---

Doug, welcome aboard!

You've got some good answers, that I agree with. For inshore boating, no need to worry about a second battery, backup motor, or even a VHF radio if the cell phone coverage is good where you'll be. Just get a Sea Tow membership for about $125 a year and you'll be fine.

One thing to mention is that bottom painting does not just prevent marine growth; also prevents water intrusion into the hull. Gelcoat is not completely waterproof, and water will leach through over time, potentially causing blisters. When you paint the bottom, the first coating is something called a barrier coat, which is completely waterproof and keeps water from getting in, and then you topcoat with bottom paint.

Pulling the boat on a weekly schedule and leaving it out for a couple of days will probably prevent that, but I'm not completely sure. Maybe someone else has had that experience.

Tim