As an experienced boat owner, you already understand how important it is to winterise your yacht – protecting her from the effects of the winter weather, fuel degradation, mould and mildew. It’s just as important that you also winterise your tender. So here’s a check list of just what’s needed.
Storage
Your Williams tender is best stored covered, in a clean, ventilated, dry location that is not affected by major variations in temperature or humidity.
Engines
Before you store your tender, carry out a thorough inspection of the engine compartment and bilges to ensure they are clean and completely dry. If possible, raise the front of the boat to allow any residual water to drain towards the stern where it can be easily removed.
Tubes
Prior to storing your Williams over the winter periods, the buoyancy tubes should be deflated and hosed down with fresh water to remove any small stones and weed from the luffing track, then allowed to dry. Use a proprietary tube cleaner and polish to ensure optimum condition. Store with the tubes lightly inflated where possible.
Upholstery
Where possible, remove all upholstery from the boat and store in a dry place. Ensure upholstery is cleaned using a proprietary upholstery cleaner and is fully dry before storage.
Maintenance of hull and deck
Wash the deck in warm water after use, using a mild detergent and hose down to remove sand or any loose material. The hull and deck should be regularly polished using a good quality gelcoat polish to minimise fade and UV chalking.
Battery
The battery is of the dry cell type. This means that the electrolyte content is absorbed in a special fabric which requires no topping up and is leakproof in any position. When the boat is not being used for
an extended period of time, disconnect the earth terminal. A trickle-charging device will extend battery life.
Fuel system
Fuel will become stale over a period of several months. A full fuel tank prevents moisture and mildew from developing within the tank. Fuel begins to break down after approx. 30 days. Adding a fuel stabilizer in the recommended ratio will minimise this.
Cooling system
Flush the open loop water circuit to remove salt, sand, shells and other contaminants that may be trapped in the raw water cooling circuit. Refer to your owner’s manual which will give you a guide on how to do this.
Measure the anti-freeze content of the engine coolant with a commercially available antifreeze tester. A 50/50 mixture of distilled water to propylene glycol provides sufficient frost protection to approx. -37°C.
Engine oil change
It is important to change the oil. Used engine oil contains water, unburned fuel and small metal particles. When old oil is left in the engine for longer periods, corrosion and degradation of bearings within the engine may occur.
Conserve the cylinders
Unscrew the spark plugs and fill approx 10ml of clean engine oil directly into each spark plug bore. Crank the engine a few times with the starter. Screw in the spark plugs again.
Grease cables
Grease all control cables at both ends and exercise to ensure good coverage.
General corrosion protection
Apply vaseline, dielectric grease or a similar white grease to the battery isolator switch, upholstery press studs and running light pole base. Use maintenance spray on the key switch and apply a proprietary corrosion guard to engine,
electrical connections, under the helm and around the jet pump area.
Further assistance
Taking the steps above means your tender will be ready and waiting for you in good order, ready for the start of the season but remember our team are always here to help.
If you have any questions or need advice regarding how best to winterise your tender, service or storage, please contact us at enquiries@williamsbalear.com or visit our service pages here.