11-12-24 REELLIFE digital - Flipbook - Page 10
safety
randy
After what has proven to
be an epic summer and
fall fishing season, the
last of our marine salmon
fisheries are behind us.
The general trout fishery
just closed and you’re still
struggling to find space in
the freezer for one more
vacuum-packed fillet. Now
what, is it time to winterize?
With the typical winter
forecast of questionable
seas, rainy and icy
weekends, it may be time
to pay little attention to
your equipment. I know
you want to fish but don’t
waste your energy bagging
on the weatherman. Use
the time and energy to
get ready for next year’s
adventures. Winterize the
boat, spend some time
with your gear to ensure
that your gear is in tip-top
condition, and work on your
game plan for next season.
It should be winterized
even if you’re lucky enough
to use your boat during
the winter. The following
information and ramblings
will help you prepare for
warmer times to come.
It is time to cover the
boat, or if possible, store
it under a roof (garage or
carport). Snow is hard on
boat canvas and freezing
temperatures play havoc
with any moisture that may
collect in your boat. To that
note, pull the plug and or
drain anything on your
boat that holds water. Make
sure that you drain, blow
out, or add RV antifreeze
to any washdown or live
well pumps. If you store
your boat outside and are
a seasonal user you have
some work cut out for you.
Garage-stored or yearround boaters are not off
the hook here, and have a
task or two to attend to as
well. Now is the time to get
at it.
Aside from cleaning the
boat and eliminating any
standing water, the number
1 most important item on
your winterization chores
list is your fuel system.
Check all fuel lines and
fuel line fittings. Replace
anything that is brittle,
cracked, or otherwise
damaged. Now is also the
time to replace or drain as
appropriate your fuel/water
separator. Water trapped in
the canister can freeze and
crack the unit. If your boat
is not equipped, it is a great
time to install one.
Look over your sacrificial
anodes (zincs) and where
equipped, the associated
bonding jumpers. They
should be inspected once a
year. Replace if the anode(s)
have lost half of their mass
to corrosion. Generally, you
can replace them with the
