I am a new boat owner Hunter 37.5 Legend. When it comes to winterizing in the Chesapeake Bay - what do you leave on the boat as far as gear? Removed sails from rigging but do you leave them on the boat or in the basement? bedding? Dishes? stuff??? Is there a site I can reference to get details about how best to secure the water, holding, fuel tanks? Engine? etc? Joe s/v Satisfaction
Winterizing
- Thread starter jjgizara
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A suggestion
Are you hauling out or staying in the water? Either way, hire the yard or pro to do your first winterizing. Be with them and watch everything they do. Most of them are glad to show you what/how to do it. Here's a few random thoughts: My 37.5 (93) has a strainer under the companion way steps, in front of the engine. I use that to pour pink stuff with the engine in high idle and the water intake shut off. I use 3 gal. I do the same for my ac unit, which has a strainer in the same area. Also, change your oil before u winterize. General rule is to top your fuel tank off. Empty and flush your holding tank as much as you can. Little pink stuff in there and the bilge is a good idea. There's also a trick to your head as the raw water side doesn't get pink from the head itself. Best to disconnet that line so it doesnt' freeze. The water system is complicated depending on what method you use and how you handle the water heater. Some blow all the water out with air, but I've never done that, or quite frankly, figured out how to do it. If you can by-pass the water heater, you'll need about 4 gal pink in the tank, turn on the faucets and shut off as soon as pink appears. I'm sure others here will offer suggestions too. Again, it's good to have a friend who's experienced, or a pro for the first time. It's not something to take lightly.
Are you hauling out or staying in the water? Either way, hire the yard or pro to do your first winterizing. Be with them and watch everything they do. Most of them are glad to show you what/how to do it. Here's a few random thoughts: My 37.5 (93) has a strainer under the companion way steps, in front of the engine. I use that to pour pink stuff with the engine in high idle and the water intake shut off. I use 3 gal. I do the same for my ac unit, which has a strainer in the same area. Also, change your oil before u winterize. General rule is to top your fuel tank off. Empty and flush your holding tank as much as you can. Little pink stuff in there and the bilge is a good idea. There's also a trick to your head as the raw water side doesn't get pink from the head itself. Best to disconnet that line so it doesnt' freeze. The water system is complicated depending on what method you use and how you handle the water heater. Some blow all the water out with air, but I've never done that, or quite frankly, figured out how to do it. If you can by-pass the water heater, you'll need about 4 gal pink in the tank, turn on the faucets and shut off as soon as pink appears. I'm sure others here will offer suggestions too. Again, it's good to have a friend who's experienced, or a pro for the first time. It's not something to take lightly.
Everyone does winterizing
their own way. I agree with Don about hiring your pro's to do it for you the first time with you looking over their shoulders and asking questions. Then you'll be confident to do it yourself the next time. I also think that it's wise to take as much as possible off the boat over the winter. To me, that includes sails, sail covers, bimini, all bedding, all portable electronics, binoculars, cushions, etc., that you have room to store in a warm, dry place. With your boat closed up for months over the winter, none of these items will be enhanced by being left on your boat, and some might deteriorate or mildew. Finally, they present the possibility of being stolen. Leave your dishes and glassware, and similar "hard" items on board. You probably can't take your bunk cushions home due to their size, but I suggest you turn them vertical and open all, and leave open, all the lockers under them to encourage circulation. I also like to leave all my seacocks open over the winter (but close all but the scuppers just prior to spring launch). While your winters are probably about the same as mine, I recommend using (or telling the yard to use) the best -100 degree antifreeze for the engine as it will mix with some residual water in the waterlift muffler and exhaust. While warm winters have been common here, very cold ones are still possible. The -60 or -50 stuff is ok or the fresh water system and head. Finally, try to visit and open up your boat at least once a month over the winter. Not only it this a good idea to make sure all is well with your beloved boat, it's fun: bring along a hot lunch and some coffee and listen to some music in the cabin -- while thinking of spring.
their own way. I agree with Don about hiring your pro's to do it for you the first time with you looking over their shoulders and asking questions. Then you'll be confident to do it yourself the next time. I also think that it's wise to take as much as possible off the boat over the winter. To me, that includes sails, sail covers, bimini, all bedding, all portable electronics, binoculars, cushions, etc., that you have room to store in a warm, dry place. With your boat closed up for months over the winter, none of these items will be enhanced by being left on your boat, and some might deteriorate or mildew. Finally, they present the possibility of being stolen. Leave your dishes and glassware, and similar "hard" items on board. You probably can't take your bunk cushions home due to their size, but I suggest you turn them vertical and open all, and leave open, all the lockers under them to encourage circulation. I also like to leave all my seacocks open over the winter (but close all but the scuppers just prior to spring launch). While your winters are probably about the same as mine, I recommend using (or telling the yard to use) the best -100 degree antifreeze for the engine as it will mix with some residual water in the waterlift muffler and exhaust. While warm winters have been common here, very cold ones are still possible. The -60 or -50 stuff is ok or the fresh water system and head. Finally, try to visit and open up your boat at least once a month over the winter. Not only it this a good idea to make sure all is well with your beloved boat, it's fun: bring along a hot lunch and some coffee and listen to some music in the cabin -- while thinking of spring.
Warren...
in addition to all you recommend (Great Advice!) I DO take all my cushions on my H34 home for the winter and store them on my garage's rafters. I can get even the longest ones (v-berth, settee) in my car (mid-size) by folding down the passenger seatback all the way. They'll fit. Second trip gets all the short cushions (dinette, seat backs, fillers). As you said, electronics and anything that can mildew goes home!
in addition to all you recommend (Great Advice!) I DO take all my cushions on my H34 home for the winter and store them on my garage's rafters. I can get even the longest ones (v-berth, settee) in my car (mid-size) by folding down the passenger seatback all the way. They'll fit. Second trip gets all the short cushions (dinette, seat backs, fillers). As you said, electronics and anything that can mildew goes home!
For John....
...you really know how to hurt a guy who is just about to be hauled for the winter....*cry
...you really know how to hurt a guy who is just about to be hauled for the winter....*cry
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