Personal Watercraft Insurance, Winterizing Your Yacht
For most Americans, fall is the time to think about winterizing yachts and boats. Our yacht insurance specialists strive to help boat enthusiasts ensure they protect their marine investments with proper precautions.
No matter whether you are planning to store your yacht in climate-controlled storage or are going to protect it with a tarp, protective cover, or shrink-wrap, there are steps to follow for winterization.
Here is a checklist of essential steps for winterizing that our yacht insurance specialists hope you will consider:
- Clean the exterior: pressure-wash the hull, remove barnacles, check for damage, make repairs, and wax the hull.
- Clean the interior: scrub the kitchen, empty the fridge, clean out all storage lockers and compartments, and either remove cushions or set them on edge to promote air circulation.
- Remove onboard items to guard against theft or damage during storms (no sense leaving them and having to add them to a yacht insurance claim!); bring home first aid and survival gear to inspect them for damage in case they need replacing before the next boating season.
- Always consult the owner’s manual for specific requirements pertaining to your yacht’s maintenance and care.
- Inspect and prepare the inboard engine for the idle season: change the oil and filter, flush the engine, add antifreeze to the manifold, remove spark plugs, and use fogging oil on the cylinders.
- Inspect the stern drive: rid it of debris, drain the gear case, check for damage, and follow the owner’s manual for maintenance recommendations.
- Ensure that the fuel tanks are full to guard against water condensation during the cold weather.
- Bilges should be clean and dry.
- Inspect and prepare the freshwater – draining the freshwater and hot water tank before flushing with non-toxic antifreeze.
- Empty the waste tank and pump with fresh water; follow the protocol outlined in the owner’s manual.
- Conduct a full inspection of your yacht before you secure and cover it for the winter.
If all this work seems beyond your skillset, hire professionals to properly winterize your yacht for you.
