Putting Your Palace To Bed by: News Canada
(NC) —If you're a sailor, there are few things as precious as your boat. Power or sail, whatever the size, your boat is your escape, your refuge, your palace. Below are a few tips on protecting that refuge from old man winter.
Boat In the Water
- Fill fuel tanks, add stabilizer.
- Change engine oil and filters, always using brand name products from known marine specialists, like Castrol.
- Winterize head, holding tank and fresh water system by draining or filling with non-toxic anti-freeze.
- Winterize any other water using equipment.
- Remove electronics, antennas and couplers. Spray and tape exposed cables.
- Service cradle if necessary.
Boat On Dry Land
- Lubricate or grease all systems requiring such.
- Pump bilges completely dry, rinse with cleaner, empty again.
- Charge batteries fully. Disconnect if leaving on boat.
- Winterize engine and cooling system. Drain all water from engine block and any stern drives. Replace with storage antifreeze.
- Clean fridge and/or ice box thoroughly.
- Use mildewcide or anti-fungus products liberally.
- Leave lockers and hatches open where possible. Leave bilge access open.
- Be sure the entire boat has access to plenty of fresh air.
- And if you're really gung-ho, you can do all that important exterior stuff like varnishing and washing the hull.
A wealth of interesting and valuable information on motor oils and lubricants can be found at www.castrolcanada.com or other well known petroleum web sites.
- News Canada