Winter is coming to Alaska and the Coast Guard has begun its annual winter preparations to close seasonal boat stations and remove about 100 navigational aids that could become damaged by ice or inclement weather. The agency operates a number of small boat stations and forward operation locations to better serve the large influx of commercial and recreational boating that occurs in the Alaskan summertime.
Boating activity decreases greatly after Labor Day and winter conditions make operations difficult for small boat operations. In announcing the annual effort, Anchorage Sector Response Officer Commander Steven Pearson says, “Despite these changes across Alaska, the Coast Guard is always here. Our command centers are always open and we will be responding as quickly as available assets and weather conditions permit.”
Winter Boat Preparation for Recreational Boaters
Recreational boaters should be considering winter preparations similar those taken by the Coast Guard. In much of the United States, boaters typically haul boats out in the fall to better care and protect their vessels through the winter months. Boaters that take some extra care during the annual haul out process can actually make spring commissioning an easier, less expensive experience. A number of articles have been published on winter boat care at Suite 101.
Here are some actions should be taken during boat winterizing:
- Wash and wax the boat hull right after it’s taken from the water. It will be easier to clean up for use next season. Clean interior carpets and floors. Remove cushions, lifejackets and other items that could mildew
- Have the engine serviced and prepared for winter storage Ensure that bilge spaces are clean and free of oil. It is a good idea to leave an oil adsorbent sock in the bilge bottom
- Drain, or winterize fresh water lines and fixtures with propylene glycol antifreeze. It is the pink nontoxic antifreeze commonly available at recreational vehicle supply stores. The green antifreeze, ethylene glycol, which is used in cars is highly toxic and hard to remove from fresh water systems. Don't use ethylene glycol to winterize a boat's fresh water system
- With the advent of alcohol blended fuels, opinions now vary on the advantages of keeping fuel tanks full for the winter. Talk to the local boatyard operator or mechanic for recommendations Remove lead-acid storage batteries and store them fully charged in well ventilated, warm location. A heated garage would be a good choice
- Batteries should rest on a non-conductive surface that is up off the floor. Scraps of 2"x 6" lumber resting on a couple of concrete blocks will work well for this purpose. Depending on the battery manufacturer's maintenance recommendations, it might be good to consider charging batteries at periodic intervals during winter storage
- Check with boatyard management on the electrical safety requirements for using installed or portable heaters and air dryers on the boat while it is in storage
- Consider the use of a “shrink wrap” covering system or tarps to keep rain and snow out of the vessel. Ensure there is good ventilation under the covers to reduce corrosion or fungal damage to the boat
Common Winterizing Errors
The BoatU.S. organization published a list of common winterizing errors committed by boater every year. Among the top three were failure to winterize the engine, drain water from sea strainers, and close seacocks. Boats sink regularly in winter conditions if scuppers become blocked or excessive snow is allowed to build up. Boaters that store vessels in the water for winter need to take extra care to inspect their craft on a regular basis.
Taking time to properly prepare a boat for the winter will greatly reduce headaches and expenses during spring commissioning.
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