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winterization and storage
WINTERIZATION AND STORAGE
Make sure the keel, chine and transom are fully supported. Indoor storage is benecial particularly if your climate produces freezing weather. The
storage unit should not be airtight but should be ventilated. Ventilation is extremely important both around and through the boat. For outdoor
storage a canvas cover should be used to prevent “sweating”. One method is to build a frame over the boat to support the canvas. It should be a few
inches wider than the boat so the canvas will clear the rails and allow passage of air. The cover should be fastened securely so that winds cannot
remove it or cause it to chafe the boat. A poor covering job will eventually cost more than the price of a well-made cover. IF THE BOAT IS SHRINK
WRAPPED WITH PLASTIC DURING STORAGE, THE FUEL FILL AND VENT FITTING MUST BE OUTSIDE OF THE ENCLOSURE TO PREVENT THE TRAPPING
OF DANGEROUS FUMES OR SPILLAGE FROM THERMAL EXPANSION.
CLEANING AND LUBRICATING THE BOAT Clean and wax the boat before storage. If your boat stays in the water there may be a layer of growth on
the bottom. As it dries, this debris will harden. Clean, scrub, and scrape the bottom promptly when the boat is removed from the water. Thoroughly
remove all marine growth and other foreign matter from the hull. Clean the inside of hull openings, thru hull ttings and scupper drains. Inspect
the hull bottom for damage. Check cleats and rails for corrosion and tightness. Clean all stainless steel as directed under MAINTENANCE. Use a
good quality metal preservative like T-9® on all metal surfaces to prevent salt water damage. Check all hinges for corrosion. Lubricate hinges as
necessary. Check for loose silicone, hinges, and unseated gaskets. Replace or tighten where necessary.
NOTE- Over time, the normal exing resulting from regular or extended operation in heavy seas can result and can cause leaks in your windows,
doors and hatches. Inspect for fastener tightness and seal integrity at regular intervals.
DRAINING AND WATER SYSTEMS
Remove the garboard drain plug and open all valves and seacocks to keep the bilge dry. Store your boat with the bow elevated for drainage.
Drain all water tanks, lines and pumps to prevent freeze damage. The fresh water system may be drained by running any faucet until the tank is
empty. When empty, turn the faucet o to prevent pump damage. Residual water will not damage the tank. If desired, to drain other lines, close
seacocks and run the pumps until the lines are empty. After emptying the lines, re-open the seacocks. In warmer climates draining will help prevent
water stagnation.
FUEL SYSTEM
Fill your fuel tank with fuel to minimize space in the tank for condensation to form. Add a good quality fuel stabilizer, following the manufacturer’s
directions on the container. DO NOT ll your tank with fuel containing ethanol for storage! The ethanol will tend to separate out of the fuel over
time, and will also absorb water.
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