Winter tips
1.
Add stabilizer to the fuel in your fuel tanks to prevent the
fuel from degrading over winter. Then run the engine to let the
stabilizer get into the fuel system and engine to protect them.
Refer to the fuel stabilizer instructions for the appropriate
quantity.
2.
Flush the cooling system and protect with anti-freeze. Every two
to three years, the water pump impeller should be changed to
keep the cooling system running efficiently.
3.
Clean out rust and sediment from both outboard and inboard
engines by removing the block plugs and letting the water drain
away. Pump anti-freeze in to prevent ice damage. To prevent rust
on the engine, spray it with an aerosol fogging oil. When the
engine is cool, remove the spark plugs and spray fogging oil
into the cylinders through the spark plug holes. Replace any
spark plugs that are worn out.
4.
Replace the oil filter and oil and make sure you dispose of the
old oil responsibly.
If your engine is an outboard, store it in the upright position.
5.
To ensure your electrical terminals and fuse panel remain
rust-free; spray them with a lubricant to displace moisture.
Read the label to make sure the spray is safe for electrical
items.
6.
On inboard engines, clean out the backfire flame arrester
with carburettor cleaner.
Life jackets, seat cushions and any other fabric items should be
hung up or positioned so they can air out easily.
7.
Pump out the holding tank adding fresh water to the bowl and
flushing several times. Use a toilet cleaning product, but refer
to your owner's handbook to make sure the product you use is
safe for your system.
Storing
your boat on a Trailer
If your boat is to be stored on a trailer, remove the tyres and
place the trailer on blocks to preserve the tyre rubber and also
make your boat harder to steal.
Storing Your
Boat Out of the Water
If you've
chosen to store your boat out of the water over winter, it's a
great opportunity to clean the barnacles, algae and other foul
off the hull, propellers, shafts and rudders etc. Open the
seacocks, letting them drain and drain the bilges leaving the
drain plug out. Make sure you remember to put it back in before
your boat goes back in the water next season.
Storage in the
Water
For boats
stored in the water over winter, the main problem is freezing of
the water around the boat.
Make sure all your seacocks are closed and that nothing is
leaking and ensure the bilge systems (pumps, float switches, and
battery) are running smoothly.
You should also check the boat at regular intervals
to make sure it is safe and secure; the marina or
Harbour
Master may be able to do this and report back to you.
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