RETURN                                                                    WINTERISING BOAT

Winter is upon us, its time to think of winterising your boat. .

On Deck

1. Remove sails from vessel, wash, and store in dry conditions

2.Remove Running rigging and replace with cheaper cord/messenger. Wash all halyards and warps.Remove Anchor and chain, clean with fresh water, and check for corrosion on the links, especially any added links.

3.Check hull and superstucture for chips in gel coat, repair these to prevent ingress of water in to fibreglass.

Internal

3.Remove Upholstery from boat and leave berths open to ventilate.

4. Check for deck leaks, water can ingress and destroy fabric of boat over a long period if left unattended.

5 Whilst covering your boat with a cover can be a help try to ensure interior of boat is well ventilated. 

6.Remove all items like clothing, and lifejackets that can attract mildew. Wash lifejackets gently with clean water to remove salt, and hang up to dry. Over winter inflate lifejacket to check integrity of bladder. Remove CO2 bottle and if fitted remove automatic triggering mechanism. Check for and replace out of date components or if signs of corrosion present. Maintenence kits can be obtained from the chandlers.

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Engine

7.Check level of electrolyte in battery, fill as required, charge to capacity, disconnect battery from all electrical connections. Charge battery at regular intervals throughout lay up period. Discharged batteries if stored in this state will become unserviceable. If batteries removed from boat do not store on concrete floor but ensure they stand on some insulation such as wood, or carpet.

8. Fill Fuel tanks with diesel, including bug inhibitors, or completely empty fuel tanks ,clean out thoroughly and refill. Diesel bugs grow on the interface between diesel fuel and water. Half empty tanks allow the movement of air which brings in fresh condensation each day. Check that the diesel filler plug is well sealed to prevent deck water accessing fuel tank. 

9. Drain engine oil, and fill with fresh oil. Dispose of oil safely at recycling plant.

10. Drain engine of all water and replace with antifreeze/water mix.

11.Change oil and fuel filters.

12.Check Water Pump impeller for wear and replace if necessary. 

13.Check fan belts for wear and tightness.

14.Remove Gas Bottles, cans of petrol and pyrotecnics from boat

WARNING

Electrical heating appliances left on boats, combined with inflammable gas or vapours can be a lethal mix. (Club rules require gas and petrol to be removed). Please remove electric cable plugs from sockets when not in use.