WINTER STORAGE

C-RAVEN

Seaman
Joined
Nov 1, 2004
Messages
74
My boat and motors live outside year round due to the fact i do not have a garage to store it.<br />i waterproofed the canvas with a silicone based spray.<br />I run the motors peridocally to keep battery charged and gas fresh & drain plug is out, so water can escape....<br />any other tips?<br /><br />thanks
 

crazy charlie

Vice Admiral
Joined
May 22, 2003
Messages
5,581
Re: WINTER STORAGE

If the boat is high and dry i would highly recommend winterizing and covering the boat with a canvas or tarp.Charlie
 

PAkev

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 9, 2002
Messages
665
Re: WINTER STORAGE

I run the motors peridocally to keep battery charged and gas fresh & drain plug is out, so water can escape....<br />
By the context of your post, I am assuming you are leaving the batteries hooked up in your boat which has potential freezing up, cracking, and making a big mess. You may want to consider removing those batteries and putting them somewhere where they won't freeze. You can then also have them easily accessible to put a charger on once a month through the colder weather in order to maintain a good charge.<br /><br /><br />Kevin
 

BoatBuoy

Rear Admiral
Joined
May 29, 2004
Messages
4,856
Re: WINTER STORAGE

PAkev,<br /> Should I also do that with my the batteries from my car and truck?
 

cuzner

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 14, 2004
Messages
771
Re: WINTER STORAGE

Its a good idea to keep the boat covered with a tarp, keeps the finish from oxidizing, and being from Victoria with all the the rain you get your canvas top probably won't keep all the water out. Just make sure you don't seal it up too tight, you need to leave some openings for ventilation.I don't think you need to worry too much about freeze proofing your engine.You may want to keep an eye for mould though.<br /><br /> Jim
 

PAkev

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 9, 2002
Messages
665
Re: WINTER STORAGE

PAkev,<br />Should I also do that with my the batteries from my car and truck? <br />
I am not a battery guru but will convey my understanding of the issue:<br /><br />Your car and/or truck is used with greater frequency (probably daily) throughout the winter which keeps them charged as you are driving from point A to point B. As the battery chemistry is activated from the charging process it is less likely to freeze in your car or truck than sitting inactive in your boat.<br /><br />Kevin
 
Joined
Jul 20, 2004
Messages
74
Re: WINTER STORAGE

I have never heard of anyone's battery ever suffering freeze damage. I just leave my battery in the boat all winter. Should I be concerned?
 

ED21

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 26, 2003
Messages
829
Re: WINTER STORAGE

I always remove mine so I can keep it charged easily. As long as it has a good charge it won't freeze. Not sure at what temp they can. It's way below the occasional 0 degrees F. I get in Maryland.
 
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