Early Winter Check-In
It’s the last day of November and temperatures have dropped significantly since Halloween. The harbor waters are largely empty, and shrink-wrapped boats form groups of white figures huddled on the edge. Most boaters have left for warmer, greener pastures, namely the living room couch and big screen TV. But, now is not the time to let your guard down as little things, left unattended, can lead to sizeable bad outcomes in the spring.
For example, are the edges of the transom where cover contact is made, protected from chafing by soft towels or other materials? Are all the drain plugs out and drain holes working properly? Is anti-rodent protection in place? The list can go on and on, however, by sticking with the key checkboxes you can easily avoid scuffed gelcoat; cracked fiberglass spaces; and compromised wiring harnesses and upholstery.
Naturally, when the weather is in the 30’s, the couch is measurably more comfortable than the bilge, however, on reflection, I think you’ll agree that a small investment of time now could pay large dividends in the spring. And besides, you might just generate a good Christmas idea or two in the process.
