WInterizing Your Boat’s Mechanical and Electrical Systems: Part II
In Part I of this little series on winterizing your boat’s systems we talked about the engine and transmission. In this part we’ll go over the electrical and plumbing systems.
Before we start though, it’s good to remind ourselves that a well ventilated boat is a happy boat, on the water or in storage. When your boat is covered for the winter provide for air circulation throughout the boat. There are a number of ways to do this, from duct-like vents sealed in at bow and stern, to vents placed in the cover at regular intervals, to solar vents. Not only will your mechanical and electrical systems benefit from air circulation, so will your interior upholstery, cupboards and drawers, the head and other closed in spaces.
Electrical systems: Batteries should be removed from your boat if possible and stored where they won’t freeze. They should be checked for proper electrolyte balance, topped up and then fully charged. Once charged they can be left on a maintenance charger if you have one. If you have to leave a big battery on your boat, make sure the fluid is topped up, disconnect the cables and then fully charge the battery. If you can do a maintenance charge once a month or so it sure wouldn’t hurt, and making sure your battery is clean will help prevent a slow discharge. A discharged battery will freeze and crack, and those 8-D marine batteries are expensive!
Examine all of the electrical connections around the engine, transmission, rudder post (autopilot components) for corrosion. Clean them if they need it and spray with a corrosion inhibitor. This applies to outboard motors which also have plenty of electric connectors that need your attention. Leave lockers, deck plates, covers and doors open for air to circulate as often these electrical components are tucked away in hard to reach spaces.
Check all of your other important wiring connections and spray them with a corrosion inhibitor. Don’t forget those hard to get at connections like your auto-pilot and steering system, charging system (smart chargers), grounding connections, the head, refrigeration and stove, water pumps, electric windlass, bilge pumps etc. Taking the time to do this when the boat is going in to storage will reveal problems that could be-devil you in the spring, just when you’d rather get on the water.
You may or may not remove electrical gear like the radar, electronics in the cockpit or wheelhouse, antennas and personal electronics like tv’s and radios. If you decide to leave them on board (see our article on theft before you do this), check all connections and again, use corrosion inhibitor where applicable. Your electronics’ owner manuals may have additional information about storage that will be useful.
A little bit of corrosion in your electrical system can go a long way towards disabling your boat’s systems and making your life miserable. Give you systems a check-up while winterizing them, and remember, always provide ventilation.