Winterizing Jobs After Haul Out

In this series of newsletters, we are assuming that you have hired a marina to haul out your boat. The jobs we discuss are the ones that most marinas don’t necessarily do and that you the owner, can do.

Clean Bottom Plus....

Wash the bottom of the boat as soon as possible after it’s hauled, so that the algae and other growth on the bottom is fresh and soft--not all dried out and stuck like cement. It takes a lot less time and muscle when it is still wet and fresh. A pressure washer is the easiest way to knock it all off. Second best is a long handled brush, a hose and your favorite all purpose soap. Not only scrub the bottom, but also the exterior drive system components, transducers, thru-hulls, the works.

Once clean, inspect the bottom, hull and drive system for needed repairs and make a list; so that you can divide between what you are going to do, and what you are going to hire the marina to do.

Power Boat Jobs

All power boats should be stored bow high, so that the bilge drains. If you are not sure that your bow is high enough, throw a few pails of water in the bilge forward to confirm that it actually drains out the transom drain plug. If it doesn’t, get the marina to raise the bow. If water stays in the bilge over the winter, it will freeze and cause damage. Also, driving snow and rain always has a way of getting into a boat, making its way to the bilge and causing damage, if it doesn't drain out.

Sailboat Jobs

On sailboats, besides washing the bottom, you also need to wash your mast and boom and other on-deck equipment. Besides checking your underwater gear, you should make a detailed list of inspection of all your components of the standing and running rigging including turnbuckles, mast boot, chain plates, goose necks, etc. List what items you need to repair or replace, as well as what list you are going to give to the marina.

Deck Jobs

On the deck of both power and sail, during your washing of the deck and cabin top, check for leaks as well as detail scrubbing/cleaning of anchor rode, dock lines, fenders, canvas, vinyl, sails, etc. Each should be thoroughly cleaned and then well dried before storage, either aboard or at home. The more soft items you take home, the less chance there is for some four-legged critter to make a nest over the winter.

Bilge Jobs

In the bilge of all types of boats, check all the hoses on the motor for cracking and signs of age. All should be double clamped. If they aren’t, get some clamps and double clamp everything. Check and lubricate seacocks, as well as checking and cleaning limber holes and sea strainers. Sometimes, leaves and other debris end up in the bilge below the motor and flow aft clogging the transom drain plug. On sterndrive boats, push a screwdriver or a straightened coat hanger up from the outside to move whatever could be clogging the transom drain hole, so that it drains. Then, reach in under the motor and pull out the culprit.

Safety First

When you entrust your boat to a marina, their trained staff know how to winterize your boat. Be sure that you put safety first when attempting to winterize the motor(s) yourself. Carbon Monoxide is a silent killer. You cannot see or smell the gas and in most cases there are no warning side effects to alert you to dangerous consequenses--unconsciousness followed by death!

We would recommend a digital readout carbon monoxide monitor in the boat with you, during or after running the motor(s). It will show you when the CO levels have reduced to a safe level so you can proceed. If not, you will have ample time to ventilate and or get out or stay out of the CO fumes before it is too late.

Christmas Gift

Halloween is behind us and Christmas shopping has begun. Give "First Mate 101" -- the perfect present for your First Mate. Order your printed copy today so you'll have it in plenty of time to wrap and put under the tree. You can then put the most important checkmark on your shopping list.

As an added bonus, we are offering a free e-Lesson with all Christmas orders of First Mate 101 (between now and December 25, 2006).

Order Printed Copy Now or

Order Digital Download Now (scroll to bottom of page).

For your free e-Lesson, just email Brenda after ordering and request the First Mate 101 Christmas bonus gift. She will be delighted to send it to you. You can choose Anchoring Your Boat or Tying Your Boat or Using Your Dinghy. Each of these e-Lessons is an $11.95 value.

Next Issue....

We'll cover winterizing your boat's interior in the next issue. Learn some simple preventive, measures you can use to avoid the hastles in the spring.