Wintering
29.
4
Grand Soleil 43'
Hull topsides
Both leaving the boat afloat or agroundt, to preserve the brightness
of the gel coat is advisable to apply on the topsides some polish.
Among the different marine types available, for a long winter stop
especially in industrial areas, rather than a cleaner is preferable to use
a silicon based product that can protect better against air pollution.
• If the topsides are not white, remember that the darker the colour,
the more they tend to loose the brightness in the long run.
- in this case it is advisable to protect the gel coat from the
ultraviolet rays with a tarpaulin skirt.
Interiors
First thing to be done is a deep clean up with a vacuum cleaner and
then detergent to remove the dust and specially the salt crystals (that
are the worst enemies as they absorb humidity and consequently
creates mould and oxidation). All the foodstuff (including cans)
should be taken away.
Very efficient are the hygroscopic salts dehumidifiers that are
cheaply available in any hardware store and can be placed in any
locker and also in the engine compartment.
The mattresses should be taken away as the foam absorbs humidity.
Also linen, curtains, clothes and other fabrics should be taken away
and washed.
To improve ventilation as much as possible, leave doors, cabinets
and lockers open and blocked as well as the refrigerator that must be
previously washed with a solution of water and vinegar.
Propane gas
Do not leave gas bottles on board.
• Take away the safety valve too: it can get corroded and stuck.
Running rigging, sheets and ropes.
The halyards and the reefs should be taken down and replaced with
messengers.
• Then should be washed with fresh water without soap or deter-
gents along with all the other cordage. Finally store them only
when completely dry.
