Hello all, I know its a little early but it did get down to the low 40's last night! (live in Wisconsin). I need some advice on how to store my boat. I plan to either shrink wrap or store it inside this year since it's new. Any comments on shrink wraping? What about the stuff inside the boat? Can I keep the fabric cushions on board, and the fire extinguisher, and life vest etc. Should I keep the battery in my garage or in the basement? Do you worry about mice etc.? What is the best way to store the furling jib? Can I keep the mainsail rolled up on the boom and inside the cabin? Any advice would be much appreciated and thanks for your help. Daniel, s/v Endeavors
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
A
Al Beattie
Battery Pal
It does not get as cold here on the Washington Coast, but as for the battery storage, I always pull it out and hook it up to a gadget called the "the battery Pal". This device is produced by Guest and sold by most marine supply stores. It keeps the battery topped up and ready to go. Unless you have one of the hightech batteries (AGC or Gell) then the battery discharges completly in about an month and this is very hard on the battery. A friend of mine says batteries never die, they are always murdered. Al Beattie "ElseWhere" - Hunter 23.5
It does not get as cold here on the Washington Coast, but as for the battery storage, I always pull it out and hook it up to a gadget called the "the battery Pal". This device is produced by Guest and sold by most marine supply stores. It keeps the battery topped up and ready to go. Unless you have one of the hightech batteries (AGC or Gell) then the battery discharges completly in about an month and this is very hard on the battery. A friend of mine says batteries never die, they are always murdered. Al Beattie "ElseWhere" - Hunter 23.5
M
Michael O'Hara
Hauling Early
Yep, doing the same, hauling out a few weeks early. My mate was sleeping in her sweats last Saturday nite! Next Sunday we pull "Narrow Escape" out for the winter, and winter here in northern Utah is certainly as cold and white as winter in Wisconsin. We leave the boat on the trailer in the parking lot at the lake. Some folks shrink-wrap, but I've had good luck just using two tarps and a lot of bungees. We remove anything that will freeze (but not the fire extinguisher), all food, and the cabin cushion covers ('cause we clean them before the next season). We remove the genoa from the furler and the main from the mast, and store them in the boat. The boom comes off, too, for storage in the boat. The battery comes out for storage in one of my closets. The water gets drained and the porta-potty gets emptied. As for mice, we've only had one in the last 4 years and it come in via the dock - if a mouse can climb my trailer let him eat what he can find..... But if you're worried about mice, place a packet of poison on the cabin floor when you lock up. A lot of folks claim that tarps shred in the wind, but I've never had a hint of that problem..... knock on wood. I do go visit the boat about three times during the winter to make sure it is in good shape - and I have to walk through hip-deep snow to do that! Good luck! Wintering is not as bad as you imagine! Michael O'
Yep, doing the same, hauling out a few weeks early. My mate was sleeping in her sweats last Saturday nite! Next Sunday we pull "Narrow Escape" out for the winter, and winter here in northern Utah is certainly as cold and white as winter in Wisconsin. We leave the boat on the trailer in the parking lot at the lake. Some folks shrink-wrap, but I've had good luck just using two tarps and a lot of bungees. We remove anything that will freeze (but not the fire extinguisher), all food, and the cabin cushion covers ('cause we clean them before the next season). We remove the genoa from the furler and the main from the mast, and store them in the boat. The boom comes off, too, for storage in the boat. The battery comes out for storage in one of my closets. The water gets drained and the porta-potty gets emptied. As for mice, we've only had one in the last 4 years and it come in via the dock - if a mouse can climb my trailer let him eat what he can find..... But if you're worried about mice, place a packet of poison on the cabin floor when you lock up. A lot of folks claim that tarps shred in the wind, but I've never had a hint of that problem..... knock on wood. I do go visit the boat about three times during the winter to make sure it is in good shape - and I have to walk through hip-deep snow to do that! Good luck! Wintering is not as bad as you imagine! Michael O'
D
Dan Ebert
Check Valve
Remove the check valve and drain the manual water pump at the sink. Had to replace this year because of the little amount of water still in the faucet and froze. As matter of note, the check valve is real tender(cheap) and I have broken four this year alone. Hunter service has been great and replace the check valves at no charge.
Remove the check valve and drain the manual water pump at the sink. Had to replace this year because of the little amount of water still in the faucet and froze. As matter of note, the check valve is real tender(cheap) and I have broken four this year alone. Hunter service has been great and replace the check valves at no charge.
P
Peggie Hall/Head Mistress
Read the article on winterizing plumbing...
