Get Your Boat Ready For The Off-Season Continued - By: Victor Epand

There are a lot of things that you need to do to maintain your boat during the cold winter days. The fresh water system needs to be drained, and the hot water heater needs to be isolated by disconnecting the in and out lines and connecting them to one another. Pump a non-toxic antifreeze into the system and turn on all faucets, including showers and any wash down areas until antifreeze comes out. Add the same non-toxic antifreeze to the water heater as well.

The holding tank needs to be pumped out at an approved facility. Add fresh water to the bowl and flush several times while pumping. The owner's manual may recommend the use of crystals for cleaning. After letting crystals sit for a few minutes, and then rinse again with fresh water. Pump antifreeze through hoses, holding tank, y-valve, macerator and discharge hose. Check the owner's manual to ensure that you are using the proper antifreeze.

The interior of your boat needs to be cleaned out of any valuables, to include electronics, flares, and fire extinguishers. The off season is your time to check such items to ensure they are in working order. If you cannot bring cushions home, then turn them up on edge so air can circulate around them. Clean out the refrigerator and freezer. Adding a dehumidifier is a good idea, as is helps to prevent mildew.

Out water storage requires that the hull be completely cleaned with a pressure washer. Make sure there are no barnacles anywhere. Seacocks need to be drained of water. Check hull for blisters, as winter is the time to drain those. This is also a great time to wax the hull. It is recommended that the batteries either be removed or placed on a trickle charger.

In water storage requires that all seacocks be closed. Rudder shafts and stuffing boxes need to be checked for leaks. Make sure the battery is fully charged, and all terminals are clean. Add water if necessary and make sure charging system is working.

Bilge pumps need to be checked to make sure they are working. Float switches need to be checked to make sure they activate the pumps and have no debris in them. When storing in water, the boat needs to be checked on periodically either by you or by a marina worker. If there is a possibility that the water in the marina may freeze, a de-icing device or bubbling system will help keep your boat safe.

Save your boat for the warmer months when you can enjoy it.

About the Author

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about model boats, boat parts, and model submarines. You will find the best shopping at these sites for model boats, used boat parts in the winter, and model submarines.

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