When storing - Besides the 'list' in the Ranger Manual...

[sheral]

What other things have you found that helps to protect our boats over the 'off season?'

I will be doing the usual, (as noted on the Ranger storing list) such as a good drain, clean, wax, fluid / filter changes, battery maintenance, coolant change, and it will stay dry in it's own building...but wondering about things you have found that maybe aren't so 'common knowledge.'

 

[Osprey]

Rodent nesting.

 

[baz]

Run the engine every 2 months per the Volvo maintenance documentation. 🙂 :roll:

I will be keeping my R-21EC outside, covered and in my driveway and intend to start the winter chores come sometime in October or if weather starts to turn for the worst earlier. It will be my first time doing this as I kept my R-25 in water at Marina all year round and never had to bother with winter situations.

BTW...

1) I will be running a Caframo Stor-Dry Air Circulator inside the cabin whenever the boat is in the driveway and especially during winter time.

2) Also....fill the fuel tank up to avoid water/moisture condensation.

3) Open cabin door once in a while to let out stale air as the plastic, fiber glass, gel coating, etc all can give off some say, toxic fumes.

4) Empty waste tank.

5) Keep batteries healthy and on their charger

If you're keeping the boat inside why not run a small heater to avoid having to flush engine over winter time. Maybe cover engine with a blanket or even use a engine block warmer.

 

[nzfisher]

Checking all of the fasteners that are exposed to the salt is a good idea, especially around swim step. Clean off the window water spots if indoors- they seem to get harder to remove with time. Replace the little screws around the exhaust flap-their life expectancy is really limited regardless of where you keep your boat. Check the bottom paint. Check the engine mounts (tightness and corrosion inspection). Run warm soapy water through the bilge to clean out system and verify pump works. Battery cables and connections. Lugs on terminals at buss for corrosion. Alll wiring visual inspection. Lubricate steering arm connection to rudder. Spray connections with electronic anti corrosion fluid (there are many choices). Check Fluid levels. I start the engine and flush with fresh water. Flush the waste water and put in a little bleach if you are in a non freeze zone, alchohol (Vodka) if it freezes. Pull out some of the cushions and move to the house so they don't get mildew... and anything else you can think of that should be taken off the boat. Check the engine manual for maintenance needed per boat hours. Nice to have it all done so you can boat when the weather is good again. It would be great if someone made an organized list of everything needed to be done.

 

[Gin]

Maybe that doesn't qualify as a totally organized list, "Swims with Tuna" (still love that name, at it was great to meet you at the Portland Sundance gathering). But it is a great list!

Gini

 

[sheral]

Yes great ideas. Thanks very much.