September 25, 2008
RIB Winterizing: Preparing The Boat For the Off Season
Bottom line, a RIB is no different than a hardsided boat when it comes time to preparing it for the winter or off season. Whether you choose to do it yourself or have your marina or storage facility do it for you, winterizing the boat and motor is probably the most important maintenance you can do to your RIB.
For boaters who aren't comfortable doing their own maintenance, all the procedures may be performed by a qualified marine technician at your local boat dealer, just ask them. Taking a little time in the fall to get your boat and motor ready for winter means that you can be one of the first boaters out on the water next spring.
The following are some basic general steps to follow to properly winterize you RIB:
-Clean boat inside and out and cover when stored, even indoors. Allow for air circulation under the cover to prevent mildew.
- Drain water from the bilges and leave the transom drain plug out. It's a good idea to place a reminder note in a conspicuous place to avoid embarrassment at the boat ramp next spring.
- Drain fuel from tank or add fuel stabilizer for the winter
- Insure the tube is fully inflated. (If RIB does not have pressure relief valves inflate to 80% pressure)
- Properly winterize engine by changing the fluids and filters, flushing the lower unit, and fogging the carburetor.
- Open all storage compartments so that air can circulate throughout the boat.
- Hang life jackets up where they can air out.
- Examine trailer tires and grease the wheel bearings, replacing them as necessary. Check bulbs and electrical contacts on the plugs as well as sockets where the bulbs screw in. Spray contacts with a moisture displacing lubricant and wrap electrical tape around the plugs to keep them dry.
- Put the trailer on blocks and remove the tires to prolong rubber life and hinder boat thieves.
- Check the owner's manual for tips that are particular to your own brand of boat, engine and trailer.
Stay tuned for my next posting which will be all about winterizing the engine.
Posted by ribcraftusa at September 25, 2008 02:46 PM
