C-Forum

anyone ever had an abs boat sit upright full of water, and then freeze solid? Lent an old tripping boat to some friends for their cottage. Plastic gunwals thank goodness, but wondering if the hull and trim are likely have survived.

That happened to a plastic closed-boat of mine (Riot Disco). It was absolutely full of ice. I couldn't believe I could get it into the car!

I thawed it out in a pool and it seemed to be fine. It cracked on the cockpit rim but I suspect that had more to do with the sun and outfitting stress than the ice. I repaired the crack and still use the boat. I don't think there was any long-term damage due to the ice.

James,
I have had the misfortune of freezing a couple of abs boats - a blue hole OCA, a Sunburst, and a tripper. Once I was able to get them thawed out they were fine.

You just need to be careful that you don't damage the boat by trying to get the ice out in unnatural ways (blow torch, sledge hammer)

You also want the entire weight of the boat supported - if it is upright on the ground, you should be ok.

sounds encouraging. It just went above freezing, but I don't know if I'll have time to check on it and try to flip it over. Otherwise spring is a long way away.

the boat is completely full of ice, sitting upright on the ground.