MARLOW-HUNTER MH31, Operator'S Manual

Page: 250 / 267

Maintenance
14.12
Your boat has bilge pumps for draining water from the
bilges. Some compartments in the bilge may not drain
completely because of the position of the boat. Pump
these compartments out then use a sponge to remove all
remaining water.
Refer to the previous section “Prepare the Fresh Water
System for Storage” for draining and winterizing the fresh
water system.
14.6.5 Supporting Your Boat During Storage
A cradle is the ideal support for your boat whenever it
is not in the water. Properly designed and located, the
cradle will support the boat under the main frames pre-
venting damage to the hull.
If a cradle is not available, the boat may be supported on
two or three timbers across a boat well or on another firm
footing substantial enough to keep the boat level. The
timbers and the foundation must be substantial enough
to prevent any change in shape while supporting the
boat during storage. The weight carried by the supports
should be evenly divided, the keel should carry a share
of it.
Store the boat with the bow up so any accumulation of
moisture will run off.
14.7 Fitting out after Storage
Refer to the Documents and Forms chapter of this manual
for more complete item checklists for the various stages
of boat preparation and usage. The following subset lists
are an extrapolation of some of those items.
If the hull was not painted during winterizing, prep and
paint the hull bottom before removing the boat from its
cradle. Follow the paint manufacturer’s recommended
procedures for preparation and application.
Before launching your boat, do not load unneeded equip-
ment, furniture, and personal items until the launch and
final checkout are complete.
14.7.1 Pre-Launch Checkout
Before placing your boat in the water, check and perform
the following:
Check all anchor lines and gear and replace, if neces-
sary.
Check all thru hull fittings to make sure they are clean.
Check all thru-hull hardware for damage and tightness.
Repair or adjust as needed.
Check propeller and the drive leg for proper installation
and tightness. Clean propeller. Check the sacrificial
anodes on the drive leg.
Check keel bolt nuts for specified tightness
Clean battery terminal posts and cable terminals with
a wire brush or bronze wool. Install batteries and
attach cables. After cable posts are tightened down,
coat posts with oil or Vaseline to keep out air and acid.
Check all wiring connections and contacts for corrosion
and tightness.
Check all intake valves for easy operation. Check the
condition of all hoses.
Check operation of bilge pumps in manual and auto-
matic modes. Check operation of shower sump
pump.
Check engine compartment blower for proper opera-
tion.
Check operation of all DC circuits.
Launch your boat.
Flush entire freshwater system thoroughly.
14.7.2 Post Launch Checkout
After launching your boat, check the following:
Check all sources of possible leaks from bow to stern.
Make this check with boat fully in the water, but still in
the slings!
Check the engine following the procedures described in
the engine manufacturer’s OEM manuals.
Completely check the entire exhaust system for the
engine. Make sure all exhaust systems are gas tight.
If exhaust openings were plugged or covered during
storage, remove blockage.
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