Winding Down
Well, the end of the boating season is in sight. Most boaters would agree that the Northeast season is far too short – late to arrive and early to depart. Considering the situation, it makes good sense to implement a solid winterization plan either through the local dealer or yard, or perhaps by yourself.
Checklists outlining different service areas from the cuddy to the hull to the engine are highly useful. Some list items are: rinse all surfaces with fresh water to minimize corrosion and fading; change the engine oil and oil filter; change the gas filter and lubricate the gas shutoff valves; and grease the drive fittings and check the drive oil. Run fresh water, and then antifreeze, through your engine before finally “fogging” it out with the appropriate fogging oil.
Frankly, the above list is abbreviated and there are a lot of other things to consider here as well. So, you might want to visit your local dealer or yard to take care of the many points on the checklist. The season is short and you don’t want to miss a day due to a sub-standard winterization process. Bet on the safe side here, I think you’ll be glad you did.