...in the Head Mistress forum. Take the cushions home...in fact, take ALL the soft goods home. Store them where they'll stay clean and dry. Don't leave ANY food on the boat--nothing to attract critters. Leave all interior hatches and lockers open so that air can circulate in them (prevents mold and mildew. Follow mfrs instructions for winterizing engine. Take batteries home. (Hope you have a lot of storage space at home!)
...in the Head Mistress forum. Take the cushions home...in fact, take ALL the soft goods home. Store them where they'll stay clean and dry. Don't leave ANY food on the boat--nothing to attract critters. Leave all interior hatches and lockers open so that air can circulate in them (prevents mold and mildew. Follow mfrs instructions for winterizing engine. Take batteries home. (Hope you have a lot of storage space at home!)
M
Marcie Robson
winter storage
keep the battery off the cement, it will discharge it quickly. Our boat came with a frame out of pvc tubing that slips over the lifeline supports(whatever theyre called) and keeps the tarp from rubbing . Tape over the open end of the mast. remove the boom and store all sails in sail bags pillowcases work if you dont have bags, and fold them dont crease or put anything on top of them. Take everything off the boat you can, flares, first aid, air horns, cleaning supplies , compass. If you have to ask take it off, the cold can chemically change alot of things and make them useless.To winterize your outboard start it and disconnect fuel supply and run it untill it stalls(in the water or you will burn it up) that will clear the carb of that nasty mixed gas, even if you use stabilizer you can still have problems, or have a shop drain the carb. Dont shrinkwrap it a boat has to breathe and air out. Its ok if they come that way theyve never been in the water or exposed to the elements like a season on the water. Gelcoat is porous and can absorb some water and wood has to breathe. Also make a list of things you do so you remember them next year, nothing worse than raising the mast and noticing you forgot the antenna or didnt check the light etc. I know theres alot I didnt cover these are just things that i thought of reading your question.... Ive learned the hard way its easier to do it now than to replace or fix it later......
keep the battery off the cement, it will discharge it quickly. Our boat came with a frame out of pvc tubing that slips over the lifeline supports(whatever theyre called) and keeps the tarp from rubbing . Tape over the open end of the mast. remove the boom and store all sails in sail bags pillowcases work if you dont have bags, and fold them dont crease or put anything on top of them. Take everything off the boat you can, flares, first aid, air horns, cleaning supplies , compass. If you have to ask take it off, the cold can chemically change alot of things and make them useless.To winterize your outboard start it and disconnect fuel supply and run it untill it stalls(in the water or you will burn it up) that will clear the carb of that nasty mixed gas, even if you use stabilizer you can still have problems, or have a shop drain the carb. Dont shrinkwrap it a boat has to breathe and air out. Its ok if they come that way theyve never been in the water or exposed to the elements like a season on the water. Gelcoat is porous and can absorb some water and wood has to breathe. Also make a list of things you do so you remember them next year, nothing worse than raising the mast and noticing you forgot the antenna or didnt check the light etc. I know theres alot I didnt cover these are just things that i thought of reading your question.... Ive learned the hard way its easier to do it now than to replace or fix it later......
K
Ken Shubert
Easy Does It
I don't remove batteries from my car in the winter so I just leave the battery aboard and run a cord to the charger once a month. This battery is 3 years old and still seems to have the new capacity. I have wondered about the moisture that condenses under the shrink wrap. That doesn't seem like a good idea. The winching post on my trailer filled with water and froze last year. It split the big square post and it will have to be patched some way. Be sure to put a plastic bucket or something over the winch which will also keep water out of the post. I left mine in dry sail one winter, with the standing rigging intact. Sure made it easy in the spring. My outboard sits in a corner of the garage with a little Stabil in the fuel. It starts on the second pull in the spring. My winter storage is only 90 days which helps too. Ken S/V Wouff Hong
I don't remove batteries from my car in the winter so I just leave the battery aboard and run a cord to the charger once a month. This battery is 3 years old and still seems to have the new capacity. I have wondered about the moisture that condenses under the shrink wrap. That doesn't seem like a good idea. The winching post on my trailer filled with water and froze last year. It split the big square post and it will have to be patched some way. Be sure to put a plastic bucket or something over the winch which will also keep water out of the post. I left mine in dry sail one winter, with the standing rigging intact. Sure made it easy in the spring. My outboard sits in a corner of the garage with a little Stabil in the fuel. It starts on the second pull in the spring. My winter storage is only 90 days which helps too. Ken S/V Wouff Hong
D
Daniel Lawrence
Thanks, what about the engine
Thanks for your thoughts on this. I appreciate it. One other question. If I drain the carborator, change the oil in the engine (4stroke) and the oil in the lower unit, can I keep the engine on the boat. I have remote controls and I would prefer to not mess with the linkage. Thanks again. P.S. It windy and 61degrees today and I am bunbling up and going sailing this afternoon. Have to ease it to this gradually!!
