BOATING TIPS -- DECEMBER 1993
Winter Checklist

I guess Winter is finally here! At least tonight, on November 9, it's cold outside and both Gore and Perot were blustery, and it made me think about those steps to take to save your watercraft from the ravages and damages of the season. So here's a checklist for you:

1) Boat secured against freezing. Water drained as necessary. Through-hulls closed, especially if the last day you ran was a day with high runoff from the Nooksack and other streams. Anti-freeze in place, it's so much cheaper than an engine block!

2) Heaters in place, safely. Especially if your boat is in the water, be sure your winter heaters are working well, and are set correctly. Use only proper outlets and cords, so you won't have a disastrous fire (as one boater did during the 1991-92 winter in Squalicum Harbor).

3) Batten down the hatches, figuratively. Although we no longer have to secure batten boards over our hatches, we can still be sure we've weatherstripped our boats well to help the heaters do their job! This includes covering, at least with duct tape, engine room vents. Even better: Have your favorite canvas shop make you snap-on vent covers, for they help a lot and look spiffy too!

4) Use secure lines, and good fendering. I've said it before: it's amazing how many multi-thousand-dollar boats are held at the dock with junk lines and falling-down fenders. Don't be penny wise and pound foolish. Double-secure the boat, especially at the bow and stern. Don't use one long line where you should use two or more separate ones, and do use bowlines or cleat hitches properly tied. Use substantial fenders that are properly secured with knots that won't run! This negates use of half, timber or clove hitches!

5) Make contingency plans. What will you do if there's a heavy snow? How about high winds? Even worse, an extended power outage on the docks? Make plans now.

6) Use the buddy system. Now's the time to get to know your neighbors, and agree upon a mutual aid pact! Especially true if you're taking a winter vacation. . .

7) Remember the small stuff! Solid-door lockers and drawers ajar. Mattresses propped up or at home to avoid mildew. Wooden boats (especially) ventilated. Scuppers clear for deck drainage. Lines and other moisture-accumulators off the deck. Halyards secured to avoid slapping and chafing in high winds. Canvas secure, tight, checked. Inflatables regularly pumped or stored off the deck. Fuel tanks full to avoid condensation in your tanks.

Done all that? Then have a great Winter, and I hope Santa brings you exactly the "boat stuff" you're hoping for. Merry Christmas!