Anyone keep their Challenger in wet dock?

[devildawg67]

I'm considering keeping my 2000 Challenger 1800 in the water at a local lake for a few months. I've been told that the hulls are not designed for extended time in the water, and that the hull would absorb water and adversely affect performance. Any knowledge or experience to confirm or refute this claim? In SoCal, there is an advantage to already having your boat in the water because the lines start forming pretty early on weekends to get in...

 

[kevspyder]

Right in your owners manual it says not to keep it wet docked. What you've heard is correct.

 

[don't sink]

well.. that is something I did not know and now that I know it I wish I did not! i looked in my manual and it states the following:
"Remove the craft from the water every day to prevent marine organisms growth."

Other than that I did not find anything else. I am hoping Kev is mistaken or my mooring is useless now! How long is "extended time"

Has anyone moored and had issues? I really do not want to tow when I have a mooring I can walk to from my house!

 

[rexsteiner]

Slim on the hull I could see. But as far as absorbing water? I don't think water penetrates gel coat unless its damaged already.

 

[devildawg67]

Thanks Kevspyder. I found that in two places it says not to keep the boat in the water for storage. The first, as mentioned by Dont Sink, says to prevent marine organism growth. The second, does not say why but just not to do it. I guess I don't really understand why because all boats would collect marine growth if kept in the water, so what's different about these?

 

[CypherAZ]

Thanks Kevspyder. I found that in two places it says not to keep the boat in the water for storage. The first, as mentioned by Dont Sink, says to prevent marine organism growth. The second, does not say why but just not to do it. I guess I don't really understand why because all boats would collect marine growth if kept in the water, so what's different about these?

Imagine "marine growth" blocking the inlet or outlet to the jet pump.......or blocking up the cooling system. Engine go BOOM!

 

[don't sink]

I found that second notice too but look where it is written- in the winter storage section. It says to never store your boat in the water- which I agree with-during winter. Other than that- nothing.

As for growth- in salt yes- it could be an issue but in fresh as long as it gets used once a month you are fine. Slime is the most we get and it comes off within 2 minutes of using the boat.

 

[don't sink]

forgot- Kevspyder- can you tell me exactly what is states and what section it is in? I do not want to damage my boat so I am trying to find the correct answer .