75 ELPTO, 2001, Winter Storage

[rbaratt]

Here in NH the boating season will soon be ending with the freezing temperatures looming in the near future. This is my first year with my boat and I need to learn what is needed for storage preparations. I need to decide whether to purchase some sort of good winter cover or spend the money for shrink wrapping each year. The second thing is engine storage. My thoughts were to fog the engine, and remove the lower end for storage in my heated basement. Any recommendations regarding covers and engine storage preparations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[DavidMoore]

In the netherlands our winters are more wet and miserable with a few weeks of sub-zero temperatures.
Not too different than our summers actually.

I store my boat with a very good winter cover.
Winterising invloves fogging the engine, draining all the fuel from the engine, fuel stabilser in the tank, cleaning and greasing what needs to be cleaned and greased.
I change the oil in the lower unit and leave it on. (I change the oil at the beginning of the winter because if the oil comes out milky (never has) I want to know in plenty of time so I can fix the problem before next season).
Check there is no water in the sump, you could remove the drain plug. I don't but no water gets in the boat due to the cover
Remove the battery, charge it and store inside, on a plank of wood. - Not good practice to store a battery on a concrete or metal floor, a friend had the marina store all 3 of his batterys in a container last year, he had to replace all 3. That hurts the pockets. Ouch!
Remove all the cushions, kids toys, fishing gear etc from the boat

That's it.

 

[DavidMoore]

that's bilge, not sump.

Can't believe I wrote sum​p. Credibility, if there ever was any, is shot.

 

[rbaratt]

Thanks. I did understand that you meant "bilge", I just thought that maybe in the Netherlands you refer to the bilge as a sump. I would like to know what is considered a "very good" winter cover. I did see that there are various polyester covers and maybe the 100% acrylic covers would be better for winter storage. Canvas seems to be somewhat cost prohibitive. Any recommendations on making this choice would be appreciated.

 

[yzf125]

I would also add to store the motor trimmed down so all the water can drain out completely.

 

[DavidMoore]

My winter cover is custom made from sunbrella plus. It was expensive but I spend time looking at the restoration forum, those guys do fantastic work, but not work I want to be doing. It's a choice you make.
What ever you choose make sure it keeps water out the boat and allows some air circulation to prevent mold.
I should also add that last year I put 3 bags open bags of charcoal in the boat (20 ft cuddy cabin) which is supposed to help with the damp. I have no idea if really does.
and as yzf125 says definitely store the motor trimmed down, you don't want water in the lower unit when it freezes hard.