From Tide to Tent: The Boat Winter Storage Journey
Fisher 30: An “easy to trailer” boat?
Boat winter storage for our seven-ton vessel in Hamburg’s historic tidal harbor was no small feat. With no crane available, an old, repurposed farm trailer became the unlikely hero of this operation. From battling marine growth to overcoming trailer malfunctions, this story highlights the challenges and ingenuity behind securing a vessel for winter in a makeshift tent.
The harbor came with a unique set of difficulties. Being located in tidal waters meant that boats shouldn’t remain afloat during the winter months. The harbor underwent routine maintenance during this time, including adjustments and sometimes relocation of the floating docks. Without a crane on site, the options for removing vessels from the water were limited to two slipways equipped with mechanical winches.
From mid-sized boats like this one, weighing around seven tons, crane lifting is typically the norm. However, in this case, the only available solution was a repurposed agricultural trailer. A relic of another era, this trailer, once used to haul hay on a farm, would now bear the weight of a seafaring vessel.
The trailer was an odd but rugged contraption. It featured a dual rear axle, eight robust tires, and a steel frame capable of withstanding substantial loads. At the front, smaller wheels without a proper steering system completed the setup. The front trailer jockey wheel was only rated for only two tons. Despite its limitations, this trailer would have to do.
The operation required the boat to be pulled a mere 15 meters from the water’s edge to a winter shelter: a sturdy makeshift tent constructed from metal poles and industrial tarps. On paper, the task seemed straightforward, but reality proved otherwise.
Launching the operation, the trailer was carefully backed into the water. Harbor members provided guidance, sharing local expertise on the ideal and exact location for submerging the trailer. Once the trailer was in position, the boat was slowly driven onto it. Mooring lines secured the vessel in place on the trailer. With the winch engaged, the boat began its ascent from the water.
However, a miscalculation soon emerged. The boat’s weight distribution was off, with too much weight at the front. This caused the forward wheel of the trailer to collapse slightly. Adjustments were made, and the boat was repositioned. Despite these efforts, the trailer’s limitations became apparent when its front wheel completely collapsed under the load. Thankfully, at that time, the boat was already out of the water.
Unveiling the Hull's Condition
Once on dry land, we got a first glimpse of the boat’s underside. The hull, which had remained hidden underwater, revealed a thick layer of marine growth, some as deep as five centimeters. Tiny root systems had embedded themselves into the surface, creating a rough texture.
Armed with high-pressure water jets, we set to work, removing the accumulated growth. Beneath the muck, the hull was surprisingly sound. There were no signs of osmosis, and only a minor damage was noted near the rudder. This discovery was a relief, signaling that the boat was structurally robust despite its heavy fouling.
The next challenge was moving the boat to its designated shelter. The trailer’s collapsed roller rendered steering nearly impossible. Improvisation became the order of the day. Using a heavy-duty hydraulic jack (rack and pinion winch, german: “Zahnstangenwinde”) rated for five tons, the team manually shifted the trailer in ten-centimeter increments. Each adjustment was labor-intensive and required meticulous coordination.
After hours of effort, the trailer and its precious cargo finally arrived at the tent. The boat was stabilized using wooden wedges to prevent it from tipping. Though the trailer’s design left the vessel leaning slightly to one side, additional reinforcements ensured its security.
Final Touches on Boat Winter Storage
The tent, constructed from industrial-grade scaffolding and reinforced tarpaulins, provided the boat with a suitable winter home. Lighting was installed, and power was connected, enabling maintenance work to begin. Due to its size, the boat extended slightly beyond the tent’s original boundaries. This issue was resolved by extending the structure with additional tarps, sealing the vessel in for the season.
The operation, from the initial pull to the final stabilization, spanned an exhausting ten hours. The effort underscored the importance of resourcefulness when working with limited tools and infrastructure. Despite the trailer’s inadequacies and the precarious moments, the boat winter storage was successfully completed, and the vessel was safely secured for the winter.
However, the story doesn’t end here. The damaged roller and the trailer’s unsuitability for such a heavy load posed significant questions for the future. How would the vessel be returned to the water in spring? This dilemma would need to be addressed in the months ahead. For now, the boat rested in its winter haven, awaiting its next adventure.
