Albemarle 290 EXPRESS FISHERMAN, Owner'S Manual, Page: 108 / 134

290 XF
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several minutes with fresh clean water to make sure the drain
hose is clear and draining properly. Use a sponge or clean
rags to remove standing water in the pan and wipe it dry.
Note: The air conditioning, engine control system,
head, and steering systems have specific lay up
requirements. Please refer to their owner’s
manuals for recommended winterizing
procedures.
Bilge
Coat all metal components, wire busses, and connector plugs
in the bilge with a protecting oil. It is also important to
protect all strainers, seacocks and steering components. The
bilge pumps and bilge pump lines must be completely free of
water and dried out when the boat is laid up for the winter in
climates where freezing occurs. Compartments in the bilge
that will not drain completely should be pumped out and then
sponged until completely free of water. Water freezing in
these areas could cause damage.
Half Tower
It is imperative that all drain holes in the legs are open and that
the legs are completely free of water. Remove the enclosure
and thoroughly clean and store in a safe, dry place. Remove
all electronics. Coat all wire connectors and bus bars in the
helm compartment with a protecting oil.
Clean the aluminum frame with soap and water and dry
thoroughly. Apply an aluminum metal protector to the entire
frame to reduce corrosion and pitting. Apply an automotive
or boat wax to powder coated aluminum to protect it during
storage periods.
ALWAYS MAKE SURE THE LEG DRAIN HOLES ARE
CLEAR WHEN THE bOAT IS LAID UP FOR THE
WINTER. WATER TRAPPED INSIDE THE HARDTOP
OR TOWER LEGS COULD FREEZE AND CAUSE THE
LEGS TO SPLIT.
Tower
It is imperative that all drain holes in the tower and hardtop
legs are open and completely free of water. Tower basket
drains should be checked and clear of debris. Remove the
tower sun shade, if installed, and belly band or removable
cushions and thoroughly clean and store in a safe, dry place.
Remove all electronics. Coat all wire connectors and bus bars
in the helm compartment with a protecting oil. Cover the
tower basket with a tarp and secure it properly.
Clean the aluminum frame with soap and water and dry
thoroughly. Apply an aluminum metal protector to the entire
frame to reduce corrosion and pitting. Apply an automotive
or boat wax to powder coated aluminum to protect it during
storage periods.
Special Notes Prior To Winter Storage
If the boat will be in outside storage, properly support a
storage cover and secure it over the boat. It is best to have a
frame built over the boat to support the canvas. It should be
a few inches wider than the boat so the canvas will clear the
rails and allow passage of air. If this cover is fastened too
tightly there will be inadequate ventilation and this can lead
to mildew, moisture accumulation, etc. It is essential to fasten
the canvas down securely so that the wind cannot remove it or
cause chafing of the hull superstructure. Do not store the boat
in a damp storage enclosure. Excessive dampness can cause
electrical problems, corrosion, and excessive mildew.
Whenever possible, do not use the enclosure curtains in place
of the winter storage cover. The life of these curtains may be
significantly shortened if exposed to harsh weather elements
for long periods.
PLACING AN ELECTRIC OR FUEL bURNING
HEATING UNIT IN THE bILGE AREA CAN bE
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS AND IS NOT
RECOMMENDED.
Proper storage is very important to prevent serious damage
to the boat. If the boat is to be stored indoors, make sure
the building has enough ventilation. It is very important that
there is enough ventilation both inside the boat and around
the boat.
Note: If the boat is to be stored indoors or outdoors,
open all drawers, clothes lockers, cabinets, and
doors a little. If possible, remove the upholstery,
mattresses, clothing, and rugs. Then hang a
commercially available mildew protector in the
cabin.
14.3 Recommissioning
DO NOT OPERATE THE bOAT UNLESS IT IS
COMPLETELY ASSEMbLED. KEEP ALL FASTENERS
TIGHT. KEEP ADJUSTMENTS ACCORDING TO
SPECIFICATIONS.