Maintenance
14.10
covered by the limited warranty.
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 gun-
wale 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 Preparing for Storage
Clean, scrub, and sponge the hull and deck as soon as
the boat is pulled from the water and is still in the sling.
Cleaning marine growth from the hull is easier when it
is still wet.
Clean the inside of all hull openings, thru hull fittings,
and screens. Inspect the hull and underwater gear
for signs of wear, deterioration, or damage. Note any
damage to the propulsion equipment, helm area, cabin,
etc. Make repairs, if at all possible, before covering
your boat.
Fill the fuel tanks with treated fuel to prevent condensa-
tion. If you use a stabilizer or conditioner, be sure to
follow the instructions on the container.
IMPORTANT: Do not overfill fuel tanks so fuel flows from the
vent. Allow room in the tanks for fuel to expand.
Prepare the Engines for Storage:
In areas where temperatures fall below freezing, the
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bilge area under the engines must be pumped out and
sponged completely dry. Check for areas that did not
drain to the pumps. Drain mufflers.
NOTE: Refer to the engine owner’s manual for winterization
and storage procedures (i.e. water drainage from the engine
block, etc.).
Prepare the Batteries for Storage:
Be sure main battery switch breakers are off.
Remove batteries from boat and store in area where
temperatures remain above freezing.
Place batteries on a wooden pallet or bench.
Keep batteries charged. Check electrolyte levels regu-
larly. Add electrolyte if needed.
Prepare Holding Tank for Storage:
Empty and rinse holding tank until tank is clean.
Close head intake valve and remove hose.
Pour the nontoxic antifreeze into the head and keep
flushing the head until the antifreeze reaches the hold-
ing tank.
Prepare the Fresh Water System for Storage:
Remove the fresh water supply by opening the hot
and cold faucets in the galley for 10 minute intervals.
Repeat until the fresh water tank is empty.
Open all faucets in the galley, shower, cockpit shower,
etc.
Drain the water heater. Disconnect lines from the
engine heat exchanger. Drain exchanger and lines.
Remove hot and cold water lines and hook them
together.
Remove inlet hose from tank and insert it into a con-
tainer of nontoxic antifreeze. Turn pump on. Starting
at faucet furthest from pump, open all faucets until
antifreeze flows out.
Turn off pump and reconnect hose to water heater and
pump.
Prepare Interior of Boat for Storage:
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