Maintaining Your Boat for Winter
With an abundance of water, both river and ocean, in the Portland area, boating is a popular summer activity. In factPortland boat sales are brisk during the sunny summer weather. Portland outboard motors give boats increased speed and distance. However, a motor boat adds to the maintenance tasks of the boat owner. Portland, Oregon, is located in northwest United States. Being a northern city, it experiences cold weather in the winter months. As the cold weather approaches, specific maintenance steps must be performed so that the boat and its motor survive the weather and come to life quickly once the warm weather arrives.
As for the boat itself, it is important to store it out of the weather. The easiest way to take it out of the weather is to store it in a building. In a building, it is safe from the cold temperatures, the harsh winds, and the snow. However, this solution can cost a lot of money. Another solution, while expensive, is more affordable that indoor storage. This solution is the shrink wrap solution. While this may sound bizarre, it provides a barrier between your precious boat and the elements. If shrink wrapping is not a viable solution for you, you should at least protect the boat with a strong, waterproof tarp or other cover.
Aside from the structure of the boat, you need to take care of the peripherals. The rule of thumb would be to empty any fluid that is water based and to replenish any fluid that is petroleum based. Remember that, when water freezes, it expands. Thus, removing the water will prevent the container from cracking or, even worse, bursting. Two of these water containers are the waste removal system and the fresh water supply. Also, empty and clean the bilge using detergent, hot water, and a stiff brush. Both need to be scoured out at the end of the warm season. As for the petroleum-based systems, the motor needs to be maintained in a manner similar to the automobile. First of all, change the oil. Then ensure that the gas tank is filled. A full fuel tank prevents condensation inside the tank. You may also want to change the spark plugs and the transmission fluid.
These guidelines are just suggestions. More information is available from your boat dealer or your marina. Another resource is our huge source of all knowledge, the Internet. As you gather your information, it will be helpful for you to make up a check list of tasks so that none of the steps are accidentally skipped. You might also want to buddy up with another boat owner so that you can share knowledge and share the tasks. Then you can reciprocate by helping him with his boat. Two people working on two boats together can finish the job in less time than two people working separately. When both boats are ready for winter, you can celebrate together that now you can get out the skis and snow mobile.
