Bass Boat Owners: Rain And Your Boat

Bass boats are made to be in the water, but that doesn't mean they can withstand all weather conditions. Rain can cause damage to your boat, especially if it's made of fiberglass or aluminum. While a little rain might not seem like a big deal, heavy or constant rainfall can lead to water ingress, osmosis, and delamination on fiberglass boats, and galvanic corrosion on aluminum boats. Not only that, but rain can also cause mildew and mold to form on your boat's carpet, leaving an unpleasant smell and potentially damaging the interior. So, if you're wondering whether rain can hurt your bass boat, the short answer is yes. However, there are steps you can take to protect your boat and mitigate potential damage.

Bass boats are prone to damage from water

Bass boats are made of fibreglass or aluminium, and both materials are prone to damage from water. While boats are designed to be in the water, they are not designed to be left in the rain.

Fibreglass

Fibreglass boats are susceptible to water ingress, osmosis, and delamination on repeated exposure to water. Water droplets penetrate the gel coat, resin, and fibreglass mat, reaching the laminate. The water reacts with water-soluble chemical molecules, turning into large acidic concentrate molecules. These molecules attract water, building up pressure and leading to blister formation. Over time, these blisters expand and result in cracking and breakage of the fibreglass hull.

Aluminium

Aluminium boats are prone to galvanic corrosion. A layer of paint usually protects the aluminium, but rain can peel off the paint, exposing the aluminium alloy and making it vulnerable to corrosion.

Mildew and Mould

Leaving a bass boat soaked in rainwater can lead to the growth of mildew and mould within 24 hours. The boat's carpet becomes an ideal environment for fungi to thrive, and the boat will develop an unpleasant musty smell.

Ultraviolet Damage

Exposing a fibreglass bass boat to sunlight for drying can also be detrimental. The ultraviolet rays can cause mechanical damage to the fibreglass, resulting in a gritty texture and discolouration.

Prevention and Maintenance

To prevent water damage, it is recommended to store bass boats indoors, such as in a garage or enclosed space. If indoor storage is not available, using a mooring cover and a sturdy tarp can help shield the boat from the elements. Additionally, applying a wax layer twice a year can protect the boat's exterior and interior.

Proper maintenance and storage of bass boats are crucial to prevent damage caused by rain and water exposure. Taking these precautions will help protect your investment and ensure the longevity of your boat.

Prevent mildew and mould after rain

Preventing Mildew and Mould After Rain

If your bass boat has been exposed to rain, it is important to take steps to prevent the growth of mildew and mould, which can cause damage and an unpleasant smell. Here are some tips to prevent mildew and mould after your bass boat has been rained on:

• Dry your boat thoroughly: Use towels to dry the hull and all compartments, including storage compartments, deck lockers, live wells, and rod lockers. Make sure to leave the hatches open to allow air circulation. You can also use a wet vacuum to suck out water from the carpet and compartments.
• Store your boat indoors: Keep your boat in a garage or enclosed space to protect it from the elements. This will help prevent mildew and mould growth by shielding the boat from moisture and humidity.
• Use a cover: If you can't store your boat indoors, consider using a mooring cover or a sturdy tarp to protect it from the rain. A well-fitted cover will not only protect the exterior but also maintain the interior integrity of your boat.
• Ventilation: Install a reliable ventilating system to promote fresh air circulation and prevent the accumulation of stale air and condensation inside the boat.
• Waxing: Apply a wax layer to your boat regularly to protect it from water damage and maintain its pristine condition.
• Regular inspection: Check your boat regularly for any signs of mildew or mould growth, especially in areas that are difficult to reach or see. This will help you catch any potential issues early on.
• Drain plugs: Ensure that the drain plugs are open and functioning properly to allow water to drain out of the boat.

By following these steps, you can help prevent mildew and mould growth in your bass boat after it has been exposed to rain, maintaining its value and keeping it in good condition for years to come.

Don't sun-dry your bass boat

So, it rained, and your bass boat got completely drenched. Now, you need to dry it off, but this is where you need to be careful. One thing you should never do is leave your bass boat out in the sun to dry.

Here's why: the hull of a bass boat is made of fiberglass, which is sensitive to ultraviolet rays. If you leave your boat out in the sun, the UV rays will damage the gel coat on the top layer of the fiberglass, causing it to lose its shine and become faded or discolored.

The UV rays will also cause mechanical damage to the fiberglass, giving it a gritty texture. This process is called "Fiber Blooming." The fibers that bind the fiberglass together become exposed to the surface, resulting in a grainy, brittle surface instead of the smooth, glossy appearance of the fiberglass.

