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Chapter 14:
SEASONAL MAINTENANCE
14.1 Storage & Lay-up
Before Hauling:
• Pump out the head holding tank. Flush the
holding tank using clean water, soap and a
deodorizer. Pump out the cleaning solution.
• The fuel tank should be left nearly full to reduce
condensation that can accumulate in the tank.
Allow enough room in each tank for the fuel to
expand without leaking out the vents. Moisture
from condensation in the fuel tank can reach
such concentrations that it becomes heavy
enough to settle out of the fuel to the bottom
of the tank. Since fuel pickup tubes are located
near the bottom of the tank, this accumulated
moisture can cause the engine to run poorly
or not at all after extended storage.
Chemical changes also occur as the gasoline
ages that can cause deposits and varnish in
the fuel system as well as reduce the octane
rating of the fuel. Severely degraded fuel
can damage the engine and boat fuel tank
and lines. Therefore, if your boat is not being
run enough to require at least one full tank of
fresh fuel a month or during winter storage, a
fuel stabilizer should be added to the gasoline
to help protect the fuel system from these
problems. Operate the boat for at least 15
minutes after adding the stabilizer to allow
the treated fuel to reach the engine. Yamaha
recommends using Yamaha Fuel Conditioner
and Stabilizer for their engines.
Your dealer or the engine manufacturer
can provide additional information on fuel
degradation and fuel stabilizers recommended
for your engines. For more recommendations
for your specic area, check with your local
Everglades dealer.
• Drain water from the fresh water system.
• Consult the engine owner’s manual for detailed
information on preparing the engine for
storage.
Lifting
It is essential that care be used when lifting your
boat. Make sure the spreader bar at each sling is
at least as long as the distance across the widest
point of the boat that the sling will surround. Put
the slings in position. Sling labels on the gunnels
just above the rubrail identify the correct posi-
tion for the lifting slings. The fore and aft slings
should be tied together to prevent the slings from
sliding on the hull.
BOATS CAN BE DAMAGED FROM IMPROPER LIFTING AND
TRANSPORTING WITH FORK LIFTS. CARE AND CAUTION
MUST BE EXERCISED WHEN TRANSPORTING A BOAT WITH
A FORK LIFT. NEVER HOIST THE BOAT WITH A SUBSTANTIAL
AMOUNT OF WATER IN THE BILGE.
SEVERE GEL COAT CRACKING OR MORE SERIOUS HULL
DAMAGE CAN OCCUR DURING HAULING AND LAUNCHING
IF PRESSURE IS CREATED ON THE GUNWALES (SHEER) BY
THE SLINGS. FLAT, WIDE BELTING SLINGS AND SPREADERS
LONG ENOUGH TO KEEP PRESSURE FROM THE GUNWALES
ARE ESSENTIAL. DO NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO HAUL YOUR
BOAT WHEN THE SPREADERS ON THE LIFT ARE NOT WIDE
ENOUGH TO TAKE THE PRESSURE OFF THE GUNWALES.
Supporting The Boat For Storage
A trailer, elevating lift, well-made cradle or proper
blocking is the best support for your boat during
storage.
When storing the boat on a trailer for a long
period:
• Make sure the trailer is large enough to
properly support your boat and that it is rated
to support the weight.
• Make sure the trailer is on a level surface and
the bow is high enough so that water will drain
from the bilge and cockpit.
• Make sure the engine is in the down position.
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