Winterization

As winter is coming, ensure that you properly winterize your boat to avoid damage. The following is an excellent winterization checklist provided courtesy of Chris Small, Marine Surveyors Ltd. For more information please feel free to contact Chris at (604) 681-8825.

Winterization Checklist

1. Heaters or lamps should be protected type, low temperature, thermostatically controlled with roll over shut-off.
2. Use suitable gauge wire and extension cords to protect against overheated wiring and overloading of circuit breakers.
3. Check shore power cords, plugs and breakers regularly.
4. Drain water tanks and lines.
5. Drain hot water tanks.
6. Toilets pumped dry, through hull valves closed, waterline antifreeze in bowl and pumped to circulate.
7. Close all below waterline through hull fittings except cockpit drains. Make sure scuppers are clear.
8. Check condition of hoses and hose clamps. Heavy wall rubber is more resilient than plastic.
9. Secure and protect dinghies and tenders.
10. Tarps to be securely tied to prevent wind damage.
11. Tarps properly supported to prevent excessive weight from accumulation of rain or snow.
12. Fit frame support for command bridge venturi.
13. Canvas tops may also require additional support to prevent water from collecting.
14. Check all mooring lines and add extra lines if necessary. Extra fenders if necessary.
15. Close or remove propane tanks from vessel.
16. Remove sensitive electronic equipment from vessel to prevent damage from dampness.
17. Attend the vessel regularly for inspection, particularly during extreme weather conditions.
18. Carry out frequent snow removal.

Engine Room

19. Drain engine block, if saltwater cooled.
20. Consult marine mechanic or manufacturer for engine winterization procedure.
21. If fresh water cooled, drain saltwater portion of heat exchanger and oil coolers if fitted.
22. Add antifreeze to fresh water cooling system.
23. Close through hull valves and drain sea strainers to prevent freezing damage.
24. Winterize auxiliary generators.
25. Check to confirm bilge pumps are in working order.
26. Keep heat lamp or suitable heater aboard to warm engine room and batteries.
27. Keep batteries in charged condition.
28. Fuel tanks should be filled to prevent formation of condensation. Addition of Methyl Hydrate or similar gas treatment will help absorb water in fuel.
29. Through hull bait pumps, must be fitted with shut-off valves at the through hull.