Grady-White Boats EXPRESS 265, Owner'S Manual

Page: 44 / 74

W
INTERIZATION AND
S
TORAGE
7–2
C
LEANING
A
ND
L
UBRICATING
T
HE
B
OAT
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 bot-
tom promptly when the boat is removed from the water. Remove all marine growth and other for-
eign matter from the hull. Clean the inside of hull openings, thru-hull fittings and scupper drains.
Inspect the hull for damage. Remember to avoid harsh cleaners, citrus solutions and bleaches;
these could have harmful effects on your boat’s gelcoat and metal components.
Check cleats and rails for corrosion and tightness. Clean stainless steel as directed under
“Hardware/Hardtop Frame/Stainless Steel Rails” on page 6–6 . 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.
The T-9™ metal protection product was developed by Boeing™ Aviation for long-term protection of aircraft. It works by coating and penetrating
fasteners and fixtures, displacing moisture and drying to a clear wax film that lubricates and protects metals for months. T-9 can be used to protect
deck hardware, engines, electronics and fishing tackle.
D
RAINING
& W
ATER
S
YSTEM
Remove the garboard drain plug to keep the bilge dry. Store your boat with the bow elevated
for drainage.
Drain all water tanks, lines and pumps to prevent freeze damage. The fresh water system may
be drained by running any faucet until the tank is empty. When empty turn the water pump off to
prevent damage. Residual water will not damage the tank. If desired, the fresh water system may
have a non-toxic antifreeze added. This antifreeze can be purchased at marine or camping dealer-
ships. To drain other lines, close seacocks and run the pumps until the lines are dry then open the
seacocks. In warmer climates draining will help prevent water stagnation.
Drain portable heads. Remember to drain the upper and lower tanks. Water should be removed
from deck pump-out lines.
B
ATTERIES
Check the electrolyte level in your battery, and fully charge the battery before storing. A weak
battery loses its charge more rapidly than a strong battery. Ideally, you should disconnect the bat-
tery and cover the terminals with grease to prevent corrosion.
E
NGINES
See your engine Operator’s Manual regarding the winterizing procedures. Follow instructions
carefully, and your engine may survive any severe weather conditions. Change all filters. Check
hoses and clamps. If you have developed any vibrations during the season, look for loose engine
bolts, bent shafts or bent propellers.