The Lazy Man’s guide to laying up!
When we reach the end of the season, it is all too easy to leave everything as it is and worry about it in the spring. Follow these few simple tips from Chris Robinson at Dartmouth Chandlery and you will save time and expense when getting ready for the new season.
Remove any valuables like chart plotters, hand held radios, outboards and any other items that are an obvious target for criminals. If you do leave them on- board make sure they are out of sight and the boat is well secured. The other valuable to deal with is the life raft; if this is due a service, book it in now rather than leave it to the spring when everyone wants theirs done yesterday. If not, take it home where it will be safe.
Residual salt attracts moisture and mould and encourages dirt to build up. Washing off the boat with fresh water will remove the salt, keeping your boat cleaner and drier over the winter. At the same time, if you remove your sails for cleaning as well as any canvas work like spray hoods and dodgers, not only will they last longer, it will reduce windage in the winter storms.
Good ventilation is essential unless you have a dehumidifier to keep the boat dry and prevent mildew and mould forming. Putting the hatch locks on vent setting and having a louvered winter washboard will keep the air flowing through the cabin. Also setting off an August Race boat bomb to fill the cabin with anti-fungal and deodoriser spray is a good idea. Make sure your dehumidifier can drain away through the sink or skin fitting and that it is checked regularly. If you can, take your bunk cushions and soft furnishings home and store in the attic or other dry space. If left aboard make sure they are stood up to allow the air to circulate around them.
Half an hour spent on the engine can save you from potentially crippling repair bills. If you have a closed cooling system then check the antifreeze strength and top up.
© Federico Rostagno:
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For raw water systems they should be flushed with a mixture of fresh water and anti-freeze. With the engine still warm, change the engine oil to protect the engine as it sits through the winter. Top up the fuel tank as full as possible to prevent condensation and dose with fuel treatment additive to keep the bug growth away.
Batteries don’t like being left, especially in the cold. If you cannot take them home, make sure they are kept in condition by connecting a trickle charger or small solar panel to maintain the charge level. Remember to disconnect any automatic bilge pumps. They will still cycle and drain the battery or, worse still, burn out or catch fire.
Heads & bilges are the cause of most bad smells in the boat. Drain down and wash the heads and holding tank with ‘toilet fresh’ and wash out and dry the bilges to keep them nice and fresh and prevent freezing over the winter. Don’t forget to drain the water tanks as well for the same reason.
© Mariusz Niedzwiedzki:
shutterstock.com ©Kingcraft:
shutterstock.com
Finally cover it up. A good cover is the key to keeping your boat clean and dry and let you work on deck in all weathers and making your workload a lot easier in the spring. Make sure the cover is well secured to solid anchorage points to stop flapping and flogging in the winter storms.
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