Decommissioning

Original manual page 64

Winterizing Your Engine:

Laying Up:

In cold climates where yachts are decommissioned during the winter, your Catalina may be safely stored in the water, provided adequate measures are taken to prevent ice damage to the hull. Check with your yard to determine the feasibility of storing in the water.

When the boat is to be stored on land, the mast may be left stepped on the deck. However, it is recommended that the mast be removed at the time of hauling for a thorough inspection and preparation for next season. This allows plenty of time over the winter months to order and replace the shrouds or rigging parts needed, avoiding any delays in the spring commissioning.

After Hauling:

1. Wash bottom, removing growth (where permitted by environmental regulation).
2. Wash topsides, deck, and all other exterior fiberglass surfaces. Wax all except the nonskid surfaces.
3. Remove all sails. Follow sailmaker's instructions or instructions Section 3.8, in regard to cleaning. Schedule any repairs required and store in a dry place.
4. Remove all sheets and lines, clean, store in a dry place.
5. If the mast had been removed from the yacht, remove all stays and shrouds from the mast. Wash the entire stay or shroud assembly, using fresh water and a stiff brush. Dry thoroughly, and coil into large non-kinking coils. Store the coils in a dry place. Wash and wax all spars. Coil halyards into non-kinking coils, and put in a dark colored plastic bag to protect them from sunlight if storing outdoors. Lash them to the mast. Store the mast either inside or outside with adequate support along its length.
6. If mast is to be left in place, remove the boom, clean and store as described before. Clean shroud/stay end fittings, toggles, etc. using fresh water and a stiff brush. Apply a light coat of silicone grease, paying particular attention to the end fittings where they connect to the stays and shrouds.
7. Clean and lubricate all deck hardware that contains moveable parts. Follow manufacturer's instructions on winches.
8. Remove all gear such as books, documents, bedding, PFD's, anything moveable that is subject to rust, corrosion or mildew.
9. Remove all food supplies from lockers or ice chest. Wash out ice chest interior with a weak solution of Clorox. Leave ice chest lid open.
10. Stored batteries should be fully charged, and both positive and negative terminals should be disconnected. The batteries may be either left aboard or stored in a cool, dry place. Sub zero temperatures will not harm a fully charged battery.
11. Close all manual shutoffs for the stove fuel system.
12. Winterize the head system in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
    1. Empty the holding tank, flush it out with fresh water several times. Add a holding tank chemical.
    2. Pump all the water out of the head.
    3. Shut off the head intake through hull.
    4. Remove the head intake line from the through hull. Put it in a container of potable water and pump it through the head. (Do not use ordinary anti-freeze), drain the head completely.
    5. Reconnect the intake line to the through hull.
    6. Shut the discharge through hull (if applicable).

    IMPORTANT: Always follow manufacturer's instructions wherever possible for winterizing the head system.

13. Hot and cold water system:
    1. Empty the water tanks as much as possible. (There will always be a small amount of water left.)
    2. Add a potable water anti-freeze, sold in marine and RV stores (Do not use ordinary anti-freeze, it is toxic), to your water tank and a small amount of water. Pump this water/anti-freeze mixture through the water lines to all faucets. Do not forget to pump some from both tanks, if the boat has two. Also, drain the pumps. Do not allow anti-freeze to remain in the pump as this will damage the pump.
    3. Close the sink drain through hulls, or plug the sink, if the through hull is above the waterline.

    IMPORTANT: Always follow the manufacturer's instructions wherever possible for wintering the hot and cold water system.

14. Remove all electronic gear that may require servicing during the winter.
15. Remove fire extinguishers for weighing, checking, and any necessary recharging. If an automatic fire extinguisher system is installed, return the cylinders to the yacht and reinstall as soon as possible.
16. If cushions are left aboard, bring cockpit cushions below and place all cushions on edge to encourage ventilation.
17. Leave all interior lockers open to encourage ventilation.
18. Ensure that cockpit and deck scuppers are open and free.
19. If the boat is to be covered, ensure that the cover is installed in such a way as to provide adequate ventilation, and that the cover is not permitted to chafe against the hull or deck.
20. If the boat is not to be covered, ensure that mechanisms, such as winches and steering pedestals are provided with adequate covers.
21. If the mast is to remain stepped, snug all shrouds and halyards to minimize noise and wear.

General Rules:

We recommend the following procedures be followed when storing the yacht for prolonged winter months. Begin by consulting your authorized dealer about storing the boat in or out of water in freezing climates. If at all possible, the manufacturer recommends keeping the yacht in dry storage for severe winters.

All through hull fittings should be drained and closed off. Water in the sanitation system and other tanks should be pumped out. Fill the lines and fittings with anti-freeze to prevent water from running in, freezing or expanding, and cracking the lines and fittings.

For diesel engines, consult the manufacturer's manual for special instructions. Unless the manufacturer's manual states otherwise, drain the block, disconnect the water hose from the through hull fittings, attach an additional length of hose and place the end of this hose in a bucket of anti-freeze. Run the engine until straight anti-freeze comes out of the exhaust line. Stop the engine at this point, plug or cap the exhaust line, and remove the additional hose and bucket.