End of season maintenance

bjoc2314 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-01-2002

I just bought a used Catalina 310 - my first cruising boat. I just received my checklist of winter storage/maintenance options from the marina. To save some $$$ and learn from the experience I would like to do as much of the work myself as possible. I would appreciate some recommendations for reference books, websites, etc. to help me handle preparing the boat (plumbing, electrical, engine, sails, etc) for the cold NY winter.

Thank you.

tsenator · #2 (**permalink**) 10-01-2002

Here is a very thorough (maybe too much so..;-) list that someone put together for a C36. You could probably easily modify a few things for your boat.

http://www.catalina36.org/Winterization_Limieux.htm

wannasail · #3 (**permalink**) 10-03-2002

What I did was talk with others at my marina and let me tell you I got a wealth of information. This is my first boat and I paid enough for it that I don''t want to mess things up but still want to save some $$$$$$.
I will be doing my own heads, holding tanks, through hulls, ac, and water tanks.
Once things were explained it became quite evident that it''s really not that hard.
The only part that I''m leary of is the engine. That I may let the marina hauling my boat do. I did ask if I could be present when it''s done so I can see what they do and how they do it for the next haulout.
Good Luck.

Sailmc · #4 (**permalink**) 10-04-2002

The engine is by far the easiest part. First change your oil and filter. Then all you need to do to winterize is to mix up a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water. Close your through hull for the engine cooling water intake and remove the intake hose from the through hull. Stick the hose into the antifreeze mixture and run the engine utill the entire two gallons have passed through. Reassemble and you''re done. This has worked succesfully for me for the last 17 Wisconsin winters. The yard will probably charge you at least $100.00 for this little job.

Denr · #5 (**permalink**) 10-04-2002

An even simpler way to winterize the heat exchanger and water muffler (one doesn''t really winterize the engine in a closed system) is to close the engine intake seacock, open the raw water strainer (it is normally above the water line) and pour non-toxic antifreeze into the strainer while the engine is running until it comes out the exhaust, shut the engine down. There is no need to take the hose off of the seacock. After the engine has stopped, open the seacock, any remaining water will drain out of the hose as the boat is lifted out of the water.