EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the inaugural posting by Keith Ammons, who is taking over this blog for Thom Dammrich. Click here to read more about Keith.
This week, James from North Carolina asks, "What do I need to do if I plan to store my boat in my back yard over the winter?"
As cold weather sets in, many people do exactly what James is doing: Pack up their boats and related equipment to hibernate for winter.
When it comes to winterizing a boat, you want to do two basic things: Protect it from the harsh winter elements and ensure there's no water in the motor that can freeze.
If water left in the engine, water pump, livewell pump, or almost anywhere else freezes, it will expand. This expansion can wreak havoc on a boat. It's no fun to open up shop in the spring only to realize the half- inch of water left in the livewell has cracked your drain pipe, leaving water to flow freely from the livewell right to your bilge. Or even worse, you discover a cracked engine block–the result of water left in the engine cooling system that froze over the winter months.
Luckily, these nightmare (and costly!) scenarios are avoidable. Here's a quick rundown on how to keep your boat out of Old Man Winter's destructive grasp:
1. First things first: Drain ALL water out of your engine and anywhere else it is transported and/or stored in the boat. Depending on your engine type, there are several ways to drain water. Be sure to consult your owners' manual or communicate directly with the manufacturer to confirm the correct engine winterizing procedure for your boat. Again, depending on the engine, you may want to fog cylinders, change the gear case oil, and add fuel stabilizer. If you're not sure, haul the boat to a marine service center and have them winterize for you.
2. Once these systems have been properly winterized either by you or a certified marine mechanic, the next step involves taking appropriate measures to protect the boat from harsh outdoor conditions. The key is to keep it covered. Ideally, it's best to store the boat in a garage, barn, shed or other enclosed or semi-enclosed structure. If that's not an option, then a heavy-duty boat cover ortarp is a must.
3. After the boat's covered, it can (unbeknownst to you) make a nice place for animals to call home for the winter. Rodents love to eat PVC fabric, and they can turn a nice seat cushion into a warm den for their young. Sounds cute and cuddly"¦but definitely NOT when it's your boat we're talking about!
So to avoid becoming "Home Sweet Home" for Rodent-palooza, make sure you do a thorough job cleaning the boat's interior and remove all food items. I personally add rodent poison to my boat when it is sitting in the barn to avoid any nest-making possibilities.
4. If the boat's riding out winter atop its trailer, it's a good idea to put the trailer up on blocks, which will take some of the boat's weight off the trailer tires. Loosen the tie down straps to relieve stress on the hull. I remove my battery and take it into the garage, where temperature is more consistent. I also add a mildew control bag underneath the boat cover.
The key is to follow the manufacturers' recommendations when it comes to properly winterizing the boat's engine and other mechanical parts. Then, simply apply a thick coat of common sense to keep the boat dry, rodent-and mildew-free and generally protected from harsh winter elements.
The Boating Guy answers all kind of questions. To give it a try, visit DiscoverBoating.com. You'll receive an answer in a day or two, and who knows"¦your question and answer may just end up in this blog!
