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EDUCATIONAL INFO

Winterizing Introduction
and
Checklist
 

Marine Survey
De-Winterizing Checklist
Stored or Infrequently Used Boat Inspection
Winterizing Introduction and Checklist
Hurricane Preparedness
Boat Maintenance

TYPES OF WINTERIZATION

1.  Minimal - Boat in water and usable.

2.  Short term - Boat in water but unusable.

3.  Seasonal - Boat out of water but basically ready to use.              

4.  Long term storage - Boat on the hard with exterior items removed.

GOALS OF WINTERIZATION

1.  Avoid damage due to freezing.

• Inboard engine
  
  a) Fresh water system - Check permanent (green) antifreeze level  and specific gravity.

           b) Sea water system - Drain wherever possible.  Fill undrainable
           areas with non-toxic (pink) antifreeze.

• Potable water system - Drain wherever possible.  Introduce pink antifreeze into undrainable areas.

          a) Pump
          b) Water tanks
          c) Pressure tank or accumulator
          d) Hot water heater
          e) Pipes, valves, hoses, fittings, and fixtures
          f) Dock inlet connection
          g) Sink and shower drains

• Head and MSD (Marine Sanitation Device)-Drain wherever possible.  Use pink antifreeze in outlet hose from head.
   

• Air conditioning with water-cooled heat exchanger - Drain
  wherever possible.  Use pink antifreeze in pockets.
   

• Galley - Remove foods and liquids which can freeze.
   

•  Lockers - Remove liquids which can freeze.
   

•  Batteries - Keep full of electrolyte and charged.
   

What about heaters and light bulbs to prevent freezing?

 2.  Protect against damage due to leaks.

• Through-hulls - Inspect and secure.

• Ports and hatches - Inspect and secure.

• Scuppers - inspect.  Remove any loose debris in vicinity.

3.  Minimize damage due to internal moisture.

• Engine and self powered generators - Introduce oil in cylinders.  Block off manifolds.
   

• Outboards - Store ashore.  Introduce oil into cylinders.
   

• Interiors (upholstry) - Either let the boad "breathe" easily or seal it up tight.
   

• Electronics - Store ashore.

4.  Secure the boat against the weather and theft

• Lines, fenders, chafe guards, and automatic bilge pumps (for boats left in the water)
   

• Jack stands, cradles, wrapping (for boats on the hard)
   

• Canvas and sails - take them off.  Store ashore.
   

• Locks - Give spare keys or combination to friend or marina.
   

• Inspection - Plan periodic inspections.  Get someone else to inspect if you are away for long periods.

5.  Identify problems and potential problems

• Inspect all through-hulls
   

• Inspect all zincs
   

• Inspect all electrical cables and connectors for breakage or discoloration.  Replace any damaged electrical components.

6.  Perform routine maintenance

• Engine

          a) Oil and filter

          b) Fuel filter(s)

          c) Fuel treatment (stabilizer or biocide)

          d) Antifreeze

          e) Heat exchanger zinc(s)

          f) Sea water pump impeller

• Batteries

          a) Check electrolyte level

          b) Check specific gravity of each cell

•  Hull  (if boat is pulled)

           a) Wash as soon as possible after pulling.

           b) Inspect and replace zincs as required.

           c) Inspect bottom paint and touchup as required.

           d) Schedule a paint job for the spring if necessary.

• Decks - Inspect and make minor repairs.  Schedule major repairs for spring.
   

• Canvas and Sails - Inspect and repair as required