November 2024 Column Winterization Chemistry- Give Your Ride Pleasant Dreams at Season’s End By Capt. John N.Raguso
Anyone who has ever owned a boat that sees October turn into November has probably experienced the basic vessel winterization steps firsthand, or at least has watched someone do it. The process includes the basics like replacing used oil in the engine(s) and lower unit/transmission; swapping out spark plugs, oil filters and fuel filters; washing the hull and deck; and putting your girl under some sort of protective cover, tarp or shrink wrap to keep nature’s uninvited critters from squatting in her over the winter months and making a real mess onboard. Mechanical stuff aside, there are a variety of accessory chemicals that are available at your local marine supply emporium that will make your DIY job a lot easier when it’s time to call it a season and they will be the subject of 2024’s final boating column. FUEL STABILIZER
Gas or diesel, if it has an internal combustion engine and a supply tank, whatever fuel that is onboard for the winter solstice needs to be stabilized so that you will get a quick start when it’s time to fire it up in the spring. Modern E-10 gasoline has a nasty tendency to degrade and lose octane when it sits around for more than a few months, especially in changing external temper- atures. Diesel fuel has a habit of forming micro-organisms during winter layover that will clog up your fil- ters and injectors come springtime. Fuel stabilizers go a long way to prevent these things from compromising your coming out party next spring and will stabilize the chemistry in your fuel up to 12-months or more. Some even help eliminate dreaded phase separation if water should find its way into the system, so be sure to read the label and use the correct stabilizer-to-fuel ratio, based on the size of your tank. HULL CLEANER
Some manufacturers advertise their products as a quick“on and off ”hull cleaner, but many have one key ingredient in common…if they have acid as part of their chemical makeup, even the biodegradable type, they are nasty. Operators need to wear gloves and long sleeves before handling this stuff to avoid any uncomfortable stings or rashes during use. Hull cleaners typically work wonders at removing nasty stains, discoloration, rust and scum lines from the surfaces of your vessel’s hull or sides, especially if the bottom is not painted as is the case for many trailer boats. Although most of these products will not harm fiberglass gelcoats, it is not advisable to use it on aluminum surfaces. Just put some of this liquid in a heavy duty cup, brush it on, let it sit for a minute or two and then hose it off…works like magic. Read the bottle’s instructions, wear gloves and try not to get any of this juice on your clothes. WATER REPELLENT SPRAYS
My 2006 EdgeWater 228cc is still rocking with its original black canvas T-Top cover. I’ve watched it gradual- ly deteriorate over the past few seasons and it has become somewhat porous and leaky, retaining water instead of repelling it. Until I break down and replace it, I’ve been kicking the can down the road by treating it with a bottle of water repellent spray every year and amazingly it has done the job, giving me yet another season of use and protection from sun, rain and salt spray. DECK CLEANERS Although I’m a big fan of waxing the hull and topsides of a boat to ward off the debilitating effects of sun, sand and salt, putting a coat of wax on your vessel’s nonskid deck or cockpit sole surfaces might create potentially hazardous footing. Fiberglass has a porosity level that will retain stains like oil, fish blood, crusted on bait, etc. If you don’t clean these myriad stains on a regular basis, it’s time to let chemistry be your friend. You can spend $15-to-$25 on a bottle of proven name brand boat deck cleaner, or you can go with old reliable household staple like Soft Scrub and do the job for a lot less. Be advised that Soft Scrub uses bleach, so wear gloves and don’t get it on your clothes.
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