Winter Boat Care

Measures that can prevent winter boating surprises

Dec 28, 2006 Alan Sorum

Recent events in Valdez Harbor remind boaters to take precautions in winter moorage and storage

I recently posted a blog entry on an incident that involved a vessel named Double Trouble. Right now, this seems to be an appropriate name for the boat.

This charter boat's problems began with a heavy, wet snowfall. The weight of the snow forced the stern down and pushed a thru-hull fitting for the bilge pump below the water surface. A flexible hose attached to the thru-hull fitting failed and allowed water to flow into the boat.

We have discussed measures that boaters can take to protect their moored boats at 101. Here are a few articles that might be useful for winter boat care:

The Mariner's Friend – Duct Tape Duct tape isn't just for likes of MacGyver and Red Green. Boaters and outdoor enthusiasts can never get enough duct tape. A review of the more humorous and serious aspects of the sticky stuff
Mooring to Floats and Piers - Use adequate mooring lines and fenders for securing your boat. Tying up your vessel with sufficient mooring lines and fenders will protect your investment in boating and provide peace of mind.
Boat Fire Safety - Fire Protection for In-Water Boat Storage. Boats stored for long periods in the water are at risk for fire. There are several things you can do to reduce the risk of fire while your boat is stored for the winter.
Thru-hull Fitting Emergencies - Stay Afloat After Thru-hull Failures and Reduce Their Occurrence. Thru-hull fittings can pose a huge problem if they fail. Learn how to reduce the chance of this occurring and how to handle a failure while underway.
In Water Boat Storage - How to Safely Leave Your Boat in the Water for the Winter. Many boaters prefer to leave their vessels in the water for the off-season. Here are a few pointers to make the process more successful.
Boat Winterizing and Dry Storage - Vessel Maintenance Procedures to Use in Winterizing Your Boat. Taking a few extra steps now in winterizing your boat will make it easier to prepare and return to the water next season.

Take proper care of your vessel in the off-season and returning to the water will prove to much easier. Boats are a major investment for users and worth protecting with preventive measures. Remember it's only a few more months to summer!

The copyright of the article Winter Boat Care in Boating & Sailing is owned by Alan Sorum. Permission to republish Winter Boat Care in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Charter Boat Double Trouble