Joe Coons
There are times when I want to reprint past installments of this column, and this is one of them, for November is here, and it's time for the annual reminder about securing your boat for the winter! Fortunately, Past Commodore Steve Ross has done a great job of assembling our new Bellingham Yacht Club web site, >>BYC.ORG<<, and all my old columns are there, including the columns with Christmas gift tips. You Santas might want to take a look, it's really a neat service for Club members.
Anyhow, here are the reminders. We had a really blustery day last week as I write this, and it's a thought-starter about "Winter" and "Boats".
Most important, make sure your boat is well secured and well-fendered. You should have separate lines with separate knots to each mooring point, not just one or two lines strung everywhere so if it breaks, your boat is lost! Make sure your fenders are just out of the water (to keep them clean) and will stay in place, especially you sailors who secure them to your slippery life lines.
Be sure your shore power cord is well secured, with enough slack to avoid tension on it. Use proper connectors, cords, and adapters. Confirm that your heaters are properly clear of combustible wood and fabric or carpeted surfaces, and will stay put even in rougher weather.
Drain your water tank to avoid freezing, and fill your fuel tank to avoid condensation. Check your through-hulls for security, and close them, especially if your last day they were used was one with a lot of Nooksack River run-off, since its fresh water will fill your inlet pipes and freeze before the salt water will.
Inside, open all the locker doors and secure them with firmly-placed stops or bungee cords to get good ventilation. Lift the mattresses and cushions also to allow circulation and avoid mildew. Get miscellaneous stuff off the counters and shelves to keep out mold.
Topsides, clear the decks of anything that will trap water, snow, or dirt. Be sure the deck scuppers are clear. Secure banging halyards to protect them and your mast. Put away flags, pennants, and burgees. Make sure your canvas is in place and secure. If you have them and your boat is fiberglass, cover your engine room vents to keep heat in and cold out.
And finally, keep your boat clean and use it! When there's a warm day, every six weeks or so, wash the boat (I use Turtle Wax Car Wash with wax) so the finish stays nice. That will make your spring fix-up easier. And later on those nice days, take a little winter cruise if the seas are nice! One of the nicest days of cruising we ever had was on a cold, crisp, sunny December day all the way (!) To Blakely Marina and back, with a picnic in between featuring hot soup and hearty sandwiches. We were virtually all alone in this fabulous part of the world, enjoying our boat with friends.
What could be better?
Have a great winter, and keep your boats, and yourselves, safe!
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Last updated 10/30/97 by SCR