Like it or not, it's getting to be that time of year where we tuck away our boats and dream of spring days. Let it be clear: we are by no means encouraging you to put away your boat now. But when you're ready to winterize, here are some tips you might keep in mind.
1. Treat your battery like a million bucks.
Batteries are what you need to get going each time you crank that engine, so make sure you give those babies a little TLC before tucking them in for the winter. Charge the battery, and then remove the negative cable. Let it rest for several hours before checking on it. A fully charged battery should read 12.5 volts. Between now and your boat's big unveiling in the spring, check the charge monthly. Also, don't believe that myth that says storing batteries on a concrete floor shortens their lives!
2. Make sure your tarp stays put.
Sharp edges and things that stick out wear holes through tarps. Prevent this by covering sharp places with strips of old carpet or rags, and use duct tape to secure them. When tying down a tarp, crossing lines under the boat works, but that makes it tough to get inside the boat for any projects during the winter. An alternative is to fill one-gallon jugs with sand and hang them from the tarp. When you need to get into your boat, just lift a jug or two to remove the tension. To prevent those sags that hold water and rip, use a stepladder, placing it on the deck to support the low spot. Stretch a big cotton T-shirt over outboard cowls to protect glossy finishes from flapping tarps. Hate the critters that move into your boat over the winter? A battery-powered AM radio left tuned to a talk station will deter creatures from shacking up.
3. Make a list, check it twice.
Use a handy dandy checklist like this one from iBoats to make sure you follow all of the necessary steps while winterizing your boat. You don't want to get distracted and miss a key step, only to regret it in the spring!
Not so much a do-it-yourself-er? Then check out our winterizing coupons and make an appointment with us today.
When are you winterizing your boat? What are some winterizing tricks you like to make use of every winter?
No comments:
Post a Comment