South Shore Power Squadron

South Shore Power Squadron
A Unit of the United States Power Squadrons®

How To Avoid The Six Most Common Winterizing Mistakes

With winter approaching, we reviewed our insurance claims files to share the following six most common mistakes made when winterizing a boat:

1. Failure to drain the engine block: Surprisingly, 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.

2. 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 you don't know it's damaged until spring launching and water begins to trickle in.

3. Failure to close seacocks: For boats left in the water, leaving seacocks open over the winter is like going on extended vacation without locking the house. If a thru-hull cannot be closed the vessel must be stored ashore - the sole exception are cockpit drains. Heavy snow loads can also force your boat under, allowing water to enter through hulls normally well above the water line.

4. 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 anti-freeze through the system.

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

6. 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 full of tips to help you prepare your vessel for the winter, go to http://www.BoatUS.com/Seaworthy and click on "Winterizing Your Boat," or call 800-283-2883.

Calling All Instructor's:

Do you have a genuine desire to impart knowledge to those you are teaching, can you kindle the desire to learn safe boating techniques. Do you make teaching fun and in a very relaxed atmosphere. The SSPS is looking for a few good members to become certified instructors. Contact ASEO 1/Lt. John Michael , AP at dockstoy@optonline.net .

Q: What is a Float Plan?

A: A Float Plan identifies the boater's intended route, expected arrival times, the passengers on board, and important information about the boat and it's equipment. This information is invaluable to rescuers if the boaters don't return on schedule. It makes the search and rescue operation more effective by giving the rescue agencies a starting point and an anticipated location or route.

Q: Why Is a Float Plan important?

A: The area of water covered by rescue personnel can be enormous and finding a missing boater can be a daunting task. Crucial time might be spent looking for clues, searching for phone numbers, interviewing people, etc. This could delay the rescue mission and potentially cost boaters their lives. Finding the starting point saves precious times in search and rescue operations. Rescue personnel will start a search by looking in this crucial first step by pinpointing a starting point, and narrowing the search area.

Check the Web for free Float Plan Services.

Spring Checklist

CO/Smoke Detectors

Test all units on board. There are test buttons - follow manufacturer's directions

Fire Extinguishers

-Check the expiration date on the side of the housing. If it is within the next 90 days, buy a new one and then note the new expiration date in you ship's log. -Make sure the safety pin is in place -Check the pressure gauge. If you are not sure if it reads in the safe zone, replace the unit. -Check the nozzle from obstructions -Make sure you've got the right type of extinguishers - A,B or C - and that they are properly located and stowed on your vessel. -If you have a dry chemical extinguisher ( most of us do) turn the unit upside down and shake it hard as the contents tend to settle on the bottom -If you have a suppression system in your engine room (compartment) you will need to accurately weigh the container. Perhaps it is best to have a pro do this one.

Flares

Check the expiration dates. If they are within the next 90 days, replace them with new ones and then note the new expiration date in you ship's log. Give your old ones to either the Police or Fire Department. Chances are will be able to use them before you. (I hope)

Hand Held VHF's

-Test them at the dock. Flip to the weather channel and see if it is receiving and then do a radio check. -Make sure there is no mold or dirt in the battery compartment.

Personal Floatation Device's

-Make sure you have the correct number and size for the passengers you are likely to have on board. -For inflatables- make sure the CO2 cylinder is fully charged : not damaged or punctured. Test the integrity of al inflatables by manually inflating them and leaving them overnight to see if they leak. -Make sure each inflatable has it's CO2 canister and that you have a spare for each one. -If the inflatable is automatic - replace the Water-Activated Bobbin. -If the PFD has a strobe light attached to it, make user it is functioning properly. If you are not sure about the strength/integrity of the batteries - replace them.

Miscellaneous

-Check you ground tackle - is your anchor rode in good shape? is it properly marked? Are the shackle pins tight and secured? -Put new batteries in all your flashlights. Remember to load them backwards so you won't drain them by accident. -Examine your portable bilge pump for cracked or even missing hoses. Do you have a portable bilge pump? -Check you Nav lights. The lamps are inexpensive to replace, but they are vital to your safety and the safety of others on the water.