Tech Tip: Prewinter Maintenance

We want to remind everyone that with the changing weather comes moisture in engines and overall damp conditions down below.  Cooler weather brings out any number of preventable delays to going out on these “Indian Summer” weekends that pop up during the winter months.

Batteries are a big troublemaker after a long hot summer, then a sudden cold snap.  Have them serviced, be sure the cables are inspected as well as they can become loose and fail to deliver the available power.

For your main engine, and the generator, oil changes are important to remove moisture and the normal contaminates.  Also, when our tech is there, he will carefully inspect your equipment for other issues such as leaks, belt wear, and loose clamps, to be sure your vessel is good to go!

Let’s not forget the air conditioning system as well.  All these machines must be run and warmed up on a regular basis.  Your A/C systems need clean air filters, just as importantly clean “raw water” strainers to work properly.  Your A/C system is the best way to remove moisture from inside the boat.

There is also the lowly bilge pump.  Everyone hates them when they are running, and hates them more when they won’t.  Most stock boats could use one more nice big one on stand by and does everybody check their manual pump now and then?

It is always a good idea to schedule your winter maintenance before the cold season gets started. Our team at Sea Lake Service Department will help you keep up with your yacht when it is idle for some time.  We equip our new sold vessels with generators, air conditioning, navigation electronics, television/dvds, single sideband communication and upgrades of all kinds to make boating fun!

Any time you are away for awhile, or just can’t make it down to the boat, call us and schedule a tech to start engines, check bilge pumps, shore power on, or what ever maintenance you need.

Please feel free to call and chat about your ideas, or one of our Sea Lake Service Department Techs could meet with you on board to discuss your needs and  plans.