As a general guideline, your boat should be stored in the water no longer than 30 days straight if you haven’t taken special precautions to protect your boat and prepare it for longer-term storage.
Durability and Maintenance of Fiberglass Boats
With normal use and minor maintenance, fiberglass usually lasts up to 25-30 years. Fiberglass boats are very durable, and with proper maintenance and care, they can last for many decades.
Fiberglass Boat Maintenance and Risks
Can a fiberglass boat stay in the water? A boat can safely stay in saltwater for about one week, but in freshwater for three to four weeks without damage. Fiberglass can absorb water, so a resin coating protects it. Leaving your boat in too long causes cracks in the resin, resulting in saturation. Minor cracks cause blisters. Extreme cases cause structural damage.
Minor cracks allow water entering laminate, causing blisters. Major cases damage the structure. Fiberglass absorbs water over time. Store boats in water no longer than 30 days without precautions.
Fiberglass maintenance costs exceed aluminum but lasts decades. Consider fiberglass boats for longevity. However, buying old boats risks osmotic blisters from water saturation. Storing boats out of water periodically prevents this. Well-protected boats withstand 30 days or a year in water. But never leave damaged boats unattended. With preparation, boats stay in water all winter.