After our “Indian” summer it is time to be proactive and winterise your narrowboat before you get caught out by a sudden cold snap. If your boat is going to be mothballed or unattended for a period over winter, now is the time to take steps to protect it and your wallet from damage over the winter months ahead.
You may be new to boating or you might want reminding of best practice for winter protection of your investment and we at Swanley Bridge Marina have put together some helpful tips to consider.
You may be moored alongside a canal where boats may pass. In the case where there is ice a good idea is to place some wooden planks attached to ropes in to the water alongside you boat. This will help protect your hull from the impact of broken ice when boaters try to break the ice to get to flowing water.
Always test your automatic bilge pump and batteries for adequate charge in case of broken pipes or excessive rainfall or even snowfall. Unmaintained stern glands and weed hatches can allow for water ingress and cause your boat to flounder.
Ventilating your boat is also to be considered with a windsock or the like. This will help prevent most of the weather getting in to the boat and give adequate ventilation to the interior. Consider removing soft furnishings and upholstery to prevent musty smells and mould.
Be sure that your mooring pins and lines are secure but slack enough to contend with the rise or fall of water levels. Consideration should also be given to flooding in the event of your boat becoming untied or loose in gales. In these conditions it is a good idea to attach a longer line securing your boat to a tree or a position on higher ground if possible and when possible make a visit to be sure everything is fine.
It goes without saying that it is sensible to remove personal possessions and any expensive items whilst the boat is unattended and secure your boat with insurance approved locks. Also check that you are adequately covered on your insurance too.
Ensure that the batteries are always fully charged and if possible left on a float charge from a reputable marine battery charger. Otherwise a regular spot check is strongly advised. Check to see that the electrolyte level is correct and all battery terminals are not corroded.
If your generator is not in use it should be secured in a gas tight locker. The same regulations also apply to LPG.
Water pumps should be disconnected and run dry to ensure all traces of water are removed. Also ensure all water tanks and calorifiers are emptied and taps are left in the open position. It is recommended you drain the shower and remove the shower head with the valves also left open.
It is sensible to change the oil and service the engine in readiness for winter according to the manufacturers recommendations. This ensures that the filters are clean, any water has been removed and corrosion that can accumululate has been washed away.
In the event that you have a sealed water system check that your antifreeze is of sufficient strength and topped up to deal with winter conditions. When there is no drain plug present disconnect a hose and drain down the water from the system and leave disconnected. This will allow for expansion should water freeze and reduce the risk of burst pipes as the system will not drain completely.It is worth insulating tight bends in the pipes where accessible at the points where fluids may collect. Place an oily rag in the exhaust outlet to cover the air inlet to the engine. This prevents air travelling through the engine and causing the valve gear to corrode.A spray of the engine with WD40 or the like is good practice especially any electrical components and wiring.This helps avoid any damp and bad connections come the spring. Keep your fuel tank filled over winter to protect from condensation polluting your fuel tank.
This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of requirements but will go a long way towards protecting your vessel over winter. If you would like more advice or would like to discuss winterising your boat, please do call or email the Marina office or just pop in.