Protect Your Yacht - Winterization Ideas and Techniques

Ready or not, Old Man Winter is here, knocking at your bulkhead hatch. While there are still a few weeks of fall left to enjoy hitting the water, the warm weather and another boating season has ended. It also means that now is the time to think about what you need to winterize your yacht and boats for sports fishing.

Proper winterization helps you avoid costly damages to your yacht. It also extends the life of its engine by protecting components from freezing and corrosion. Winterizing also allows for a quick turnaround come spring, which means you can hit the water as soon as Mother Nature allows.

Weather you live in a cold winter state or in a warmer climate, it is important to winterize. Take these protective measures and your boat will be in ship-shape condition when it's time to get back in the water.

 

Park It

If you live in a state with frigid temperatures, onshore boat storage is necessary. If you live in a warmer climate, you have options. However, a properly stored hull is less likely to develop blisters than a hull that remains in the water.

Onshore Boat Care

• Pressure wash the hull to remove all dirt, scum, and barnacles. Then check the hull for blisters that require attention.
• Open seacocks to allow any water to drain.
• Disconnect and remove batteries and store these at home in a cool dry room. Be sure to charge them every 30 to 60 days.
• Make certain your yacht has acceptable hull support.

During Hibernation

• Do a clean sweep - open and clean the pantry, refrigerator and freezer, and wipe out drawers and lockers. Turn cushions up to allow air to circulate. Clean carpets and scrub down wood and vinyl surfaces. Install a dehumidifier or use commercial odor and moisture-absorbing products.
• Protect your vessel - dismount electronics and other valuables and removal all flammables.
• Keep it clean - clean bilges and drain any existing water. Once clean, spray with a moisture displacing lubricant and add a touch of environmentally-friendly antifreeze to prevent any water from freezing.
• Winterize the engine - pull the cover and examine the engine for problems like frayed or loose wires, connections, and clamps. Then, replace the old gear oil with fresh oil, and change the oil filters. If your engine uses coolant, drain the current fluid and replace it with propylene glycol based antifreeze.
• Fill ‘er up - top-off your fuel tank.
• Get rid of water - Check water systems and pump holding tanks. Completely drain the fresh water tank and hot water heater. Pump out the holding tank at an approved facility.

It's a wrap

• Keep it covered - whether you are storing your yacht inside or outdoors, your vessel must be protected. To ensure this, a secure boat cover is essential.

Saltwater Fishing - Getting Hooked and Getting Started

Before you launch, there are things you need to know about sport fishing. Water adventure is kind of our thing, so let us give you some tips and tricks from our own experience fishing aboard commercial crab boats that will give you the what, where, when and how so you can reel-in a big one.

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Saltwater fishing is an entirely different experience than freshwater fishing. Bass and walleye have nothing on the power of some of the greatest fighting fish like tuna and marlin. These saltwater champions really put up a fight! Here's what you need to know to get started on your coastal angling adventure.

Step 1 - Learn from an expert. Practice your skills on a chartered boat with an experienced staff that can assist you in baiting, reeling and knotting, amongst other techniques.

Step 2 - Know your knots. The best way to ensure you don't lose that next world record fish is to be sure you're using the right knot. Practice these skills, as well as casting and baiting, on dry land.

Step 3 - Planning makes perfect. The old saying: 90 percent of the fish are in 10% of the water is true! Picking the best spot and time of day makes all the difference in saltwater fishing. Phases of the moon, position of the sun, wind and weather all have a huge effect on fish migration patterns.

Step 4 - Research the area. Talk to local tackle shop employees and angler to find out what's going on in the area and what the best bait to use is at the time of year you plan to fish. Also, work to understand tides, currents, and weather as well as how these forces affect your target fish.

Step 5 - Learn how to spot fish. Catching a big one while saltwater fishing requires tactic and that includes knowing where to find the fish. Beachfront locations with holes, pockets, and reefs are often the best places to go for saltwater fishing.

Step 6 - Protect your investment. Good saltwater fishing tackle isn't cheap and saltwater is highly corrosive. Be certain you take proper care when you return from your fishing excursion.