Cold Spell Means Time's Running Out For Winterizing Boats

With severe Arctic cold fronts sweeping through the Central and Western United States now is the time for last minute winterization. BoatU.S., the nation's largest organization of recreational boaters, warns that the predicted cold could affect boaters in otherwise temperate areas and urges all boaters who may not have done so already to winterize their boats.

"In 1998, California had more winterizing boat insurance claims than any other state, including Alaska and Maine. Don't think below freezing temperatures 'can't happen here,'" said Carroll Robertson, vice president of BoatU.S. Marine Insurance. A recent review of claims found boaters most often overlook the following jobs when getting their boats ready for winter:

Not draining the engine intake sea strainer. Water left in the strainer can freeze and break the watertight seal. When the ice thaws in the spring and the intake seacock is opened, water pours into the boat, often getting discovered too late.

Not storing biminis and dodgers inside. Many people think the same cover that protects you from sun and spray in the summer also protects the boat from sleet and snow in the winter, but it doesn't work that way. Not only do dodgers and biminis get ripped apart by winter winds, but accumulated snow often bends their aluminum support frames.

Not closing all seacocks - except cockpit drains - when storing the boat in the water, including thru-hull fittings above the waterline. Leaving seacocks open is like leaving your door open when you go on a long vacation. It's a huge risk. If a thru-hull can't be closed, either because it is broken or mechanically frozen, the boat should be stored ashore.

Not clearing cockpit drains. Every winter, boats are damaged or even sunk by nothing more than a few leaves blocking cockpit drains. Water then trickles through the companionway, staining the interior woodwork, delaminating the cabin sole and soaking into bulkheads.Not adding extra lines and chafe protection. Blustery winter winds can tear a dockline apart lots faster than gentle summer breezes. If a boat is stored in the water, double the docklines and add chafe protection.

Not having the right cover for the boat. Shrink wrap is used frequently to protect new boats, and is also fine for old boats, as long as the shrink wrap is well ventilated. Without enough ventilation, problems can occur with mildew, rot and exterior boat paint. Protective boat covers also need to be well supported so they don't accumulate snow and water, and should never be secured to the jack stands or support blocks.

Not checking the boat regularly during the winter. Don't rely on bilge pumps to "guard" the boat. Bilge pumps fail, and boats sink.

For a free guide to winterizing your boat, go to BoatUS.com, any of the 58 BoatU.S. Marine Centers, or call 1-800-283-2883.

Posted: 12-21-2000