With an abundance of water, both river and ocean, in the Portland area, boating is a popular summer activity. In factPortland boat sales are brisk during the sunny summer weather. Portland outboard motors give boats increased speed and distance. However, a motor boat adds to the maintenance responsibilities of the boat owner. Portland, Oregon, is located in northwest United States. Being so far north, it experiences cold weather in the winter months. As the cold weather rolls in from Canada, specific maintenance steps must be performed so that the boat and its motor survive the weather and come to life quickly once the warm weather arrives.
As for the boat itself, it must be stored out of the weather. The easiest way to remove it from the weather is to store it in a building. In a building, it is safe from the cold temperatures, the harsh winds, and the snow. However, this solution can cost a lot of money. Another solution, while expensive, is more affordable that indoor storage. This solution is to shrink wrap the boat. While this may sound bizarre, it provides a barrier between your precious boat and the elements. If shrink wrapping is not a viable solution for you, you should at least protect the boat with a strong, waterproof tarp or other cover.
Aside from the structure of the boat, you need to maintain the peripherals. The rule of thumb would be to remove any fluid that is water based and to fill any fluid that is petroleum based. Keep in mind that, when water freezes, it expands. For this reason, removing the water will prevent the container from cracking or, even worse, breaking. Two important water containers are the waste removal system and the fresh water supply. Also, empty and clean the bilge using detergent, hot water, and a stiff brush. Both need to be cleaned out at the end of the warm season. As for the petroleum-based systems, the motor needs to be maintained in a similar manner to the automobile. The first step is to change the oil. Then make sure that the fuel tank is filled. A full fuel tank prevents condensation within the tank. Another important task is to change the spark plugs and the transmission fluid.
These guidelines are merely suggestions. A complete maintenance schedule is available from your boat dealer or your marina. Another resource is our huge source of all knowledge, the Internet. As you gather your information, it will be helpful for you to make up a check list of tasks so that none of the steps are accidentally skipped. You might also want to buddy up with another boat owner so that you can share knowledge and work together. Then you can return the favor by helping him with his boat. Two people working on two boats in tandem can finish the job in less time than two people working alone. When both boats are ready for winter, you can celebrate together by getting out the skis and snow mobile.
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