Avoid common mistakes when winterizing boats

Boaters across the country may hate having to prepare their boats for hibernation, but a properly winterized boat can extend its life while saving its owner time, money and hassles come spring.

According to the Boat Owners Association of The United States, boaters should look to avoid these most common mistakes when winterizing their vessels:

+Failure to drain the engine block. It's the balmy states of California, Florida, Texas, Alabama and Georgia where boaters are most likely to have freeze-related damage to engine blocks, and it routinely occurs to boats stored ashore. Water retains heat longer than air, so boats left in the slip are less susceptible to sudden freezing.

+Failure to drain water from sea strainer. Like an engine, the seawater strainer must be winterized or residual water could freeze and rupture the watertight seal. Sometimes the owner doesn't know it's damaged until spring launching and water begins to trickle in.

+Failure to close seacocks. For boats left in the water, leaving seacocks open over the winter is like going on an extended vacation without locking the house. If a thruhull can't be closed the vessel must be stored ashore; the sole exception is cockpit drains. Heavy snow loads can also force a boat under, allowing water to enter through hulls normally well above the water line.

+Clogged petcocks. Engine cooling system petcocks clogged by rust or other debris can prevent water from fully draining. If it's plugged, try using a coat hanger to clear the blockage or use the engine's intake hose to flush antifreeze through the system.

+Leaving open boats in the water during winter. Boats with large open cockpits or low freeboard can easily go under by accumulated snow. Always store them ashore.

+Using bimini covers as winter storage covers. A cover that protects the crew from the sun does a lousy job protecting the boat from freezing rain and snow. Unlike a bonafide winter cover, biminis tend to rip apart and age prematurely by the effects of winter weather.

To get a free copy of the BoatU.S. Winterizing Guide with tips on preparing vessels for winter, call (800) 283-2883 or visit www.BoatUS.com/Seaworthy.

This story is provided by State Point Media.