Dougherty Everglades 273CC, Owner'S Manual

Page: 120 / 147

120
Seasonal Maintenance
Outboard Engines
The engines should be flushed with fresh water for
at least 15 minutes prior to winter storage. This
will remove salt, sand and other contaminates
that can damage the engine. It is also important
to “Fog” the cylinders, change the gear oil, fill the
oil tanks (2-cycle engines) or change the oil in
4-cycle engines, coat each engine with a protector,
wax the exterior and properly store and charge the
batteries. You should refer to the engine owner’s
manual or contact your dealer for specific instruc -
tions on winterizing your engines.
Notice:
Properly winterize the engines and fuel
system by following the engine manufac-
turer’s winterizing procedures located in
your engine owner’s manuals or contact an
Everglades dealer.
Hardtop
It is imperative that all drain holes in the legs are
open and that the legs are completely free of wa-
ter. Remove the canvas 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 on anodized alumi-
num to reduce corrosion and pitting. Apply an
automotive or boat wax to powder coated alumi-
num to protect it during storage periods.
Crow’s Nest (Tower)
It is imperative that all drain holes in the Crow’s
Nest and hardtop legs are open and completely
free of water. Remove the Crow’s Nest sun shade,
if installed and belly band or removable cushions.
Then thoroughly clean and store in a safe, dry
place. Remove all electronics. Coat all wire con-
nectors and bus bars in the helm compartment
with a protecting oil. Cover the Crow’s Nest helm
and seats with a tarp and secure it properly.
Clean the aluminum frame with soap and water
and dry thoroughly. Apply an aluminum metal
protector to anodized aluminum to reduce corro-
sion and pitting. Apply an automotive or boat wax
to powder coated aluminum to protect it during
storage periods.
CAUTION
ALWAYS MAKE SURE THE LEG DRAIN HOLES ARE CLEAR
WHEN THE BOAT IS LAID UP FOR THE WINTER. WATER
TRAPPED INSIDE THE HARDTOP OR CROW’S NEST LEGS
COULD FREEZE AND CAUSE THE LEGS TO SPLIT.
Special Notes Prior To Winter Storage
If the boat will be in outside storage, properly sup-
port a storage cover and secure it over the boat. It
is best to have a frame built over the boat to sup-
port 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 damp-
ness can cause electrical problems, corrosion and
excessive mildew.
Whenever possible, do not use the bimini top or
convertible top canvas in place of the winter stor-
age cover. The life of these canvases may be sig-
nificantly shortened if exposed to harsh weather
elements for long periods.
CAUTION
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 ven-
tilation. It is very important that there is enough
ventilation both inside the boat and around the
boat.
Notice:
If the boat is to be stored indoors or out-
doors, open all interior drawers, clothes
lockers, cabinets and doors a little. If pos-
sible, remove the upholstery, mattresses,
clothing and rugs. Then hang a commercially
available mildew protector in the interior
compartments.
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