So, what's the best way to dry your bass boat? Here are some steps to follow:

• Open all the storage compartments, including front and rear deck lockers, live wells, rod lockers, and ice chests, to allow them to air out and dry.
• Inspect the console, dashboard, and bilge for any signs of rainwater seepage.
• Check the batteries and wiring to ensure they are dry.
• Use a wet vacuum or a pedestal fan to remove water from the carpet and compartments.
• Make sure to close the drains when the boat is completely dry.

Additionally, it's important to store your bass boat indoors, such as in a garage or covered with a mooring cover and a sturdy tarp. This will protect it from the sun's UV rays, as well as other damaging elements like rain and wind.

Prevent rain damage

Bass boats are made of fiberglass or aluminum and are prone to damage from water. Rain can cause water ingress, osmosis, and delamination on repeated exposure in fiberglass boats. Aluminum boats are prone to galvanic corrosion. Here are some ways to prevent rain damage:

• Store your boat inside a garage or enclosed space to protect it from rain and other damaging elements.
• If you don't have a garage, use a mooring cover and a sturdy tarp to shield your boat from the rain and sun exposure.
• Install a reliable ventilating system to prevent the accumulation of stale air and promote a healthy environment on board.
• Wax your boat twice a year to maintain its pristine condition and protect it from water damage and UV rays.
• Always remove the drain plugs after fishing to allow your boat to dry completely.
• Regularly inspect and clear all drains of any debris that may have accumulated during rain or fishing trips.
• Keep the batteries and wiring dry to avoid any water seepage.
• If your boat has a carpeted interior, ensure it is completely dry to prevent the growth of mildew and mold.
• Avoid drying your boat in direct sunlight as UV rays can cause mechanical damage to the fiberglass, making it gritty in texture.

Bass fishing in the rain

Understanding the Conditions

Rain changes the physical makeup of lakes and bodies of water. It clouds the water, reduces light penetration, and creates stronger currents. These changes can work in your favour—the cloudier the water, the less likely the bass will detect your presence, and they will be more prone to biting. Additionally, stronger currents attract bass as the fresh water from the ground has more oxygen, which speeds up their metabolism and makes them feed and bite more.

Lure and Bait Strategies

When it comes to lures and baits, it's important to think like the bass. They are more active and aggressive in the rain, so you need to present your bait faster and cover more water. Here are some specific strategies:

• Use power-fishing baits that are constantly on the move so you can cover a lot of ground and take advantage of the bass' willingness to bite.
• Spinnerbaits are a great option as they vibrate and flash, aggravating the bass and making them easier to locate in low-light, rainy conditions.
• Topwater lures work well in the rain, especially in a steady downpour. Buzz baits or jitterbugs will get the bass' attention and encourage them to bite.
• If using worms, rig them Texas-style and cast them into the weeds, or try the Wacky style by letting them dangle out in open water to attract bass that may be willing to travel for a bite.
• If fishing after the rain when water levels are receding, slow down your presentation and work lures closer to cover. The bass will likely be less active and will need some encouragement to bite.

Other Considerations

• Pay attention to runoff areas where surface water brings additional nutrients from the soil, attracting baitfish and, in turn, bass.
• Fish in areas you couldn't reach before due to cover. The rain will flood these areas, pushing bass out of their traditional cover, making them easier to target.
• Find the bass guarding beds, especially during pre-spawn and spawn in early spring. Look for changes in the typical structure, such as ruffled or pushed-down weed beds, and cast a bright-coloured Texas-rigged worm to aggravate them and trigger a strike.

Protecting Your Bass Boat

While bass boats are made to handle water, constant rain or heavy downpours can cause issues. Here are some tips to protect your boat:

• Don't leave your boat wet after rainfall. Dry it indoors or use a wet vacuum or pedestal fan to remove water from the carpet and compartments.
• Open all storage compartments, including deck lockers, live wells, rod lockers, and ice chests, to ensure proper drying.
• Check the batteries and wiring for any signs of water seepage.
• Avoid drying your bass boat in direct sunlight as UV rays can cause discolouration and mechanical damage to the fiberglass hull.
• Store your boat indoors, such as in a garage, to protect it from rain, wind, and other damaging elements. If indoor storage is not an option, use a mooring cover and a sturdy tarp to shield your boat from the elements.
• Install a reliable ventilating system to promote fresh air circulation and prevent the buildup of stale air and unpleasant odours.
• Apply a wax layer to your boat twice a year to protect it from water and UV rays, enhancing its visual appeal and prolonging its lifespan.

Frequently asked questions