Winterizing Your Boat? Floridians Beware.
Each year, boats typically go into hibernation for the long winter. But what about boaters in the warmer weather climes? Is there a way to keep boats safe and go boating despite occasional freezing spells?
You may be shocked to learn that, according to BoatU.S. insurance statistics in a recent article in BoatingWorld.com, the state with the most reported cases of freeze-related boat damage isn’t Minnesota. It’s California. And Southern states such as Florida also rank high, mainly because boaters in sunshine states are less prepared.
By far the greatest danger of winter boat damage comes from water, a liquid that expands when it freezes. If you plan to use your boat year-round, as many in Florida do, where temperatures occasionally dip below freezing, winterize systems such as the water holding tank, showers, livewells, faucets and the head system and don’t use them during the winter. It’s way too much hassle to winterize and recommission every time you want to go out, so take a bucket instead.
The other water-related issue is water in your engine systems. With an outboard, simply tilt it down to drain it and bump the starter to clear the water pump. With a closed cooling system, double check that your antifreeze is up to snuff. For an I/O or inboard, be sure after every use to drain the water that remains internally. Usually, there are drain plugs in the block and on the back bottom of the exhaust.
For winter fuel, fill ’er up with non-ethanol gas to eliminate the chance of phase separation, which happens when ethanol sinks to the bottom of the tank and mixes with water (gas and water don’t mix). If you can’t find ethanol-free gas, use STA-BIL’s marine formula.
Keep in mind that boating in cold water requires greater vigilance and more attention to safety; a person falling overboard in colder water can become incapacitated in minutes. But obviously the benefits are huge if you can keep your boating dream alive all year.
Since 1981, Miami Marine Specialists has been supplying the North Miami area with dependable boating sales, parts, and service. Our staff is fully factory trained to keep up with the latest technology upgrades in all of our products and is multi-lingual, working closely with customers in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, which enables us to provide a unique degree of service.
Come pay us a visit the next time you’re near the Haulover inlet at Keystone Point Marine in North Miami. We’re right on the water and ready to help with all your boating needs.
Miami Marine Specialists
(305) 945 7997