caring for a swamscott dory, from a first timer

[Murray Campbell]

so, i've been around boats for a while now, but for the first time have the responsibility of taking care of something wooden and traditional and lapstrake, and it is more daunting than i thought...

the biggest problem is that i don't have any land space to store it. Right now the dory is anchored a short way off my live-aboard boat. I am worried about worm, and about fresh rain water rotting her if i'm away for a while, and i don't know how to keep the centerboard trunk from getting fouled with all manner of critters

i hope there is a way i can keep her on the water most of the time though...(ps i think she was allowed to dry a bit much before as there is the odd minor splitting here and there, but mostly the dory is in really good condition)

any advice greatly appreciated...

[Donn]

A good cover should keep rainwater out.

[ishmael]

Give her bottom paint if she's sitting on a mooriing. Otherwise, paint and upkeep topsides. What are the materials?