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Prepare your Boat for Winter
Finally the cold weather has arrived and it’s time to think about looking after your boat to ensure many more years or enjoyment and cruising.
Most insurance policies provides cover for damage to your boats machinery caused by frost, provided that you have taken reasonable precautions to protect it against damage caused by freezing temperatures.
Read the following to ensure that reasonable steps are taken to protect your boat this winter from frost and freezing temperatures:
- Drain down the engine and tanks before temperatures fall below freezing. Don’t forget the exhaust manifolds can also hold water, drain them too. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines in the owners hand book. Put the drains back in as soon as you’ve finished.
If the engine has a closed circuit cooling system check the antifreeze is up to the correct strength. Drain down the heat exchanger, oil cooler or intercooler too.
- If afloat ideally add antifreeze, at the very least drain down ensuring you replace the drains before you leave the boat. Add a heater in the lowest part of the engine room.
- Add an antifreeze mix of at least 50/50 ratio to water. This should protect to -30ºC, increasing antifreeze to 60% protects to about -45ºC. Don’t be tempted to use 100% antifreeze. Water is required for it to be effective.
- Close the seacocks to prevent sinking. Of course remember to re-open them when you put the engine back into commission. Put some tape over the ignition saying “Do not start seacocks closed” to remind you.
Chat to Cheers and we'll be happy to advise on how to avoid damage to your boat this winter.
