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Last Updated on August 23, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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Will Rain Hurt My Bass Boat?
Some people may find the question ‘Will rain hurt my bass boat?’ a bit funny owing to the fact that boats are supposed to get wet; they are made for staying in the water. But in reality, letting your bass boat get all soaked in water on a rainy day is bad news.
When it comes to owning a bass boat, one concern that often arises is how it will fare in rainy weather. Many boat owners worry about the potential damage that rain could cause to their prized possession. In this blog post, we will explore whether rain can really hurt your bass boat and provide some insights and tips to help you protect your investment.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a new boat owner, read on to find out the truth about rain and its impact on your bass boat. If you live in a place that receives heavy rainfall throughout the year, then your bass boat might be susceptible to damage.
Why and to what extent can rain affect your bass boat? What measures do you need to take during the rainy season? Read on to find out the details.
Rainfall And Bass Boats
Bass boats are commonly made of fiberglass and have unique carpeted interiors to provide fishermen with a more stable and comfortable platform.
Like all boats, bass boats can handle water that splashes in from the sides, the water that comes on board when you reel in a fish or climb in your boat with wet boots.
All this makes the carpet a little wet, which can easily air dry within a short period of time. The real trouble sets in during a heavy pour or even a few minutes of constant rain. But you can always leave the boat to dry off in the wind or out in the sun, right?
Nope.
Your bass boat needs special attention after the rain, or you will be facing some undesirable consequences, including making your boat’s value go downhill faster than usual.
Why is Rain Harmful?
Everything wears out over time. So does a boat. Since bass boats are made of fiberglass or aluminum, they are prone to damage from water. Fiberglass goes through water ingress, osmosis, and delamination on repeated water exposure.
On the other hand, aluminum is prone to galvanic corrosion. This type of damage can be prevented by maintaining your boat well. But if your boat faces heavy rainfalls frequently, the rate of water damage increases dramatically.
Since fiberglass is not completely waterproof, some water droplets penetrate the gel coat, the resin, and the fiberglass mat and reach inside the laminate. The water droplets react with water-soluble chemical molecules, like emulsion binders, and become large acidic concentrate molecules.
These large molecules become trapped within the laminate. These higher concentrated acidic molecules attract lower concentrated water molecules, which builds up pressure that leads to blister formation. Blisters can expand over time and ultimately result in cracking and breakage of fiberglass hulls.
In the case of aluminum boats, a layer of paint keeps the aluminum safe from corrosion. But, rain can peel off the boat’s paint, which exposes aluminum alloy beneath, making it prone to corrosion.
When dealing with rain, you need to know several dos and don’ts when taking care of your bass boat.
Don’t Let Your Bass Boat Stay Wet
Leaving your boat all by itself after it gets soaked in rainwater is the worst thing you can do to your boat. The next day you would find some grayish-white or gray-green fuzz on the carpet, which is mildew(a fungus), and the mold( fungi again) will be sitting right beneath, inside the carpet as it tends to dig into deeper layers.
Plus, your boat will have some unpleasant musty smell, too, thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Fungi. Fungi can grow on the boat’s carpet within 24 hours because all they need is some damp, dimly lit, warm environment to grow, and that’s what a carpet becomes after staying in the rain.
So if rain has made its way to your bass boat by any chance, make sure you bring it indoors to dry it yourself.
Dont sun dry your Bass Boat
A bass boat should never be dried in the sun if it gets soaked. Why? Because the fiberglass hull of bass boats is sensitive to ultraviolet rays in the sun. UV rays can remove the shine from the gel coat top layer of fiberglass and make it look faded or discolored.
Moreover, UV rays cause mechanical damage to the fiberglass, making it look gritty in texture.UV rays oxidize the fiberglass, which results in ‘Fiber Blooming.’
The fibers that bind the fiberglass together become exposed to the surface, so a grainy, brittle surface replaces the fiberglass surface’s smooth glossy appearance.
Therefore, it’s necessary to store your boat away from the sunlight.
