Grady-White Boats EXPRESS 265, Owner'S Manual

Page: 43 / 74

W
INTERIZATION AND
S
TORAGE
7–1
C
HAPTER
7: W
INTERIZATION AND
S
TORAGE
G
ENERAL
For boats stored during the winter, or an extended period of time, some precautions should be
taken. Prior to and during the storage process, the boat and its systems should be checked for
maintenance or repairs. Arrange repairs during the storage period. Avoid costly damage and delay
when launching your boat by having it stored and winterized properly. See page 61, in
Sportfish,
Cruisers, Yachts Owner’s Manual for a checklist on winterizing and storage.
B
OAT
S
TORAGE
To avoid personal injury and property damage, it is advised to take extra precautions when
lifting or moving the boat for storage. Grady-White Boats are equipped with stern lifting eyes and
a bow towing eye. These eyes are provided for moving and temporary lifting. For permanent lift-
ing, you will need to have or add a bow lifting ring option. Eyes should be inspected regularly to
insure structural integrity.
While transporting a boat by a lift or tow motor, the structure should remain as close to ground
level as possible. If slings are necessary for lifting or transporting, they should be in proper condi-
tion and tied together to prevent any movement (separating or slipping) which could cause dam-
age to the boat. If tow motors are used to move the boat, the forks should be padded and in a
secure location under the hull near the chine. The forks should be long enough to prevent the boat
from rocking forward and aft causing it to become unbalanced.
When storing your boat on the trailer, raise and block the trailer axle to prevent tire deteriora-
tion. This is an excellent time to lubricate and pack the wheel bearings per the manufacturer’s
instructions.
Make sure the keel, chines and transom are fully supported. Indoor storage is beneficial partic-
ularly if your climate produces freezing weather. The storage unit should not be airtight, but
should be ventilated. Ventilation is extremely important both around and through the boat.
For outdoor storage use a canvas cover to prevent “sweating”.
W A R N I N G
The boat should not be stored by using the pad eyes, unless the boat is equipped
with a bow lifting ring. Pad eyes should be inspected periodically if used for lifting
.
W A R N I N G
Boats with plastic shrink wrap during storage must leave the
fuel fill and vent fitting outside of the enclosure to prevent the
trapping of dangerous fumes or spillage from thermal expansion.
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