Greenbook: A Local Guide to Chesapeake Living - Issue 9 | Page 44

If you insist on going it alone, here are some tips Bobby and Brad say you should keep in mind: •HAUL THE BOAT OUT OF THE WATER. Thoroughly dry and detail it. Take a little time to baby your boat, including scraping sea-life from the bottom and performing paint or patch touch ups. •CLEAN FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. Brad notes that a thorough detailing and wax job will prevent snow from sticking to surfaces and thwart accumulation of rust on exposed metal. Waxing helps rain and melting snow flow with less friction off the surface of the boat, so a higher volume of water can move faster and more easily away from your teak, metals and paint. •RUN ENGINE(S) UP TO OPERATING TEMPERATURES USING FRESH, CLEAN WATER. •RUN BIODEGRADABLE ANTIFREEZE (about 5 gallons for average inboard engines) through raw water system of the engine(s). •DRAIN FRESHWATER SYSTEMS (water heater, showers, sinks, faucets, etc.) and bypass with biodegradable antifreeze. •PUMP OUT AND FLUSH HEAD HOLDING TANKS INTO CONTAINMENT FACILITIES AT A MARINA. Do not pump and dump into the Bay! •CLEAR ANY STANDING WATER IN BILGES. A cap full of bleach will go a long way in the bilges for eradicating odor. •PUT MOISTURE ABSORBERS IN THE CABIN, BILGE OR ANY PLACE YOU THINK WILL COLLECT MOISTURE. Leave all cabinet doors open including refrigerators/freezers. •PERFORM OIL CHANGES IN THE FALL ALONG WITH ENGINE IMPELLERS. •FILL YOUR FUEL TANKS. The most important part of this step is to add stabilizer to the fuel to prevent ethanol from gumming up your fuel lines. •SEACOCK INSPECTIONS: Brad says Seacocks are one of the most overlooked and dangerous parts on a boat. Seacocks can dry-rot over time and eventually fail, flooding the bilge. Seacocks should be inspected annually: readying your boat ready for winter (and by 44 GREENBOOK | FALL/WINTER 2016 extension for next season) is the perfect time to put this chore on your calendar. There are many resources in our area for winterizing your boat, whether you ask a professional for help or go it alone. Be sure to check in with Herrington Harbor North, which is home to a variety of onsite marine contractors, from detailers to mechanics and equipment retailers. Herrington Harbour North: 389 Deale Rd, Tracy’s Landing, MD HerringtonHarbour.com/North Contact Bobby Pette: 3028 Kent Narrow Way S, Grasonville, MD Phone: [phone] Cell: 410-991-7402 Email: [email protected]