Grady-White Boats Canyon 456, Manual, Page: 58 / 90

7-2
Chapter 7: Winterization
For outdoor storage, the boat may be shrink wrapped, or protected with a properly fitted canvas
cover. The cover should be fastened securely so that winds cannot remove it or cause it to chafe the
boat. A poor covering job will eventually cost more than the price of a well-made cover.
C A U T I O N
Boats covered with plastic shrink wrap during storage must leave the fuel vent fitting outside of
the enclosure to prevent the trapping of dangerous fumes.
Cleaning And Lubricating
Clean and wax your boat before storage. If you store your boat in the water, there may be a layer
of growth on the bottom. As it dries, this debris will harden. Clean, scrub and scrape the bottom
promptly when the boat is removed from the water. Remove all marine growth and other foreign
matter from the hull. Clean the inside of hull openings, thru-hull fittings and scupper drains. Inspect
the hull for damage. Avoid harsh cleaners, citrus solutions and bleaches; these could have harmful
effects on your boat’s gel-coat and metal components.
Check cleats and rails for corrosion and tightness. Clean stainless steel as directed under
“Hardware/Stainless Steel Rails” on page 6-5 . Use a quality metal preservative like T-9
®
on metal
surfaces to prevent salt water damage. Check for loose silicone, hinges and unseated gaskets.
Replace or tighten where necessary. Heavy seas pounding and twisting the hull can cause leaks in
your windows, doors and hatches. Check hinges for corrosion. Lubricate hinges as necessary.
Draining And Water System
If the boat is stored out of water, remove the garboard drain plug to keep the bilge dry. Store
your boat with the bow elevated for drainage.
Drain all water tanks, hoses, filters and pumps to prevent freeze damage. The freshwater
system may be drained by running any faucet or shower until the tank is empty. When empty, turn
the water pump off to prevent damage. Remove the filter on the freshwater pump inlet, remove any
water and reinstall. Residual water will not damage the tank. The If desired, the freshwater system
may have a non-toxic antifreeze for potable water systems added. To drain other systems, close
seacocks and run the pumps until the lines are dry. Open the seacocks after lines are dry if the boat
is stored out of the water. Draining will help prevent water stagnation in warmer climates.
Head System
Empty toilet and holding tank making sure all water is cleared. Reference Owner’s Packet for
manufacturer’s information on winterization. After the toilet and holding tank are empty, pour a half
gallon of marine grade antifreeze in the toilet bowl. Depress the flush button on the Head Control
Panel. This allows anti-freeze to coat the lines and the holding tank with enough antifreeze for the
winter.