WINTERIZING BOATS FOR STORAGE
Posted by Sandra Buckendorf on Wed, Aug 25, 2010
Winterizing boats for storage. Is it that time already? Yes a little planning ahead will make things a lot easier in the long run. If you did not have your boat FULLY SERVICED at the beginning of the summer now would be a good time to do it.
- On your last trip ADD FUEL STABILIZER to the tank and idle the engine for 10 to 20 minutes to distribute stabilizer throughout the system. You could also DRAIN THE BOAT OF ALL FUEL. Check you boat manual to determine which way is best for your boat.
- REMOVE ALL DRAIN PLUGS and let all compartments dry thoroughly to minimize mold and mildew.
- WASH AND WAX BOAT Pressure washing is a good idea so any unwelcome guest tagging along are removed, TREAT UPHOLSTERY.Vinyl cleaners and protectants, available in gels and sprays, can prevent your vinyl from drying out and cracking. It may be wise to TAPE DOWN EXHAUST FLAPPERS so no unwanted critters can enter your boat.
- TAKE YOUR BATTERY HOME in a sturdy cooler and place it on a maintainer charger or a trickle charger you can plug in a couple of days a month. This will extend the life of your battery and your first trip next summer will start off right.
If you are conscientious about winter maintenance, your reward will be a quick launch in the spring - instead of time spent stuck on the trailer.