Grady-White Boats Freedom 285, Owner'S Manual

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W
I N T E R I Z A T I O N A N D
S
T O R A G E
7–2
For outdoor storage, a canvas cover should be used to prevent “sweating”. One method is to
build a frame 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. 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
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
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.
D
RAINING
A
ND
W
ATER
S
YSTEM
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. If equipped with a water heater,
the water heater must be drained individually after emptying the water tank. Drain the water
heater by opening the drain faucet on the water heater. The water from the water heater will drain
into the bilge. 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.
H
EAD
S
YSTEM
Empty toilet and holding tank making sure all water is cleared. Reference Owner’s Packet for
manufacturer’s information on winterization. Water should be removed from deck pump-out
hoses.
Drain portable heads. Remember to drain the upper and lower tanks. Water should be removed
from deck pump-out lines.
W A R N I N G
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.
!