Out of Sight, Out of Mind

In the summer,  it’s relatively easy to keep in the practice of checking on the boat on a regular basis. It’s warm and pleasant, and, if nothing else, the visit serves as a social outing, an excuse to catch up with your boating buddies down on the docks. However, in the winter, it’s a different story – it’s cold and uncomfortable, and there’s no one around the boatyard where the boat is stored, out of sight and out of mind. But, it’s just as important to check on the boat during the off-season due to a number of factors. One, covers, carefully fitted in the Fall, can shift and suffer damage, letting the elements in. Two, unless the boat’s “anti-rodent” system is up to snuff, mice can settle in for the lay up period, chewing on everything from cushions to electrical wires to get materials to build their nests. Three, items might have been overlooked during the final steps of the winterization process, such as charging the batteries, or arranging upholstery to avoid mildew damage. So, don’t compromise your next boating season, visit your boat on a regular business to ensure everything remains ship shape during the off months.