End of Season - asthetic upkeep?

[Rebelmama]

Hi All,

1st season boater and owner. The newb of the newbs.

I'm wondering what seasoned owners do aesthetically each winter before they take their boats out of the water. I live in Alaska and my boat will be winterized and shrink wrapped - but before that's done do I need to schedule an exterior detail? How do I get all the sludge off the bottom of the boat? What are zincs do I need these each year? Any recommendations are welcome and appreciated.

Thanks!!!!

 

[JeffreyAC77]

Most likely need new zincs at a minimum each year.

 

[Bruce Moore]

Check out the Winterizing seminar from the "As the Prop Turns" series. Lots of good information.

It's near the top of this index page for all the seminars. You can also download the associated slide deck.


Cheers,

Bruce

 

[allanrs74@gmail.com]

Rebelmama,

I keep my 2016 R-27C in Soldotna, so I go through the same each fall. I power wash the growth off the bottom as soon as it is out of the water. I then give it a good wash followed by a wax to help it not oxidize over the winter. I do a light buff with compound in the Spring to address any oxidation or scuffs, followed by another waxing. I remove my AGM batteries to a warm garage and keep them charged through the winter. All the rest of the systems need to be winterized. My boat had a full 'canvas' cover when I bought it so that goes on as the last step. I leave some of the hatches cracked so that the boat can breath and not build up moisture over the winter. The boat has successfully come through 3 winters stored outside without any issues.

As Juneau is a little damper than Soldotna, you might wish to hang - add some moisture absorbing packets to keep any moisture or mildew from forming.

Good luck.
Bob Allan

 

[Redtug]

I would think about that first sunny day in the spring when you uncover the boat, do you want to go boating or spend it cleaning scrubbing and wishing you did more in the fall...

Growth on the bottom doesn't get easier to clean in the spring. I would do it as soon as the boat is pulled.
If outside wax what the sun will see.
Inside give it a good clean and make sure everything is dry. Vacuum and wipe down everything in the cabin. Prop up cushins and leave doors cracked open for airflow as you go around cleaning. Moisture will be an issue either get some moisture absorbers or have it ventilated all depends on storage location.
Also consider rodents they will find that snack you lost on the last trip. Decon, mothballs, mint are all options.
If you have wood that needs oil, or materials that need "armorall" do it in the fall so it will soak in and not be slippery in the spring.