DRYING OUT WET BOATS

[Robert S]

I would imagine there are a number of us out there with wet boats.

Anybody have any suggestions or experiences they'd like to share on how they dry out?

I have a Champion 188 and keep it in the garage except when fishing. What I do when I get home is open up all the compartments and leave the lids up so the water will run down and out. I also jack up the front of the boat to try to get the water running out the drain plug. Lastly, I try to get it outside in the sun as soon as possible.

One of the things I've noticed after fishing in the rain is that the insides all of my compartments are dry EXCEPT for my driver side rod locker. Does anybody else have this problem? Any suggestions? May Rick G. might have some experiences with this.

[rick g]

Robert, check and make sure your locker drain holes are clear. Try a pipe cleaner. You would be suprised how many worm sinkers end up in the drains. If you have a shop-vac,try and get as much out as possible to prevent mold from getting started. Keep the lids up and crank up the trailer jack. You are on the right track. rick g.

[Robert S]

Thanks Rick. The drain hole is clear. There wasn't enough water in there to reach the drain hole anyways. The carpet on the bottom of the rod locker is/was soaked. My question is how (and why) does the water get into the driverside rod locker compartment but not into any of the other compartments? All the rest are totally dry.

[rick g]

Robert, is the rubber jiffy-trim around the opening 1 complete piece still? Make sure there are no gaps. The only other thing that i can think of is there is water in the bilge and as you start/stop the water is somehow splashing in the very front area of the rod locker up by the bow panel and getting in there. Try Jordan on monday, maybe he has more answers. Rick g.

[Robert S]

Thanks Rick.
Everything is in one piece. The boat is actually in real good condition if I may say so myself.

It's just seems strange that the rod locker would get wet on the driver side but not the passanger side. And no comments about my weight.

PS. The rain has just really hit hard in Temecula. Too bad the DVL tournament was yersterday instead of today. We could have gotten a whole day of fishing in.

[Keith A]

Robert If you have rod racks check how ther mounted. Some mount with screws that go the rain channels. Some silcone will fix the problem

[Robert S]

Actually, it's the side without the racks that gets wet.

[Charlie]

My 206 always gets water in the lockers,and inside the main center tackle area. I just figured that water getting inside thru the lid channels and thru the small holes at the front graph/electrical plug area. I keep mine under cover in the drive way normally,Now however,I leave it at my shop inside. Tryin to baby my baby ,lol. Charlie

[mark poulson]

I need to bring my boat over to dry it out. It won't fit in my garage. :O)
Mark

[Charlie]

Well,it is Cerritos,laughing,however this freaking rain has me wondering if maybe I can take it off the trailer and just tie it off to a compressor during the day .Maybe do some trailer touch up painting,lol.Unbelievable! One end of the parking lot completely under water. Was going to throw a half ounce blade,thinking now..a deep diver crank. Charlie

[mark poulson]

What's the water temp. and clarity? I think it's too cold for a blade, unless it's slow rolled. I'm using a jig with rattles in my yard, since I have cold, dirty water. :O) Maybe a blade if the sun comes out.
Mark

[Charlie]

I think your right. Had a follower on a small swim bait,got all excited,turned out to be just one of my employees coming in late to work. Damn. Better look towards some clearer water..near the 605 fwy dirty..Charlie

[mark poulson]

My boat is in my driveway, right outside my home office window. I'm watching the water from the carpet drip out of the drain plug, and thinking what I did wrong, and where I'm fishing Saturday.
Thank goodness it doesn't take a rocket scientist to make a living.
Mark

[Charlie]

Lol,I was outside playing with the new front graph.....pouring down rain. I pull my boat out of the shop during the day.Didnt want dust and stuff on her.Shove back in after wards. Damn idiot that I can be.... Good thing Im not a rocket scientist! Charlie