I'm planning to store my boat (26M) for the winter sitting on its trailer with the mast raised and the furled jib covered with a protective sock, plus a tarp over the cockpit. Does anyone with experience with northern winter storage have any advice on the subject?
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Steve Paul
Here's what I've learned
I'd prefer to take down my jib and store it inside somewhere just for safety. Wind and ice can be damaging without your knowledge. One thinng I've learned is to have some way to ventilate the boats interior. Moisture from condensation will build up and if you can ventilation will help rid that accumulation. I'd be cautious about the tarp. I've done it and prefer the tarp but it needs to be tight and well supported to avoid snow and ice dams that can damage your boat and create leaks. Other than that be sure the cockpit drains are open and lower than the other end of the cockpit. Take care to winterize any water systems and I know you'll winterize the outboard. I cover my outboard for the same reasons of ice and blown rain. Good luck,Just my experiences over the years. Steve P.
I'd prefer to take down my jib and store it inside somewhere just for safety. Wind and ice can be damaging without your knowledge. One thinng I've learned is to have some way to ventilate the boats interior. Moisture from condensation will build up and if you can ventilation will help rid that accumulation. I'd be cautious about the tarp. I've done it and prefer the tarp but it needs to be tight and well supported to avoid snow and ice dams that can damage your boat and create leaks. Other than that be sure the cockpit drains are open and lower than the other end of the cockpit. Take care to winterize any water systems and I know you'll winterize the outboard. I cover my outboard for the same reasons of ice and blown rain. Good luck,Just my experiences over the years. Steve P.
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Rick Johnson
Thanks Steve
Thanks for the tips Steve. So far we don't have any water on board (other than in the head)...haven't had time to figure out how to use the sink tap, and don't really know where it drains to. Do you put anti-freeze in the ballast? I have been considering pouring some in the forward ballast vent hole. Thought it would be advisable to keep the transom valve closed to keep mice etc. from trying to make a home though. Do you see any merit in putting the trailer up on blocks to take the weight off the tires? I do have a place where I could store the jib (in the crawl space under our house)...will just have to replace the forestay with a suitable line for the winter. The manual with my Honda 50 doesn't cover winter storage...just says that for "prolonged storage" you should clear the gas line (run it till it quits of fuel starvation), drain the oil, and pour some oil into the top of each cylinder. Any advice on that front? Cheers, Rick J.
Thanks for the tips Steve. So far we don't have any water on board (other than in the head)...haven't had time to figure out how to use the sink tap, and don't really know where it drains to. Do you put anti-freeze in the ballast? I have been considering pouring some in the forward ballast vent hole. Thought it would be advisable to keep the transom valve closed to keep mice etc. from trying to make a home though. Do you see any merit in putting the trailer up on blocks to take the weight off the tires? I do have a place where I could store the jib (in the crawl space under our house)...will just have to replace the forestay with a suitable line for the winter. The manual with my Honda 50 doesn't cover winter storage...just says that for "prolonged storage" you should clear the gas line (run it till it quits of fuel starvation), drain the oil, and pour some oil into the top of each cylinder. Any advice on that front? Cheers, Rick J.
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Steve Paul
Glad to help
I'd be careful in the crawlspace in case mice get in the bag for warmth. You can store the sail in the boat, I've done that. I think a little antifreeze (RV TYPE) in the ballast is ok, will keep ice from breaking anything. I'd do as the motor manual says. Run till out of gas, then fog the cylinders with either a spray or squirt some 2 cycle oil in each cyl and turn the engine ove once or twice to distribute. One thing I'd recommend is to change the lower unit grease. That way draining it will get any water out that's in there and then fill it from the bottom with new grease until it comes out the top hole. Close it up an go home. I've not jacked mine up but there are lots of people who do to take the weight off the tires. I either cover my tires or put plenty of tire slick on them to reduce the UV damage over time. Can't wait till Spring, Steve P.
I'd be careful in the crawlspace in case mice get in the bag for warmth. You can store the sail in the boat, I've done that. I think a little antifreeze (RV TYPE) in the ballast is ok, will keep ice from breaking anything. I'd do as the motor manual says. Run till out of gas, then fog the cylinders with either a spray or squirt some 2 cycle oil in each cyl and turn the engine ove once or twice to distribute. One thing I'd recommend is to change the lower unit grease. That way draining it will get any water out that's in there and then fill it from the bottom with new grease until it comes out the top hole. Close it up an go home. I've not jacked mine up but there are lots of people who do to take the weight off the tires. I either cover my tires or put plenty of tire slick on them to reduce the UV damage over time. Can't wait till Spring, Steve P.
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Ed
Drain the ballast and forget it
The ballast should be drained whenever the boat is out of the water anyway. With no water in it, I can't see why you would put in antifreeze. I leave my drains open for evaporation. No problem with mice, too high up, but small birds could fly in, I suppose. Also, if the furled jib is left up, it is a good idea to secure it from blowing in the wind with a bungee cord. This keeps the headstay from fraying, which can be a hidden disaster if you don't inspect it when you next sail. Otherwise, just be sure the tarp drains fully and if a lot of snow builds up, take a broom and shove it off from time to time. For the motor, the most important thing is to make sure ALL of the water is out of it. Usually, turning the motor over a few times once the motor is out of the water is enough. You don't want internal water to freeze. I like to run the motor until it runs out of gas after I pull it out of the water and disconnect the gas line at the motor. That way you get rid of the gas and water all at once. All should be OK next Spring when you want to sail.
The ballast should be drained whenever the boat is out of the water anyway. With no water in it, I can't see why you would put in antifreeze. I leave my drains open for evaporation. No problem with mice, too high up, but small birds could fly in, I suppose. Also, if the furled jib is left up, it is a good idea to secure it from blowing in the wind with a bungee cord. This keeps the headstay from fraying, which can be a hidden disaster if you don't inspect it when you next sail. Otherwise, just be sure the tarp drains fully and if a lot of snow builds up, take a broom and shove it off from time to time. For the motor, the most important thing is to make sure ALL of the water is out of it. Usually, turning the motor over a few times once the motor is out of the water is enough. You don't want internal water to freeze. I like to run the motor until it runs out of gas after I pull it out of the water and disconnect the gas line at the motor. That way you get rid of the gas and water all at once. All should be OK next Spring when you want to sail.
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vwjon
motor
My Honda outboards seem to run forever after the fuel line is disconected. I'd never run one that long on the hard without water circulating.
My Honda outboards seem to run forever after the fuel line is disconected. I'd never run one that long on the hard without water circulating.
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