Posted: 02 Nov 2011 at 6:53pm
Hey everybody,
The gorgeous autumn days here in Maryland will soon be giving way to a frozen creek and frigid temps. So Cove Dweller, #111 will be going up the Severn for storage for a few months. As a new boat owner, I'm not well-versed on this procedure. I'm about to do some research. We're planning on removing mainsail and jib (we have a furling jib and a lazy jack for the mailsail ). The Tohatsu engine is coming out and we'll store it in our garage...somebody told us to do something with the spark plugs? Drain the water system and then put some anti freeze in (how much?) We have a full canvas cover, so not thinking about shrink wrap...not a fan of plastic after reading about the great Pacific garbage patch a few years ago. I'm sure I'll find more info on the net but thought I'd throw this out there to see if anyone had any MUST DO's. I need to stress again that we are two working people, not retired or independently wealthy, so we would rather not have a ton of work come spring to get this baby back in the water.... Happy autumn, everybody!
- Mike


Posted: 03 Nov 2011 at 4:33am
Hi Mike
A winter storage check list - see online "pro lists":
http://www.boatus.com/boattech/casey/37.htm.
Another list http://www.iboats.com/basics/winterization_checklist.html
Marionette's list

Outboard Motor
- rinse motor with fresh water
- run engine in fresh water until warm, pull fuel line and let engine run out of fuel
- remove spark plugs, fog chambers with fogging oil, spray/wipe threads, replace plugs
- spray WD40 on enginehead/metal parts
- check/top off gearcase lubricant
- Worried about anything, take to local OB motor guy for service/winterizing
- top off fuel tanks, add stabilizer
Inside boat

- Store cushions and sails in dry place (my cellar is dry and warm)
- strip boat, organize stuff in logical way (galley stuff, electronics (remove batteries), gear box, books/charts, First aid/safety stuff, lifejackets, anchor/rode, etc., place in marked boxes, store at home - a hassle but....
- clean/wipe down glass/painted surfaces, inside lockers,and bilge areas (I use a 50/50 bleach water mix in a spray bottle and towel paper) to remove dirt/mildew and help prevent mildew; leave locker doors open
- charge battery - I have a gel cell - holds charge all winter; disconnect battery terminals
- drain water tank, add a quart of RV antifreeze - enough to see red color coming out the drain hose (I never use water tank water for drinking/cooking, only washing (carry bottled water)
- Flush/drain head/holding tank system if not already done. Pump RV antifreeze through system until you see red
- Pump out bilge water, pour in some RV antifreeze and pump through electric and manual pumps until you see red (I use 2 gallons RV antifreeze each winter season for Marionette's winterization)
- grease thru hull fittings/make sure valves are working smoothly

Outside boat
- Make sure boat is well powerwashed when hauled, scrub any missed areas
- Spray mast/boom/spinn pole/whisker pole with WD40, also standing rigging/turnbuckles/wire end fittings (I buy WD40 by the gallon and refill/use their plastic spray bottle). Then I wrap the mast tight with plastic wrap and store in my barn
- Wash boat (if time and energy, wax hull)
- remove lifelines and WD 40 fittings. Easier to work on boat - Marionette is stored in a barn (also if outside, cover fits better w/o lifelines)

Make a list of everything that needs to be done - over the winter/in the spring

Have fun - welcome to boat ownership!
Ron
Marionette, #12


Posted: 03 Nov 2011 at 8:28am
Ron,
This is nice and comprehensive, and I appreciate you passing it on. I think taking care of a Dolphin will be enjoyable, just have to budget the time and hope for good weather on the days we're working on her!
THanks again (I printed it!)
Mike


Posted: 06 Nov 2011 at 12:19am
What's "Over Wintering? Here in Arizona that means wearing a longsleeve shirt because it was down to 67 deg today. Seems a shame to have to put your boat away for 1/2 of the year.
Beautiful boats and fair winds!
Sailinmike
Dolphin #300
Grande Finale


Posted: 06 Nov 2011 at 10:16pm
Well, it's not 1/2 the year, more like 1/3. But it's the price we pay for 4 glorious seasons that I would personally not give up for Arizona weather.