W
I N T E R I Z A T I O N
A N D
S
T O R A G E
7–4
• Clean the exterior and interior of the boat. Remove all grease, oil, salt spray, etc.
• Remove garbage. Clean storage areas, fish boxes, and livewells. Prop fishbox lids open.
• Lubricate hinges, valves, the backs of electrical panels, and other surfaces that will rust.
• Check underwater items. Hardware should be in good condition and tight.
• Inspect electrical systems and have any repairs performed.
G
ETTING
B
OAT
O
UT
A
FTER
S
TORAGE
Before placing your boat in the water for the boating season, have the hull bottom sanded and
reapply anti-fouling bottom paint if necessary. Leave as much equipment and personal effects as
possible off the boat until after launch and final check.
P
RIOR
T
O
L
AUNCHING
Start your own personalized list of items to check and perform prior to placing your boat in
the water. The following list will give you some ideas and suggestions:
• Check all gear and replace if necessary.
• Check thru hull fittings for cleanliness, damage, and tightness.
• Check prop installation and tightness.
• Clean battery terminal posts with a wire brush or bronze wool. Install batteries, attach cables,
and tighten. Apply grease to post to exclude air and acid.
• Check all wire connections for contact corrosion and tightness.
• Check hull valves for easy operation and for condition of hose.
• Check operation of bilge pumps in manual and automatic modes.
• Check shower sump pump.
• Check operation of all AC (if applicable) and DC circuits.
• Check the hoses on the fresh water system, and close all valves, fill fresh water system and
check for leaks.
• Perform maintenance on engines according to the manufacturer’s manuals prior to returning
them to service.
• Check all engine and steering control cables and linkage for operation. Lubricate cables and
linkage as necessary.
• Check safety equipment including flares, fire extinguisher and first aid kits. Replace items as
necessary.
A
FTER
L
AUNCHING
• With the boat in the water, check all sources of possible leaks stem to stern.
• Thoroughly check the fuel system including lines, fittings, connections, valves, and filters for
leaks.
• Connect to shore power. Check out all electrical equipment, lights, hot water heater, air
conditioning system, etc. the battery charger operation.
• Check operation of toilet (reference manufacturer’s manual).
• Test run engines as directed in manufacturer’s manual.
