Wellcraft 180 Sportsman, Owner'S Manual

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livewell pumps, blowing the lines will not remove the
water from that raw water pump. Remove the outlet
hose on the pump. Turn the pump on and allow it to
pump out any remaining water....about a cupful. A
recommended alternative to the above-mentioned
procedure is the use of commercially available non toxic,
potable water system antifreeze. If potable water
antifreeze is used, pour the mixture into a pail and put
the raw water intake lines into the solution. Run the
pumps one at a time until the antifreeze solution is
visible at all raw water faucets, discharge fittings and
drains. Be sure antifreeze has flowed through all of the
raw water drains.
Outboard Engines
The engine(s) should be flushed with freshwater for at
least 15 minutes prior to winter storage. This will
remove salt, sand and other contaminates that can
damage the engine. It is also important to “Fog” the
cylinders, change the gear oil, fill the oil tanks (2-cycle
engines) or change the oil in 4-cycle engines, coat the
engine with a protectant, wax the exterior and properly
store and charge the battery. You should refer to the
engine owner’s manual or contact your dealer for
specific instructions on winterizing your engines.
Marine Toilet
The marine toilet must be properly winterized by
following the manufacturer’s winterizing instructions in
the marine toilet owner’s manual. Drain the intake and
discharge hoses completely using low air pressure if
necessary. The head holding tank and overboard
discharge pump must be pumped dry and three gallons
of potable water antifreeze poured into the tank through
the deck waste pump out fitting. After the antifreeze has
been added to the holding tank, open the overboard
discharge valve and activate the discharge pump until
the antifreeze solution is visible at the discharge thru-
hull.
Note: Make sure you follow the marine toilet
manufacturer’s winterizing instructions
exactly.
Bilge
Coat all metal components, wire busses, and connector
plugs in the bilge with a protecting oil. It is also
important to protect all strainers, seacocks and steering
components. The bilge pumps and bilge pump lines
must be completely free of water and dried out when
the boat is laid up for the winter in climates where
freezing occurs. Compartments in the bilge that will not
drain completely should be pumped out and then
sponged until completely free of water. Dry the hull bilge
and self-bailing cockpit troughs. Water freezing in these
areas could cause damage.
Seacocks
Most seacocks are winterized when the systems they
serve are winterized. Check to make sure each seacock
has been winterized and that the valve is open to allow
the water to drain out of the valve. Water freezing in
seacocks will damage the valves.
T-top
It is imperative that all drain holes in the legs are open
and that the legs are completely free of water. Remove
the enclosure and thoroughly clean and store in a safe,
dry place. Remove all electronics. Coat all wire
connectors and bus bars in the helm compartment with
a protecting oil.
Clean the aluminum frame with soap and water and dry
thoroughly. Apply an aluminum metal protectant to the
entire frame to reduce corrosion and pitting.
Special Notes Prior To Winter Storage
If the boat will be in outside storage, properly support a
storage cover and secure it over the boat. It is best to
have a frame built 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. If this
cover is fastened too tightly there will be inadequate
ventilation and this can lead to mildew, moisture
accumulation, etc. It is essential to fasten the canvas
down securely so that the wind cannot remove it or
cause chafing of the hull superstructure. Do not store
the boat in a damp storage enclosure. Excessive
dampness can cause electrical problems, corrosion, and
excessive mildew.
Whenever possible, do not use the enclosure curtains in
place of the winter storage cover. The life of these
curtains may be significantly shortened if exposed to
harsh weather elements for long periods.
Proper storage is very important to prevent serious
damage to the boat. If the boat is to be stored indoors,
make sure the building has enough ventilation. It is very
important that there is enough ventilation both inside
the boat and around the boat.
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