Soaked and road grimed boat

This topic has 9 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 16 years, 6 months ago by adchunts.

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December 12, 2009 at 9:04 pm #261021

2008 silver bullet
Participant

Since were in the season of cool to freezing (well, here in the South anyway) and more likely wet than dry fishing conditions, I thought Id ask for tips and suggestions concerning the return home and putting the rig to rest after a day on the lake. I sometimes feel like Im going to the extreme when I get home and get out the shop-vac to get all the soggy carpet and puddles cleaned up in my Cougar (yeah, I bet some of you are laughing right now ) but these boats are a BIG investment and I really believe in taking care of all my belongings. With that being said, Id like to hear what you guys do / dont do before you plug in the charger and walk off to the comfort of your recliners after a trip to the water on a rainy day. I suppose Im getting tired of being laughed at (by my wife mostly) for fussing over a boat that is not supposed to be adversely affected by WATER . DUH! John Helms Hot Springs, ARJohn Helms Hot Springs, AR

December 12, 2009 at 9:31 pm #261022

fishmagnet
Participant

I just prop open all of the hatches and let her air dry. Also turn on the fan in the garage to circulate the air a bit.

December 12, 2009 at 9:43 pm #261023

billius
Participant

John, I did the very same thing when I had my CougarFTD. If the carpet was really wet, puddles, etc, then Id use the vac. Id then sit a box fan on the bow and one on the rear deck and let them dry out the carpet over night, making sure you had all of the storage compartment lids open. Of course with my current boat…thats not an issue.

December 12, 2009 at 10:00 pm #261024

derek4one
Participant

I let it air dry with the lids open… But about 0nce every 6 weeks i take it to the car wash and spend about 3 dollars and wash the carpet out really good. I just use plain water no soap needed. I am like you John i hate my boat being dirty and it doesnt ever stay dirty for long. If you really get it all blown out with the pressure washer then shop vac it out the carpet will stand back up again.

December 12, 2009 at 10:22 pm #261025

clownshoes
Participant

I carry half a rod box full of towels. I put all of them on the floor in front of the seats and tilt ALL the lids up.C.O.D. Jr. III

December 12, 2009 at 11:33 pm #261026

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Thanks for the replies. I dont feel like quite the “goober” now. Bill, I can appreciate the non-carpeted bay boat idea. Its darn sure convenient to just get out the garden hose and flush her out! (I had a bay rig for striper fishing at one time years ago). Derek, thats a great suggestion for getting the carpet to stand up and look “proud” again– thanks! And Ward, where do you put all those towels when your buddy DB comes along??????? I often wonder why there isnt a similar option for bass boats for the simplicity and convenience? (although I dont doubt that Rick and the boys in Mtn. Home would do that if you really pursued it) I suppose it may add to costs, rather than reduce, since carpet is pretty inexpensive. Like anything in life, there are pros and cons to consider with each. Thanks again, guys! PS: If you did leave it wet for days on end (ie: park it and forget it, lids closed and no fans), I assume you would risk mildew and odor–correct? John Helms Hot Springs, ARLast edited by 2008 silver bullet on December 12th, 2009, 11:37 pm, edited 1 time in total.John Helms Hot Springs, AR

December 12, 2009 at 11:46 pm #261027

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

It depends John? Some have no issues if the temps and humidity are not a factor. For best care you have it right.

December 13, 2009 at 1:25 am #261028

billius
Participant

John…you are right about getting odor and maybe even mildew, as BCB says depending on the humidity.

December 13, 2009 at 3:10 am #261029

Shap from La
Participant

Ive got a couple of adjustable blowers that I bought from Sams and always put them on. One blowing across the decks and the other blowing on the cockpit floor. If I have standing water from a real dowpour I do like you and put the shop vac to work. The blowers are great though. I use them all the time. Chris Coupel Paulina, La.Chris CoupelPaulina, La.

December 13, 2009 at 4:13 am #261030

adchunts
Participant

I also do the shop vac and fan thing. Some may think it is crazy, but I agree with you. Too much invested not to take care of it.
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