Winter Storage on a course

[JAG]

So we have a new to us, Wally Sinker Course. Our club members are half divided in 1) removing the balls or 2) leaving them attached. Removing the balls seems like a lot of work in the spring, trying to raise the sand bag laden arms. The thought behind taking them off is so they stay cleaner for next year.

 

I'm of a single minority in removing the balls but attaching our worn, backup buoy's to ride out the cold.

 

I was wondering what everyone else does.

 

thanks,

[bojans]

Lots of variable here. Does your site freeze during the winter?

[JAG]

Our lake freezes, to 12 or 13 inches in a very cold winter. The buoys are about five feet below the surface and I would think would be ok.

 

thanks,

[keithh2oskier]

Our water doesn't freeze but our lake drops a few feet and all the buoys lay on their sides. Some sink (probably shot) and some float off. Either way in the spring the ones that remain are gross and usually need to be replaced. We have talked about putting milk jugs out there. Has anyone tried this? a few sources have them for cheap (under a dollar a piece.

[JAG]

Milk jugs might be a good option. Didn't think of that. Thanks

[thager]

My Accu-sink goes to the bottom for the winter with the balls on. Has worked fine for the last 15 years or so. In the spring brush off the balls. They will accumulate some scum.

[BraceMaker]

The winter sun usually kills milk jugs. I'd consider clipping a retrieval bouy of something closed cell to the turn ball side gate bouy rope of each arm. So that it will sink but be easy to retrieve. Maybe even something with a big orange eye so you can snag it even when really cold.

[Edbrazil]

Dealt with a Wallycourse a good bit. In the Spring, the sandbags can get stuck into a

muddy bottom, and need some help, such as by a SCUBA diver. Buoys also get nasty

grungy.

[Bdecker]

I’d leave them on and give a good scrub in the spring. The state made me remove and sink to the bottom over the winter. Basically made the system impossible given the work involved in spring and fall. If the system is going up and down reliably now, don’t touch a thing.

[APB]

So easy to unclip the balls and use a few subs so you can find the lines.

[lpskier]

I pull my Accufloat. I know it's safe and I have the opportunity to inspect the cable and pipes for wear or damage. Takes four people a couple hours to put in and take out. Mine isn't a sinker, though, and that likely adds some steps and time. It might still be a good idea so you can inspect it.

[davemac]

if you leave the balls on (and submerged)...many recommend putting a plastic grocery bag over each of them....helps keep the winter scum off.

 

[thager]

@lpskier My accu-sink was a solid 12 hr install for two guys. Installed home made float course first followed by installing subfloats, bouys and airlines, securing each air line to cable and pvc arms with plastic safety ties, not to mention half bricks every 10 ft full length of course. Wally doesn't have bricks so a little time saving but, just sink it, It is easier. I put a plug over valve quick fitting,roll air line into circle, safety tie it, and cover with bricks in a few feet of water.

[JAG]

thanks everyone for your ideas.

[Chef23]

I like the idea of putting the old balls on for the winter. It would probably be faster than scrubbing them all in the spring.

[thager]

@Chef23 Scrubbing takes maybe 20 minutes. Lot less time than when I put new ones on!