WINTERIZING YOUR DUCK

Note 1: John and Jerie Milici john_milici@sbcglobal.net , 4623 "Peking" have the most cold weather experience and may have some good hints. They did live aboard, which changes the preparation program a bit.

Igo Sheyn, info@shipart.ru , has his Duck, 3824, in Moscow, with -40C predicted for this winter - good luck Igor! I'm sure he would appreciate any special information available.

Note 2: Antifreeze at the yard is not formulated for extreme conditions (this is the tropics!) and is best replaced in extreme conditions.

Inboard Engine
You should run the engine(s) to warm it up and change the oil while it is warm. This tends to allow impurities to be drained away with the oil. You should also change the oil filter(s). In extreme areas drain the fresh water from the engine and fill with pure antifreeze. Special meters are available to show the degree of protection offered. You should circulate antifreeze through the manifold by using a pickup hose from the water pump to a bucket of antifreeze. Start the engine and allow the antifreeze to circulate until it starts to exit the exhaust. This should also protect the muffler. While you're in the engine room you should also change the fluid in your transmission. Opening and using "fogging oil" in each cylinder is not necessary with diesel engines. Wipe down the engine with a shop towel sprayed with a little WD-40 or equal.

Fuel
Fill your fuel tank(s) to avoid a build up of condensation over the winter months. Add a fuel stabilizer by following the instructions on the product. Change the fuel filter(s) and water separator(s). If you do not want to fill the tanks there are desiccant filters that can be installed in vent lines or temporarily put into the vent exits (Two on each side under the cap rails).

Bilges
Make sure the bilges are clean and dry. Use soap, hot water and a stiff brush to clean up any oil spills. Once the bilges are clean, add a little antifreeze at the low points to prevent any water that enters from freezing.

Fresh Water System
Completely drain the fresh water tank and hot water heater. Isolate the hot water heater by disconnecting the in and out lines and connect them together. Pump a non-toxic antifreeze into the system and turn on all the facets including the shower and any wash-down areas until you see the antifreeze coming out. Also put non-toxic antifreeze in the water heater.

Heating System
If -20C or colder is expected drain the heating system and fill with pure antifreeze that meets the requirements for your area.

Head
Pump out the holding tank at an approved facility. While pumping, add fresh water to the bowl and flush several times. Again add fresh antifreeze and pump through hoses, holding tank, y-valve, macerator and discharge hose.

Interior
Once you have taken care of the system you should remove any valuables, electronics, lines, PFD, fire extinguishers, flares, fenders, etc. Over the winter these items can be cleaned, checked and replaced as necessary. Open all drawers and lockers and clean thoroughly. Turn cushions up on edge so that air is able to circulate around them or, better yet, bring them home to a climate controlled area. Open and clean the refrigerator and freezer. To keep your boat dry and mildew-free you might want to install a dehumidifier or use some of the commercially available odor and moisture absorber products.

Out of Water Storage
Pressure wash hull, clean barnacles off props and shafts, rudders, struts and trim tabs. Clean all thru-hulls and strainers. Open seacock's to allow any water to drain. Check the hull for blisters and if you find any that should be attended to you might want to open them to drain over the winter. While you're at it, why not give the hull a good wax job? It is probably best to take the batteries out of the boat and take them home and either put them on a trickle charger or charge them every 30-60 days.

In Water Storage
Close all seacock's (except bilge pump outlets) and check rudder shafts and stuffing boxes for leaks, tighten or repack as necessary. Check your battery to make sure it is fully charged, clean terminals, add water if necessary and make sure your charging system is working. Check bilge pumps to ensure they are working and that float switches properly activate the pumps and that they are not hindered by debris. Make sure either to check your boat periodically or have the marina check it and report to you. If in an area where the water you are docked or moored in actually freezes it is best to have a de-icing device or bubbling system around your boat.