What to Do After a Rainfall?
So it rained unexpectedly for almost two hours, and your boat got entirely drenched. Now that the rain has stopped, you need to follow a few steps to clean and dry your boat.
Drain
To ensure the safety of your bass boat and prevent any potential damage caused by rain, the first step is to open the drain plugs and completely empty your boat.
Clean
Ensure that you promptly address two key aspects. Firstly, eliminate any leaves or sticks that may have been carried into the boat by the wind. Thoroughly inspect and clear all drains to guarantee they are devoid of any debris.
Subsequently, utilize a towel to meticulously dry the hull, taking care to eliminate all traces of water droplets. This will safeguard your boat from potential damage caused by rain.
Inspect
Ensure that all storage compartments, including front and rear deck lockers, live wells, rod lockers, and ice chests, are opened to dry out after rain. It is important to inspect and assess if any rainwater has seeped in, including the console, dashboard, and bilge.
Additionally, check the batteries and wiring for any signs of water seepage, even though they should remain dry.
Drying out a bass boat
The fourth step is to dry your boat. Make sure all the hatches are left open. If you have a wet vacuum, use it to suck out water from the carpet and all compartments.
But if you don’t have one, a pedestal fan can come in handy. Although it may take quite a while, just place the fan to face your boat and let it do its job to dry the interior. When the boat is completely dry, don’t forget to close the drains.
Preventing Rain Damage
As per the saying, prevention is better than cure, it is always a good idea to prevent damage from taking place, rather than letting it happen and then deal with it. The first step to preventing damage is protection. Here are a few ways you can protect your boat:
Store your boat inside
Keep your boat safe from unpredictable and harsh weather conditions by storing it indoors. By opting to keep your boat within the shelter of a garage or other enclosed space, you can shield it from rain, wind, and other damaging elements. This not only protects your investment from potential water damage but also prevents the accumulation of debris and the harmful effects of UV rays.
By choosing to keep your boat indoors, you can ensure its longevity and maintain its pristine condition for years to come.
Cover it
When it comes to the challenge of storing your bass boat without a spacious garage, there is a practical solution available. covering it with a mooring cover and a sturdy tarp. By securely wrapping your boat, you can shield it from the elements and potential damage.
A well-fitted cover provides protection against rain, sun exposure, and other weather conditions, ensuring the longevity of your valuable investment. Not only does a cover safeguard your boat’s exterior, but it also helps maintain its interior integrity. With a mooring cover and tarp, you can confidently store your boat outside, knowing that it is well-protected and ready for your next adventure.
Ventilate Your Boat
To avoid the accumulation of stale air in your boat, it is imperative to install a reliable ventilating system. This will ensure a continuous flow of fresh air, creating a healthier and more comfortable environment on board. Consider incorporating a cowl style vent or a solar vent, both of which are highly effective in promoting proper air circulation.
By investing in a ventilating system, you will not only prevent the unpleasant buildup of odors and condensation, but also enhance the overall enjoyment of your boating experience. Don’t underestimate the importance of ventilation – make it a priority for your covered boat today.
Wax Your Boat
Applying a wax layer to your boat twice a year is essential in maintaining its pristine condition and protecting it from potential damage. Not only does waxing your bass boat enhance its visual appeal, but it also serves as a robust barrier, preventing other substances from adhering to its surface. By forming a protective shield against water and ultraviolet rays, waxing prolongs the lifespan of your boat and safeguards it from the harmful effects of prolonged sun exposure and moisture.
Don’t overlook the importance of waxing; invest in this simple yet effective maintenance practice to ensure your boat retains its shine and remains in optimal condition for years to come.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, it is crucial to remember that proper care and storage of your boat are essential to prevent damage caused by rain. Just like other everyday items, storing your boat in a cool, dry place away from sunlight is highly recommended. By investing a little more effort in cleaning and storing your vessel correctly, you can avoid the inconvenience and cost of having it towed and repaired.
Protect your investment and ensure the longevity of your boat by taking the necessary precautions.
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