Hunter e36 • Maintenance
14.8
tion.
*  Realign propeller shaft
*  Tighten all engine mounts.
*    Complete  engine  maintenance  as  recommended  by 
engine manufacturer.
*  Tighten all hose clamps and lubricate them.
*    Check  and  tighten  all  pressurized  water  system  fit-
tings.
*    Check  and  service  batteries,  tighten  battery  connec-
tions, and lubricate as needed.
At  the  end  of  this  chapter,  you  will  find  a  maintenance 
schedule.  It is important that you keep the manufactur-
er’s  documentation  for  the  components  and  follow  the 
maintenance  schedules  and  procedures  listed  in  that 
literature.  This information takes precedence over what 
is supplied by the boat manufacturer. 
14.6  Storage and Lifting
In  most  cases,  the  reason  for  storage  is  winter  layup.  
The information in this section is a general guide.  Your 
boat dealer or a competent boatyard should prepare your 
boat  for  winter  storage.    If  you  are  removing  your  boat 
from the water for another reason, use the information in 
this section as a guideline.  Following the procedures in 
this section helps to extend  the life  of your  boat and  its 
equipment and simplifies re-commencing in the spring. 
Indoor storage is beneficial if you are storing your boat in 
a climate that produces ice and snow.  However, the stor-
age building should be adequately ventilated, not tightly 
closed.  Ventilation, both around and throughout the boat, 
is very important. 
If you use outdoor storage facilities, cover your boat with 
a canvas cover with provisions for ventilation to keep the 
boat from “sweating.”  Building a frame over the boat to 
support the canvas will allow the passage of  air around 
the boat.  The frame should be a few inches wider than 
the boat so the canvas will clear the rails.
Before preparing your boat for winter storage, check the 
condition  of  the  boat  and  its  systems  and  equipment.  
Note any repairs needed.  The need for other repairs may 
become  apparent  during  winterization.    Make  arrange-
ments to have the repairs completed. 
14.6.1  Lifting Your Boat
Following are guidelines which will help prevent damage 
to your boat as it is being lifted.
*  Never hoist the boat with a greater than normal accu-
mulation  of  water  in  the  bilge.    Fuel  and  water  tanks 
should be empty.
*  Place slings where indicated by the sling tags on the 
gunwale.  Proper location of the aft sling is critical.  Lifting 
aft  of  the  station  indicated  may  damage  the  propeller 
shaft.    Lifting  forward  of  the  station  indicated,  with  the 
sling  under  the  exhaust  outlets,  may  cause  cracking 
which is not covered by the warranty.  Blocks or pads at 
the chine corners will help keep pressure to a minimum 
at this point.
*  Disconnect the propeller shafts at the transmissions to 
prevent damage to the transmission.
*  Use flat, wide slings made of belting and spreader bars 
long enough  to  keep  pressure  off the gunwale.  Do  not 
use cable slings.  Pressure by the slings on the gunwale 
can  cause  severe  gelcoat  crazing  or  more  serious  hull 
damage. 
*  The spreader bar at each sling should be as long as the 
distance across the widest point the sling surrounds.
*  Weight should be primarily distributed along the keel.  
If a marine railway or platform is used, locate and adjust 
the blocking to distribute the weight over several areas at 
the intersection of stringers and bulkheads.  The  bunks 
and/or blocks should match deadrise angle and provide 
adequate support and stability.
*    When  lifting  the  boat,  keep  the  bow  higher  than  the 
stern so the exhaust lines can drain.  This will keep water 
from  running  forward  through  the  manifold  and  into  the 
engine itself where the water can become trapped. 
Note:  Keep the bow higher than the stern every time the boat 
is lifted.  Do not lift the stern to change a propeller.  Doing so 
can cause water to enter the engine.  Engine failure is possible 
if  water  enters  the  engine  cylinders.    This  water  can  cause 
hydrolock and bend the  piston  rods.   Even a small  amount  of 
water can cause rust or other damage. 
14.6.3  Draining Your Boat
Your  boat  has  bilge  pumps  for  draining  water  from  the 
bilges.  Some  compartments  in  the  bilge may  not drain 
completely  because  of  the  position  of  the  boat.    Pump