Hi Cole...I see you just joined yesterday...welcome aboard!
You haven't said what size the boat is...is it big enough to have any plumbing (running water...toilet)?
--Peggie
Peggy, he did indicate the size...... 1971 Day Sailer II, so.... 16'9" loa. and no real "systems", No plumbing, well.......... I do have a "little red jug" on my DS II, but dream of someday moving up to the "luxury" of a porta-pottie <grin!>, and no need to "winterize" that level (little jug) of head! <GRIN!!> Water system is bottled water carried aboard and removed before Winter (although even those CAN be left aboard I guess? I usually do, and thus can have a drink aboard if I visit on a above freezing day. (OK, I may have a few "delusions" of the size of my boat?)
Anyway, Cole, I'd agree with the covering tarp, not sure that I'd use the mast as support, but not really going to do permanent damage on that small of a boat, if you use adequate supports to keep mast off deck of boat. I'd leave the cuddy open (not sure if your boat has any cover for the opening, mine does) and open the 2 "inspection/bailing" ports at the forward end of the cockpit to vent the bilge. I assume the boat is on a good trailer (or adequately blocked up off ground) so just be sure she is well supported, due to the way my 1979 DS II sits on the trailer I insert a pair of wooden wedges between the hull of the boat and the tops of the fenders to better steady her on the trailer (hull flexes and allow boat to rock side to side otherwise). Store the mast with the standing rigging securely lashed to the mast at several points and I usually remove the halyards to give them a good rinse each Fall (along with all the other lines on the boat), then reinstall them in the Spring. Rinse off your sails and once dry, carefully fold them and store in bag in a cool, dry place (garage or shed may be OK if no rodents can get to the sails, or house basement). I like to give my boat a good, thorough cleaning in the Fall to prevent staining and because scum, slime, and barnicles are easier to remove before they dry. For the last several years I have gone over the hull and smooth areas of the deck with a liquid rubbing compound / polish to remove oxidation, then apply a couple of coats of marine paste wax to preserve the finish over the Winter (I then wipe down and apply a couple more coats of wax in the Spring, which is why my almost 40 year old boat still looks great!) I used to do the whole clean and wax in the Spring, but lately the weather is better in the Fall! At the very least, I would go over the whole boat with a "Mr. Clean MAGIC ERASER" and clear water, and rinse well after. OH, I forgot to mention, it is a good idea to remove all loose gear from the boat before winter storage, keep it in a safe place in a box or bin, ready for next season. Removing all that allows for easier cleaning of the boat (and gear!) and reduces the chance of theft while in storage. Over the Winter, I like to give all the woodwork (tiller, boom crutch, cuddy cover boards/door, etc.) a light sanding and 1-2 coats of fresh varnish.
You MAY want to periodically (I do it every 2-3 years) remove the Centerboard to inspect the lines (well, actually, on the 1971 model, they would both be cables) that raise and lower the CB. Replacements are available from D&R Marine (
www.drmarine.com) also good time to check and possible replace the rubber gasket washers on the CB pivot bolt, They last a long time, but still, after 47 years it is worth checking them!
