Winterizing Check List

The following Winterizing Checklist was given to us by Katana’s previous owners. Since our boat was in such great shape when we got her we are trying to do much of her maintenance the same (or better) than they did. I am sharing the list knowing that some of the details are very PDQ 32 specific. It might be helpful as a template though if others find themselves in our position some day.

PREP FOR HAUL OUT

• Fill fuel tank and add stabilizer
• Pump out holding tank
• Remove sails, boom and mast make sure all lines and halyards are secure at both ends at base of mast
• Close fuel valves and run engines until they run out of fuel
• Once engines stopped hang dock lines off each corner cleat (to control boat while being hauled)
• Raise engines so slings don’t touch props

HAUL OUT controlling boat against swinging with dock lines & to position on ties

• Prepare to lower boat on to 8”x8”x 4′ ties (at least three for each keel angled to make stable platform for boards) with at least one 2”x10” x 8′ board laid across the angled ties for each keel to sit on (make sure ground as level as possible)
• Haul out making sure spreaders are used on crane and that straps are secured to cleats with light line to stop them slipping
• Once boat on ties and boards, place boat jacks under each stern and adjust to secure and support sterns
• Engines (same for each)

1. i) Drain and change engine oil
2. ii) Drain and change lower drive shaft oil
3. iii) Change/clean oil and fuel filters
4. iv) Remove both spark plugs spay defogging oil in plug holes and replace with clean plugs
5. v) Remove /clean and propellers and re-grease bearings (make sure you mark which is Port & Starboard) prop so you can put them back. Tape bearings to props before storing. Place each one in a plastic bag and mark it

• In the Spring repeat oil changes and regap /clean or change plugs
• Unscrew speed and depth transducers. Dry off any water and replace loosely (don’t forget to re-tighten before launch)
• Lubricate (dry-lube) spray into thru hull from outside and work all thru hull valves from inside make sure left closed (Takes 2 people)
• Empty water tank (run all taps until spluttering). Check tank empty, shut off valve, remove filter and clean, replace and tighten. Open valve, make sure all taps opened including showers (head & transom) are empty THEN disconnect blue pipe at upper elbow before the filter. Affix clear tubing that fits and place other end of tubing into plumbing antifreeze with each tap and showers hot and cold open in sequence. Switch on water pump and pump until pink antifreeze comes out of tap then close tap/shower
• Put antifreeze in head and pump into holding tank (couple of liters should do it). Remove hand flush and add antifreeze in pump cylinder
• Place funnel into shower drain and switch on shower pump. Pour antifreeze into funnel a little at a time until pink antifreeze comes out of the through hull. A little overkill but I pour a little antifreeze down each sink to make sure nothing freezes
• Place all cushions/mattresses on end and store upright
• Remove inspection cover (under each bed and check for water in transom) mop out and leave cover on over winter (if not shrink wrapping check a couple of times thru winter for any water build up)
• Remove all food and fluids as well as flares etc.
• Top up batteries, disconnect main battery leads and Vaseline leads and terminals leave pos & neg leads off (secure so they don’t accidentally reconnect). Check and charge up a couple of times over winter
• Place BOUNCE drier sheets in each cupboard and on floors in each room (mice hate them and it keeps things from smelling musty)
• Shrink-wrap and check every couple of weeks and fix any rips with shrink wrap tape
• Remove all sails, clean and store (make sure dry)
• Remove all lines clean (wash with a mix of Tide and fabric softener). Dry and store in a cool dry place away from boat (Mice /squirrels love to use for nesting material)

Thanks David and Jackie!

Katana without her “stick”