It's spring — when all our plans for the boating season ahead are positive and hopeful. This is an important time; insurance claim files show over and over that it's the little things missed during spring commissioning that can lead to serious problems that will not only lighten your wallet but also rob your family of precious time on the water. Here are examples of some common items that can't be overlooked during your spring-commissioning activities.
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The Need to Winterize
Not winterizing your boat’s freshwater and sanitation systems runs the same risk as not winterizing your boat’s engine. Unless all water is removed and replaced with antifreeze, you run the risk of a freeze destroying water lines and equipment. Winterizing your boat’s freshwater system is a simple process, which can be broken down into three steps.
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Coming and it’s now time to keep your small outboard safe from the freezing temperatures. If you’re like other countless owners who leave their boats floating on all the time, winterizing is your best friend. This especially true if you take your small outboard to salt water and don’t flush it regularly during the summer season. It’s definitely time to tidy up and winterize your engines. Start it off with a good freshwater flush. If in the above situation, a salt remover such as the Salt-X product should do the trick. Otherwise, here’s how you do it- Use some earmuffs to effectively clamp your outboard engine’s intake ports. Take a hose and connect it to a freshwater source. Install an in-line mixing unit through the hose for drawing in all the salt-removing fluids.
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Give your boat 100% protection during the off-season.
Shrink wrap systems are a great way to protect boats stored in the off season, build temporary structures to contain construction dust or cover unused equipment. Shrink wrapping creates a versatile waterproof barrier that stands up to the environment. Completely covering the boat helps to keep out rodents and protect canvas from bird droppings, dust and debris. Because it is heat tensioned, shrink wrap eliminates pooling and sheds snow to reduce the risk of collapsing from snow loads. The tight material remains stable in high winds and will not chafe gel coat and paint.
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So, you bought the perfect boat, now where are you going to keep it? Many owners choose to store their boats at home in a driveway, yard or garage and simply trailer them down to the boat ramp each time they go out.
But for daily boaters it may be better to store the boat on the water, allowing for more accessible, faster launching. Of course, this is usually the more expensive option as space at marinas and harbors can get pricey quickly.
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Winter season. Boating slows down, and depending on where you live, you may haul your boat out of the water and store it either in climate-controlled storage or shrink wrap.
While your cruising may take a break, Winter is the time to get your boat ready to survive the harsh winter (winterizing your boat), and prepare your boat for a great boating season next year.
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