"RW Salnick" wrote in message
...
replying to my own message

I should add that having the boat in salt water helps, because wood in
salt water doesn't rot. You'd think that would protect the boat below the
waterline, but don't forget that bilge water is frequently fresh water,
and condensation definitely is, so the failure can actually start on the
inside.

Keeping the boat in a boat house (if it is not a sail boat) will help by
keeping off the rain.

bob

Fresh water kills wooden boats. Which is why woodie owners often keep salt
blocks in the bilges.