JOLLY DOLPHIN stays afloat all year round. This help keep the cross-planked 1-3/4″ thick cedar bottom planking from drying out and shrinking. For a couple of weeks in the mid-summer boatyard lull we haul out for inspection and renewal of anti-fouling paint. Even after two weeks on the beach the bilge pumps will run more than usual.
The Boatworks at Gibson Island on the Magothy River is experienced at maintaining wooden vessels. Traditionally, summer was the time the commercial oyster dredge boats did their preparation for the November through March winter oystering season.
JOLLY DOLPHIN does not have sheet copper at the waterline, so to limit the formation of ice around the hull in winter, water is kept moving around the boat in the slip.