Guard Damage

With an abundance of water, both fresh water and salt water, in the Portland area, boating is a popular summer activity. In factPortland boat sales are brisk during the warm summer weather. Portland outboard motors give boats greater speed and distance. However, a motor boat adds to the maintenance responsibilities of the boat owner. Portland, Oregon, is situated in the northern part of the United States. Being a northern city, it experiences cold weather in the winter months. As the cold weather approaches, specific maintenance steps must be performed so that the boat and its motor survive the weather and come to life quickly once spring arrives.

As for the boat itself, it must be stored out of the weather. The easiest way to remove it from the weather is to store it in a building. In a building, it is safe from the cold temperatures, the harsh winds, and the snow. However, this solution can cost a lot of money. Another solution, while expensive, is less costly that indoor storage. This solution is the shrink wrap solution. While this may sound outlandish, it provides a barrier between your valuable boat and the elements. If shrink wrapping is not a viable solution for you, you should at least protect the boat with a strong, waterproof tarp or other cover.

Aside from the boat’s hull, you need to take care of the peripherals. The rule of thumb would be to remove any fluid that is water based and to fill any fluid that is petroleum based. Keep in mind that, when water freezes, it expands. For this reason, removing the water will prevent the container from cracking or, even worse, breaking. Two of these water containers are the waste removal system and the fresh water supply. Also, empty and scrub the bilge using detergent, hot water, and a stiff brush. Both need to be cleaned out at the end of the warm season. As for the petroleum-based systems, the motor needs to be maintained in a similar manner to the automobile. The first step is to change the oil. Then ensure that the gas tank is filled. A full fuel tank will stop condensation inside the tank. Another important task is to change the spark plugs and the transmission fluid.

These guidelines are just suggestions. A complete maintenance schedule is available from your boat dealer or your marina. Another resource is our huge source of all knowledge, the Internet. As you gather your information, it will be helpful for you to make up a check list of tasks so that none of the steps are accidentally omitted. You might also want to buddy up with another boat owner so that you can share knowledge and share the tasks. Then you can return the favor by helping him with his boat. Two people working on two boats together can finish the job in less time than two people working separately. When both boats are ready for winter, you can celebrate together by getting out the skis and snow mobile.