Thanks for your thoughts on this. I appreciate it. One other question. If I drain the carborator, change the oil in the engine (4stroke) and the oil in the lower unit, can I keep the engine on the boat. I have remote controls and I would prefer to not mess with the linkage. Thanks again. P.S. It windy and 61degrees today and I am bunbling up and going sailing this afternoon. Have to ease it to this gradually!!
M
Marcie Robson
the engine
it should be ok on the boat make sure you cover it up and that there isnt a way to trap water in somthing that cant take the pressure when it freezes , since you are draining the oil from the lower unit its a good idea to make sure theres no water left in the cooling impeller or system, because it could freeze and crack your block,and then cover it( it could rust if you use plastic) it may even be ok in the open but canvas covers are available for some motors. I came from utah winters, they can be cold and windy and last for 5-6 mos. I had a motorhome for several yrs and found I rested much easier during the storms when I knew everything was safe and sound. If it were me Id take the motor off. You shouldnt have to drain the lower oil every year (check owners manual) anyway. When we bought our boat the guy warranteed the motor so we didnt have to pay for this, but he didnt drain the carb and we almost lost our boat the first time out, it stalled on the way out of the marina (started just fine, new gas) We were being blown up river with sails down and anchor out creeping inch by inch towards our doom while trying to restart it. Took it off the boat which is fun with it in the water and we dont have linkage. the mech said the carb was gummed up and had to be taken apart and cleaned. there was stabilizer in the fuel when he stored it last year. As far as the battery better safe than sorry I used a marine batt on the motorhome and its always been dead at the beg. of the season if i left it on the truck, it seemed to be ok after filling and charging but I kept the starting batt off so I could start the truck diring the winter. I wouldnt trust a battery in an emergency first time out if I didnt have it checked first under load. I cant stress more its easier to do it now and not worry about it so much later... A little advice from an equipment mechanic..... when you take things apart mark them with tape and draw pictures.. you will forget by next year...
it should be ok on the boat make sure you cover it up and that there isnt a way to trap water in somthing that cant take the pressure when it freezes , since you are draining the oil from the lower unit its a good idea to make sure theres no water left in the cooling impeller or system, because it could freeze and crack your block,and then cover it( it could rust if you use plastic) it may even be ok in the open but canvas covers are available for some motors. I came from utah winters, they can be cold and windy and last for 5-6 mos. I had a motorhome for several yrs and found I rested much easier during the storms when I knew everything was safe and sound. If it were me Id take the motor off. You shouldnt have to drain the lower oil every year (check owners manual) anyway. When we bought our boat the guy warranteed the motor so we didnt have to pay for this, but he didnt drain the carb and we almost lost our boat the first time out, it stalled on the way out of the marina (started just fine, new gas) We were being blown up river with sails down and anchor out creeping inch by inch towards our doom while trying to restart it. Took it off the boat which is fun with it in the water and we dont have linkage. the mech said the carb was gummed up and had to be taken apart and cleaned. there was stabilizer in the fuel when he stored it last year. As far as the battery better safe than sorry I used a marine batt on the motorhome and its always been dead at the beg. of the season if i left it on the truck, it seemed to be ok after filling and charging but I kept the starting batt off so I could start the truck diring the winter. I wouldnt trust a battery in an emergency first time out if I didnt have it checked first under load. I cant stress more its easier to do it now and not worry about it so much later... A little advice from an equipment mechanic..... when you take things apart mark them with tape and draw pictures.. you will forget by next year...
D
Dave Condon
Winterazation
Just a few tips. Do not store batteries directly onto the floor. Place them on a board. Seems to discharge more if on the floor without a board based on 30 years of experience. If covering the boat, I have seen some folks place a tarp over the mast. Under snow and/or ice, the weight will be too much and bend the mast. As for the engine, the main consideration is to run all the gas out to avoid the carb from gumming up. Simply disconnect the fuel line and let it run out. If not using the engine any at all, fogging the engine through the spark plug openings might be suggestive. Crazy Dave
Just a few tips. Do not store batteries directly onto the floor. Place them on a board. Seems to discharge more if on the floor without a board based on 30 years of experience. If covering the boat, I have seen some folks place a tarp over the mast. Under snow and/or ice, the weight will be too much and bend the mast. As for the engine, the main consideration is to run all the gas out to avoid the carb from gumming up. Simply disconnect the fuel line and let it run out. If not using the engine any at all, fogging the engine through the spark plug openings might be suggestive. Crazy Dave
- Status
- Not open for further replies.