Winter Boating

For many, the hobby of love of boating will take place during the milder months of the year, allowing you to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine on the open water. Some however, enjoy boating as a yearly sport, and will often continue throughout the harsh weathers of winter. Whichever type of boater you are, be it seasonal or relentless, you will have to ensure that you look after your boat with the utmost of attention and care. Not doing so can cause major problems down the line, particularly if you leave your boat to rest as you stay indoors.

Mechanics

As with cars, the running of a boat requires great attention to the mechanics to ensure that the running of the boat can continue for as long as possible. When you prepare your boat for winter, you must endure the messy and laborious task of cleaning the engine. Build-up of water, acid and by-products can result in corrosion on engine parts, costing you money in the future when you need to replace them. Replacing your oil and filters will also give your boat a new lease of life, and increase the life-expectancy and efficiency of your parts.

When you are in the engine bay, now is an opportune time to check that everything is working and operating as it should be. Looking out for damaged parts now is much more appealing than running into problems on the water. Those with Volvo Penta parts often turn to Key Part for any replacements. You can find out what they have to offer on their website: www.keypart.com/volvo-penta.

Cleaning

Cleaning both the inside and outside of a boat are essential if you are going to be putting boating to rest for a couple of months. Even though it takes time, the thought of having to come back to a dirty boat in spring is not desirable. Removing linens, kitchenware and food is recommended, before cleaning the boat from top to bottom. Ensuring that the outside is clean before your boat goes into hibernation will greatly increase its longevity during the harsh weather. Again, now is the time to inspect every nook and cranny of the boat for any damage that it may have received from being on the water. Check for blisters, cracks, corrosion, windscreen chips, and any damage to the tops, hoods and canvases.

Storage

For many boat owners, they will not have the luxury of storing their boat on land in a dry, secure location. This will give you the best chances of maintaining your boats life. For those who store their boat outside, you must invest in a good cover. This is your first order of protection, but going for cheaper options will mean that your boat will suffer. Parking your boat under a protective canopy, and hidden away from the elements of winter will help to reduce any damage. If possible, regularly check your boat to remove any build-up of debris, leaves and water pools, and double check that everything is secure in the event of a storm.

If you do want to go boating during the winter, safety is the most important thing. Even though this is applicable throughout the year, everything is heightened during winter. Surfaces will be more slippery, there will be a higher chance of ice, and everything will be colder. Ensure you always wear a life jacket, avoid boating at night and always be aware, for yourself and your crew.

Source : articlesbase.com