Unfortunately, the beginning of the winter means the end of the seafaring season, i.e., it is time to think about how you are going to protect your most delighting property. The time and effort you will spend at the end of the season will return you with the performance of your boat. On the contrary, in case you will not perform any wintering at the end of the season, this will return you as the waste of time, labor, and money when the new season will start. Keep in mind that, your insurance will not cover the losses caused by insufficient maintenance.

” Winterizing for Boats and Yachts Maintance “

Table of Contents

The most suitable place to keep your boat during the winter is a closed climate controlled boat storage area. However, this method can be costly. If you do not have such an option, you may try to pack your boat tightly. This is a little bit costly too however it is a protective method. In short, be sure that your boat is well-protected by packing it with a sailor’s hammock or any other durable cover.

The first step in wintering is to make a list where everything that needs to be done will be written. Check the owner’s manual of your boat or engine for the manufacturer’s recommendations on wintering. If you are a beginner, ask for a help from one of your experienced friends or professionals. You can find the summary of the general areas that you need to consider about wintering in the below however it will be better for you to refer a professional for more detailed information.

Internal Engines

Firstly, run the engine to warm it up and change the oil when the engine is warm. In this way, the residues in the oil are separated. Also, you need to change the oil filter.

Wash the engine with clean water. Provide the circulation of the antifreeze by using a hose from the water pump to antifreeze bucket. This process varies depending on whether your cooling system is based on saltwater or freshwater.

You need to change the gearbox fluid as well when you are in the engine room.

Apply fogging oil to each cylinder by removing the plugs. Dry it with a piece of cloth where a small amount of fogging oil or WD-40 sprayed.

Stern Drive(s) – Winterizing

Check your outboard engine and clean the sea creatures, if any. Empty the gearbox and check the moisture in the oil. If there is water in the oil which is above a certain level, this means that there is a leak in seals and they need to be repaired. Clean the lower part with soap and water. If your engine has a rubber gaiter, check for the holes and slits. Lubricate all fittings and check the fluid level between the hydraulic steering and lift pump. Check the operating manual for the additional advice from your manufacturer.

Outboard Engines – Winterizing

Wash the seawater inlet section by connecting to it to clean water hose with the help of a sleeve or any similar part. Then discharge all of the water in the engine. Wash the engine with soap and water and rinse it. Run the engine until the fuel runs out by removing the fuel inlet hose. Emptying the carburetor by sequentially executing these processes prevents sediments from evaporation of unburnt fuel. Lubricate the cylinder walls and pistons with engine oil. Use water resistant oil for lubricating the propeller shaft and gears. Change the gear oil in the lower unit. Lubricate the outer part of the engine a little or polish it with a high-quality polish.

 

 



 

 

Fuel – Winterizing

Fill your fuel tank to prevent condensation that may occur during winter months and add fuel protector according to the instructions. Replace the fuel filter and water separators.

Bilge – Winterizing

The bilge should be clean and dry. Use hot water, soap, and firm brush in order to clean the oil drops. Wash the bilge with a dehumidifying oil and add some antifreeze when it is cleaned up.

Clean Water System – Winterizing

Empty the water heater and the clean water tank. Isolate the water heater by connecting the input and output lines to each other. Pump a non-toxic antifreeze into the system and wait until you see the antifreeze stream by opening the shower, sink and other taps. Add antifreeze to the water heater too.

Waste Water Tank – Winterizing

Evacuate the waste water tank according to legal requirements. Rinse the tank several times by adding fresh water to the tank during the evacuation. Use a material recommended in operating manual that will not harm your system and wait for a while. Wash and evacuate again with clean water. Add antifreeze and ensure it to circulate through all hoses, waste water tank, y valve, macerator and drain hose. Check the operating manual and be sure that alcohol-based antifreeze will not harm your system.

Inner Parts – Winterizing

Once you’ve covered the system details, remove all valuable goods, electronic goods, cables, fire tubes, fenders etc. These goods are cleaned and controlled after the winter season and if needed, they will be replaced with the new ones. Clean all drawers and cabinets. Lift the mats up and let them ventilate or take them home. Clean the fridge and freezer. It would be useful to have a dehumidifier in order to keep your boat dry and protect it from the mold.

Non-Water Storage – Winterizing

Eliminate the propeller, miller, rudder, machete, and flap from sea creatures by washing the bottom the boat with pressurized water. Clean the filter and suction assembly. Ensure that all water is drained by opening the valves. It will be useful to polish the body well as you started to the maintenance.

You need to remove the batteries and take them home and put them in charge for balancing or charge them once in every 30-60 days.

Water Storage – Winterizing

Close all the valves and check the rudder nuts and seal boxes against leakage, tighten or pack them, if needed. Fully charge your batteries, clean the pole tips (with water, if necessary) and make sure your charging system is operational. Run the bilge pump and observe the smooth flow. Check your boat regularly or make sure someone does it in the marina.

You will be ready for the winter when you apply the advice mentioned above. Still, do not neglect to check the manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions in the operating manual for the wintering of your boat and other systems. If you have not performed wintering before and do not have any experienced friends that you can receive assistance, definitely consult with professionals who are involved in this business.

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