PROTECTING YOUR CLASSIC BOAT FROM OLD
MAN WINTER
A series of protection and safety articles provided to you by ACBS
Safety Officer Goody Thomas and Hagerty Classic Insurance with the
expert assistance from ACBS member, Gary Hutchens, owner of Torch
Lake Classics. Please boat safely, store safely and prepare for the
next boating season.
We’re going to get right to the point with our storage tips:
- It’s a good idea to change the oil after
hauling your
boat.
- Drain the water out of the engine, water pump
and
manifolds. Consider replacing the water with a
non-polluting antifreeze.
- Remove the battery and store it in a heated
building; consider maintaining the battery with a
trickle charger.
- Drain all water from the bilge.
- Consider stuffing a “stopper” such as a
tennis ball into
the boat exhaust pipe to eliminate any vermin from
nesting there during the winter.
- Try placing mothballs in small aluminum pans or
foil
around and in the boat to repel vermin.
- Take everything off the boat such as sails,
gear, battery,
all electronics and any items that may mildew. Store
separately inside a building.
- Wash or wipe down the inside of the boat with a
mild soap, light bleach or similar cleaning solution,
including all upholstery, chrome, wood, etc.
- Rest the boat trailer on blocks to prevent the
tires from
developing a flat spot and cover the trailer’s wheels to
prevent drying and cracking rubber.
- Store your boat in a well-ventilated facility.
- If you’re storing your classic at a marina or
other
shipyard, confirm that the owners and workers know
how to properly store your boat, e.g., blocking wooden
hulls.
- Shrink wrapping is not recommended for wooden
boats. However, if you do shrink wrap, be sure to
install extra vents.
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