Wellcraft 180 Sportsman, Owner'S Manual

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Chapter 11:
SEASONAL MAINTENANCE
11.1 Lay-up and Storage
Before Hauling:
• Pump out the head and holding tank. Flush the
holding tank using clean water and a deodorizer.
Pump out the cleaning solution.
• The fuel tank should be left nearly full to reduce
condensation that can accumulate in the fuel tank.
Allow enough room in the tank for the fuel to
expand without leaking out the vents.
Bacteria, commonly called algae, can grow in the
accumulated water in diesel fuel tanks. This
condition is most prevalent in warm climates.
Periods of storage or limited use allow the bacteria
to accumulate, making the situation worse. Adding a
high quality diesel fuel conditioner containing a
biocide may be required to control bacteria in your
boating area.
• The age of fuel can affect engine performance.
Chemical changes occur as the fuel ages that can
cause deposits and reduce the octane rating of the
fuel. Severely degraded fuel can damage the engine
and boat fuel tank and lines. Therefore, if your boat
is not being run enough to require at least one full
tank of fresh fuel a month, a fuel additive should be
added to protect it from degradation. Your dealer or
the engine manufacturer can provide additional
information on fuel degradation and fuel stabilizers
recommended for your engines. Operate the boat
for at least 15 minutes after adding the additive to
allow the treated fuel to reach the engine.
Your dealer or the engine manufacturer can provide
additional information on fuel degradation and fuel
additives recommended for your engine. For more
recommendations for your specific area, check with
your dealer.
• Drain water from the fresh water system.
• Consult the engine owner’s manual for detailed
information on preparing the engines for storage.
Lifting
It is essential that care be used when lifting your boat.
Make sure the spreader bar at each sling is at least as
long as the distance across the widest point of the boat
that the sling will surround.
Supporting The Boat For Storage
A trailer, elevating lift, or a well-made cradle is the best
support for your boat during storage.
When supporting the boat on a trailer for a long
period:
• Make sure the trailer is on level surface and the bow
is high enough so that water will drain from the
bilge and cockpit.
• The trailer must properly support the hull. The
bunks and rollers should match the bottom of the
hull and should not be putting pressure on the lifting
strakes.
• Make sure the engine(s) are in the down position.
• Make sure the hitch is properly supported.
• Check the tires once each season. Add enough air
for the correct amount of inflation for the tires.
Note: Read the owner’s manual for the trailer for
the correct amount of inflation for the
tires.
When storing the boat on a lift or cradle:
• The cradle must be specifically for boat storage.
• Make sure the cradle or lift is well supported with
the bow high enough to provide proper drainage of
the bilge and cockpit.
• Make sure the engine(s) is in the down position.
• The cradle or lift must be in the proper fore and aft
position to properly support the hull. When the
cradle or lift is in the correct location, the bunks
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