acid cleaner would work.