|
     
|
|  |
Winterizing Your Boat
by Flori Bootley
http://www.flboats.com
The vast majority of us only have to worry about
winterizing our cars, trucks and lawn mowers. But the lucky
(?) few who own boats also have to worry about what will
happen to their motorized boats during the winter months.
Just because they took them out of the water doesn't mean
they can forget about them. They still have to prepare the
boats for the cold weather and icy storms of winter.
Depending upon the size of the boat and the owner~s
accommodations for it, you may not be able to remove your
boat from the water during the winter months. If that
should be the case, remember to check on it frequently and
watch for an ice build-up around the boat~s perimeter. In
the event that this should happen, you~ll need to use a
de-icer in order to keep it from damaging the boat.
If you do store your boat out of the water for the winter,
you have to check the fuel tank. Do not leave it empty
during cold weather, because condensation builds up within
the gas tank and will cause internal rusting. Fill the tank
up and add a stabilizer. This will protect the engine from
condensation. Change the filter and water separator to add
further protection.
Cars and trucks aren~t the only vehicles that require water
flushes and antifreeze. Boats, too, should be rinsed and
safeguarded with a non-toxic antifreeze before being stored
away in the winter time. Forgetting to prepare it in this
way will produce the same effect as it would if you were
to neglect to do the same for your car.
You have to have a good engine preparation schedule to make
sure your boat will weather the winter months without
problems. You can't just worry about the gas tank in your
boat. Flush the engine system with fresh water, grease the
system and top it off with a fresh filter and clean oil.
Now your boat is totally ready for winter storage, and you
will be able to jump on the boat when winter is over and
you want to take a spring boat ride.
During those seasons when the boat is not in use, it~s best
to remove anything that may need to be repaired ~ and
don~t forget to do a thorough job of cleaning while you~re
working on the interior. The addition of a dehumidifier
will help to preserve the inner portion of the boat and
keep it from forming mold and mildew.
A boat is a big investment, and the responsibility for its
care commands a great investment of your time and
attention, as well. Don~t take shortcuts or count on luck
to keep your boat safe and incident-free during the coldest
months of the year. Only through careful planning and
proper winterization will you be assured of continued
enjoyment when boating season comes along once again.
Submit An Article
|
©
COPYRIGHT 2005 ALL
RIGHTS RESERVED fishingn.com
|
Get Exposure For Your Site! Advertise with us.
Click
Here For Details
on a Great Deal! |
|
|
Would you like
more information on fishing ?
Sign up here for our mailing list. You will get great information
before it becomes available on our website!
|
|
