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| English: Hydrofoil high-speed boat docking in St. Petersburg, Russia from a run to Peterhof Palace. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
During long term storage, such as over the winter months, vessels should have their engines prepared as directed by the owners manuals. Often the tasks include draining and flushing out the cooling systems, applying oil to the inside of each cylinder through its spark plug holes, and draining and refilling the crankcases.
Disconnect the batteries and clean out the terminals. Then, spray them with anti-corrosive liquids. Store the batteries in dry locations and charge them occasionally, about three days per month.
Other recommended processes include propping all floorboards up, leaving the ports and skylights open, leaving the doors and hatches slightly ajar, and the lockers and drawers completely open. Also, perform a thorough cleansing of the deck, hull, bilge, lockers, and exterior of the engine. After cleaning, a preservative, such as wax, should be applied to the wooden elements.
A cover should be fitted snugly over the engine to prevent it from being exposed to sunlight or water. If a vessel is stored outside, it should be fitted with a sturdy cover which has ventilation ports. Make sure the cover does not have any low dips which would hold water.
Remove personal elements from the boat. These can include seat covers, sails, and life vests. Those types of things may contribute to the build-up of mold or mildew because they retain humidity and moisture.
Tips from a St. Petersburg FL marina may also include pumping out the holding tank of the bathroom. The procedure is best performed inside a boatyard. When the tank is as dry as possible, treat it using a deodorizing and disinfecting solution.
