winterizing

[timangiel]

I live in the north east, can someone tell me what needs to be done to a boat for winter storage? Is it recommended to take the mast down?

[sailingdog]

Depends on whether you're storing the boat indoors or outside. If you're storing the boat outside, then taking the mast down is a good idea, so you can shrink wrap the hull properly.

Winterize the engine:
Change oil, impeller, flush cooling system, fill with antifreeze, fog engine,

Winterize the fresh water system:
fill with appropriate non-toxic antifreeze and work the antifreeze through the various pumps and hoses and through hulls.

Hull winterization:
Work and lubricate all the through-hull seacocks.
Empty and dry the bilge.
Shrink wrap hull with ventilation.

Electrical System Winterization:
Remove batteries, and store in a warm dry location, like your basement.
Check charge level and use "float charger" to maintain battery level.
Inspect electrolyte levels monthly and top off as needed.
Remove all "portable" electronics from boat and store in warm dry location.

YMMV, and this is just a very rough guide to what you need to do. It will vary depending on what kind of boat you have, what systems are on the boat (pressure water, hot water, etc) and where you will be storing it.

[camaraderie]

I do NOT recommend taking down the mast under unless the mast itself needs work. Even in the north...you can shrink wrap around it as the vast majority do.
Lots of different things to do depending on the boat and its' systems...here's some articles on various systems & how to do it:
http://63.240.201.245/?__LOGIC=888&R...DS=winterizing

[ebs001]

Do not store your batteries directly on concrete.

[SmartCaptain]

Old New England joke:

"How to winterize your boat with a stick of butter and a compass"

1. Unwrap stick of butter and set it up on the deck.
2. Sail out to open water and follow the compass South
3. When the butter melts, turn right and find a warm harbor for the winter.

LOL

Jeff

www.smartcaptain.com

[k1vsk]

Battery storage - who said it's a bad idea to store on concrete?
Don

[jimq26]

Originally Posted by k1vsk

Battery storage - who said it's a bad idea to store on concrete?
Don

I agree Don - that old idea went away many years ago.
Cheers,

[hellosailor]

Batteries on concrete:
Yes and no. The old rubber cases could be affected by salts from the concrete, the new plastic ones won't be. But "concrete" usually means a floor or foundation slab which is COLD from being on the ground. The COLD is still a problem. If your battery has a plastic case and your slab is heated..."Nevermind".

[eryka]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Depends on whether you're storing the boat indoors or outside. If you're storing the boat outside, then taking the mast down is a good idea, so you can shrink wrap the hull properly.

Grins, sailingdog, if you're storing the boat inside, you'll probably also need to take down the mast unless you have a VERY tall barn ...

If you are shrink wrapping and can afford the space, remove the sails and store in garage. Depending on how fierce the winter will be, you may want to save the wear and tear on good sheets and halyards and replace them with sacrificial messengers. Also if you can, remove upholstered cushions. Shrink wrapping that's poorly vented (or that tears and lets some snow in during the winter) will lead to mold buildup.

[sailingdog]

Actually, my boat is going to be stored indoors, but we're leaving the mast up...technically...we're lowering the mast partially, and then re-stepping it for winter storage. We're doing this to save space in the building. The mast is too tall to clear the door, but the ceiling/roof is high enough to have it up.