Boating is a fun activity for those who like being on the
water. Storing your boat properly in winter will ensure that your boat is ready
for the water in spring when the last of the snow melts away. Boating in winter
is not possible because of the cold temperatures that often cause the water
surface to freeze over, making this the best time to carry out repairs and
maintenance on your boat. The following are some of the tips of winterizing
your boat for storage.
Change the oil
Water and acids in the oil may end up corroding the engine
and damaging it. You should change the filter and flush it out before changing your
oil. You should always store your boat with fresh engine oil during winter.
Refresh the engine coolant system
You will also need to drain out the current coolant and
flush it out with water. You can use antifreeze to replace the coolant. But you
need to be very careful about the anti freeze products that you buy and
diluting it to manufacturer specifications. The anti freeze solution is great
for preventing your engine from freezing and also protecting parts of it from
corrosion.
Spraying fogging oil
Winter can take a toll on the moving parts of your engine.
Spraying fogging oils is crucial for protecting these moving parts. While your
engine is turning over, spray the fogging oil through the spark plug holes or
into the engines carburetor depending on the instruction manual.
Remove the drive belts
Drive belts are made of rubber. This rubber can get damaged
when kept under tension for long while exposed to extreme temperatures. To
prevent them from cracking under the tension stress, you can loosen or remove
them and store them away until the end of winter.
Waterproof grease on the steering mechanism
You have probably noticed by now there is a lot of oiling
and greasing going on. This is to keep every working part of the engine in
great condition while in storage. A large tub of waterproof grease can come in
handy for this process. Keep the steering and controls joints well greased up
for smooth operation when you take your boat out of storage.
Battery
You should always disconnect your battery when the boat is
in storage. Keeping the battery in circuit through the long winter months can
drain it since there is a small amount of charge being lost every day. You
should also charge the battery every once in a while to make sure it works when
it is time to take the boat out of storage.
Fill in the gas tank
This helps to avoid condensation from building up in the empty
tank. This condensation not only causes corrosion but can lead to worse damage
if it freezes up. A gasoline stabilizer addition can also keep the fuel ready
to use when it’s time to take out the boat.
Finally, seal the exhaust ports and other
openings where pests and other small animals can enter through.Posted By: Stowaway Marine http://stowawaycenter.com/marine/index.html
