Contrary to the summer, when you expect a boat to be fully functional, winter is a time for storage and maintenance. If you don’t store your boat properly, you may spend the whole next season repairing it. Before you face the wrath of costly repair bills, it’s important to know the ways that cold weather can damage your boat so that you can take the right preventative measures.
Water in the Fuel System
The fuel system in your boat has many parts, including filters, pumps, tanks, hoses, and more. These components work together to keep the fuel flowing smoothly throughout the engine. If any part of this system becomes damaged or clogged with water, the engine will run rough and eventually stop working. This is because the fuel pump can’t push enough fuel into the engine to sustain its normal operation.
Collapsing Cover Syndrome
If you owned a boat years before the introduction of shrink-wrap systems, chances are, you have experienced collapsing cover syndrome. During winters, the covers tend to shrink more than usual.
This causes them to pull away from the boat’s frame, thus making them prone to collapsing. To avoid such problems, make sure the cover stays tight and doesn’t let the wind blow it off. Shrink-wrap is a perfect solution to this problem. Be aware of why you need to shrink wrap your boat; it’s a protective method that helps you avoid any unnecessary damage.
A Soggy Bottom
In winter, the temperature drops drastically, often wetting the boat’s hull. When the hull becomes wet, it makes the metal expand and contract. This causes the seams to crack and leak. Once the leaks start, you can’t stop them until you take apart and repair the boat.
Rusting
When the temperature dips below freezing, moisture collects on the surface of the metal. This creates rust. Check all the surfaces of the boat thoroughly for signs of rust. You should treat any cracked areas immediately.
Broken Back
Naturally, when the temperatures drop, the boat becomes stiffer. This means that it takes more effort to move around. Also, the boat’s weight increases, putting extra stress on the boat’s back. This can cause the back to break. Make sure that you tighten up the screws on the back of the bow and stern to ensure that the boat doesn’t break under pressure.
Winter is tough for boaters since cold weather can damage their boats. By understanding the ways that cold weather can damage your boat, you can take the necessary steps to protect your investment.
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