1: Run your boat once more. Pay attention to any issues that may need repair or replacement over the winter, especially with regards to the engine. Look for cracks in the hull, which will worsen if left unrepaired.
2: Drain your boat: Remove the boat from the water and drain the bilge water tanks, head, pipes and seacocks. Raise the bow to accelerate drainage if possible. If the is any electronic water heater. isolate it by removing any in and out lines and connecting the latter together. Spray the bilge with moisture-displacing lubricant. Add antifreeze into the bilge and water tanks to prevent freezing. ( Do not drain the engine water intake until you winterize the engine)
3: Clean your boat: Thoroughly scrub the entirety of the boat with soap and water, from the hull to the interior. Remove any barnacles that have attached to the hull, Open any lockers, drawers, refrigerators and freezers and clean as well. Once the boat is scrubbed. leave enough time so the boat is completely dry. Repair any blistering if you have a fiberglass boat. Afterwards apply a coat of wax onto the hull and the superstructure and polish evenly.
4: Winterize the engine: Flush the engine ( including the coolant system) with fresh water to remove salt, dirt and corrosion. Refill the coolant system with anti freeze. After briefly warming up the engine to loosen impurities, replace the oil and all filters while looking for any milky aspect to the old oil, since this indicates water intrusion. Apply fogging oil into the carburetor and spark plug holes. Remove and store away drive belts to avoid snapping due to tension. Finally, top off your engine with a full tank of gas mixed with stabilizer.( Be especially careful if your engine uses E-10 fuel, since it absorbs moisture 10 times more than typical gasoline.
5: Lubricate moving parts: Grease the steering system and control mechanisms. Lightly apply moisture_ displacing lubricant all moving metal parts such as hinges ,latches and linkages. Detach the propeller, inspect for fishing line and seal damage, lubricate, and return to its position.
6: Remove and charge the battery: Take out the battery and completely charge it. Clean the battery terminals and lightly coat them with grease. Do the same for the battery cable ends. Store the battery in a warm, dry place, noting that you will not place it back into the boat until spring.
7: Remove sensitive materials: Anything and anything that does not form part of the vessel should be removed and stored away, including life jackets, fire extinguishers and flares. If the interior of the boat is fitted with organic materials such as fabric and leather, remove these as well to prevent mildew deposits. Also remove all electronics ,since these are easily damaged with extreme cold. and wrap exposed cable ends with electric tape. Store electronics in a warm, dry place as with the battery.
8: Seal exhaust ports: If your boat employs exhaust ports, seal them with duct tape to prevent pests from entering and clogging these components.
9: Cover and store your boat: Protect your boat with a cover that can protect the most brutal weather episodes. Foe harsher environments ,consider shrink-wrapping your boat to provide additional protection. Mount your boat on supports with the bow tilted slightly upwards to encourage drainage.
10: Check every few weeks: Repair any problem areas or components over the winter. Uncover and inspect your boat for new problems that may arise during storage. Check the battery to see if it is still charged. Remove any water that might have pooled in lower areas of the boat.
11: Change the boat oil: Water that gets into the oil can corrode the engine. By changing the oil before storing can avoid any long term damaged while stored.
12: Freshen up the Coolant System: Like the oil, draining and refreshing the coolant system with anti-freeze can prevent freezing and corrosion of of the engine.
13: Protect with Fogging Oil: This pro tip will go further to protect your engine during the winter months. Turn over your engine without starting it and spray the fogging oil where your manual instructs.
14: Loosen and remove driving belts: This is a simple step that can save you stress and money. Remove or loosen drive belts before winter boat storage to prevent them from cracking under the stress.
15: Grease the steering: Another preventative measure to get your boat ready for when you take it out. Grease the steering and control mechanism’s well so everything runs smoothly when it is time to steer again.
16: Maintain the battery: Prevention is the name of the game. Disconnecting the battery and charging it every once in a while throughout the winter, can prevent the battery from draining and dying over the winter.
17: Fill the tank: This may seem counterintuitive, but condensation can build up in an empty tank causing corrosion and even worse damage if it freezes. Add some gas and fuel stabilizer to make sure your tank is good to go during winter boat storage.
18: Pay attention to the interior: Organic materials like canvas, leather, or other fabrics should be removed to avoid mold and mildew. Any electronics that could freeze should be removed to avoid damage.
19: Wax on, Wax off: This step is especially important for storing your boat outside during the winter. Cleaning your boat inside and out and finishing with a wax will help prevent rust on your boat’s body.
20: Always use a cover: Finally covering your boat will protect from the elements like dust, dirt and moisture.
As always be sure to read the owner manual to earn any particular needs your boat might have. If you are unsure about implementing these tips don’t hesitate to call a professional that specializes in winterizing boats. With these precautions, you will be able to protect your boat for the long winter and prepare it for the gorgeous weather that awaits you and your boat afterward.
Storage Hamilton can also accommodate car space, horse float space as well as trailer, coffee carts, motor homes, people movers, caravans and camper van parking.
HOURS:
Monday to Saturday: 8am – 6pm
Sunday: 9am – 4pm
Outside these hours you can call Graeme on 021 857 917 or Chris 021 446 311