Winter Lay-Up
Well, it’s that time of year again, the end of the season. In this neck of the woods, virtually all boats have to be winterized to prevent systems from freezing, corroding, and sticking in place, and to reduce the risk of calamities during the long winter layup
If gear case oils have been contaminated with water, the casings can burst. And if engine oils are not replaced, sensitive internal components can corrode due to the acids in the used lubricants. Finally, moving pieces like steering units can lock in place due to non-use if not oiled and greased. Gas valves need to be closed and battery switches turned to the “off” position to reduce chances of fire.
There are typically a lot of components and processes to keep track of on a boat. Checklists are a good idea to help with preparation and to avoid overlooking anything important. The lists prompt you, or the yard staff, to pack the right tools and supplies to get the jobs done, and they support a thorough, effective approach once the work begins.
Boats are a lot of fun. But, like many other fun things, they require proper maintenance to ensure safety and reliability. Take a few minutes to get a winter lay-up checklist together, even if you’re just working with the yard. It will certainly save you time and money, both in the short and long run.
