September 2014
Dear Boater,
We hope you’ve have had a great summer and spent many days enjoying your boat in the glorious sunshine. With the frosty mornings fast approaching and the boating season almost over, it is now time to think about laying your boat up for the winter. To make things as easy as possible we have included some tips to make sure your winterisation goes smoothly.
We offer FREEhardstanding to all on a ‘first come, first serve basis’. We start taking boats out end of October and returning them in March allowing for drying out, anti fouling, outdrive servicing, stern gear maintenance, polishing, compounding or any other maintenance which you may require.
We are also offering a FREE under waterline pressure wash to anyone who has their boat anti-fouled by Marlex Marine.
We look forward to hearing from you soon,
Marlex Marine
TIPS FOR WINTERISATION
FRESH WATER SYSTEM
Freezing damage and the prevention of water damage are the main things, so let's start with the plumbing systems. We define "plumbing" here as anything that holds or carries water. That means not only pipes and tanks, but things like pumps and strainers that can also retain water even after a system has been drained. This is important because water retained within the pump housing, can freeze and crack the pump. Draining the water tank and pipes would seem simple enough, except when we consider that mere gravity draining won't always get all the water out, simply because all pipes do not angle downward; some will have dips and downward bows in them that will retain water.
ENGINES/OUTDRIVES
Regardless of type, it's best to drain off the fresh water. This will avoid any cracking when the frost sets in!
Engine oil and filters must be changed before lay up because of the acids that develop in the oil that attacks bearings.
Outdrives need servicing at least every two years. There are rubber components that deteriorate and allow water into your outdrive and boat. Oil in the outdrives should also be changed, in which Volvo Penta recommend every year.
VENTILATION
Ventilation is an important aspect of mildew prevention. It's a good idea to shim one of the engine hatch covers open about 2" to allow for air circulation. The same applies to the forward bilge areas. With the smaller hatches, turn them 90⁰ leaving gaps at both ends.
BEDDING AND SEAT CUSHIONS
These items are often damaged by unexpected leaks. Therefore, it's a good idea to NOT leave them laying on flat surfaces, but to stand them on the long edge vertically so they won't end up lying in a puddle of water.
In the cockpit there are a few things to do like removing all the upholstery cushions that you can and storing them in the cabin. It's a good idea to stand them on end.
GENERAL
Lay up time runs for the best part of 6 months, when the weather is mostly very wet. Unfortunately the dampness can cause a lot of damage to delicate interiors and other goods. It is good practice to clear all your personal and housekeeping goods off the boat, to prevent deterioration/corrosion over the winter months.
We recommend you clear out all the drawers, galley utensils, cleaning supplies and particularly paper products. Take the batteries out of flashlights and all other battery powered items. Take all loose electronics off the boat. Don't forget to remove ALL food from the galley, cans, bottles, boxes and all. Leave nothing for the bugs to get at.
OSMOSIS
Osmosis is the condition of visible blisters on a boat's hull, caused by water absorption.The process of osmosis is the same mechanism by which plants and trees draw water up from the soil to their branches/leaves.
Main Causes of Osmosis: Long periods afloat without lay-ups. Freshwater tends to cause more osmosis than salty water. Resins that are coloured (including white ones) are more affected than clear resins.
The Process of Osmosis:The GRP mouldings on the hull of a boat are not 100% watertight. Individual water molecules are so small that they can find their way into the layers of glass and resin which form the boat's hull.
Recommendations:To discourage osmosis, most marine surveyors would recommend that boats be taken out of the water at least once a year.
LAYING UP FORM
Enclosed with this letter you will find a laying up form, please complete this form and return it to us by the 20th of October 2014. Please make sure all relevant parts of the form are signed.
If you require engine servicing please return your forms as soon as possible so we can complete before the winter sets in.
HAVE YOUR ENGINES SERVICED AND WE WILL WINTERISE THEM AT THE SAME TIME FOR FREE!