11-12-24 REELLIFE digital - Flipbook - Page 12
Using waterproof grease,
generously grease the shaft
before you reinstall the
propeller.
A thorough inspection
of your battery(s) and
electrical system is
especially important
during your winterization
process. Make sure each
battery is topped off
with distilled water then
bring it up to full charge.
A battery at full charge is
less likely to freeze; in fact,
a fully charged battery can
withstand -58 degrees
Fahrenheit before freezing.
If you find corrosion on
the terminals, remove the
battery from the boat and
clean it off with a mild
solution of baking soda and
water. Once everything is
clean it is also a good idea
to use one of the various
corrosion guard offerings
after reassembly. As long
as you have 12 volts on the
brain, you should also go
through the rest of your
electrical installation and
look for loose connections,
and damaged wiring.
Check all the switches and
breakers to make sure they
are working correctly.
Don’t overlook your electric
trolling motors and their
electrical system.
As with the boat batteries
make sure the trolling
motor batteries are fully
charged. Pull the prop and
remove any fishing line,
hair-ties, balloon ribbons,
and weeds that may have
set up shop. Check the
drive pin for damage and
make sure that you have
a spare onboard. Check all
the mounting bolts and
tighten them as required.
Clean and lubricate
per the manufacturer’s
requirement. Check all your
electrical connections and
pull the batteries from any
remote controls.
