5-inch Simrad/Mercury engine gauge MFD, 5-inch Furuno GPS navigator, 4-inch Si-Tex sea temp gauge, 2-inch Standard-Horizon VHF and 4-inch Ritchie SS1000 compass. After cleaning each of these with warm soapy water, I will rinse with warm freshwater and dry with a soft, microfiber towel. Once this has been done, the covers go back on for the winter for the flush mounted units and the yoke mounted electronics are removed and stored in my temp controlled house. FURUNO ADVICE I reached out to Furuno’s Advertising and Communications manager Jeff Kauzlauric to see if they had any intel to share on how best to store marine electronics for the winter. Jeff connected me with Brandon Christopher, Furuno’s Leisure Marine Support Manager and he provided this very handy checklist, detailed by priority level. HIGH PRIORITY ACTIONS Data Backup- Backup all critical user data, routes, waypoints, and system settings to a physical medium (SD card, USB drive). System Power Down- Disconnect the main power source to the electronics distribution panel or bus bar to prevent parasitic current draw and protect against surges. Display Removal- Clean the exterior, remove all LCD displays and processors (if separate) and store them indoors in a climate-controlled environment. Condensation Management- Do Not block vents or breathing valves on any device left on the boat, as proper air exchange prevents internal condensation/moisture buildup. Protection of Exposed Connectors- Apply a layer of dielectric grease to all exposed electrical plugs, pins and cable connections remaining on the vessel. Shrink Wrap Caution- Do not shrink-wrap a vessel for storage without first removing LCDs and sensitive electronics, as heat and condensation within the wrap can be highly destructive. Sonar Dome Exercise (for scanning sonar, in water)- Power on, extend and retract the sonar dome, checking for smooth operation and marine growth. Run the system for at least 10 minutes of operational runtime. Sonar Dome Inspection (out of water)- If hauled: Extend the dome but Do Not transmit. Inspect the sound dome and tube, checking for obstructions and marine buildup/growth. Clean as needed. CRITICAL PRIORITY ACTIONS Underwater Sonar Dome- (for scanning sonars)- Grease shaft and hoist unit with proper lubrication. Replace the grease cotton (or similar seal maintenance component) yearly. Radar Scanner Position - Do Not store the radar sensor to any position other than its normal, upright operational position to protect internal components and bearings. Radar Mast/Arch Security- If the mast or hinged arch is lowered, first remove the radar scanner and place it in an upright position elsewhere. MEDIUM & LOW PRIORITY ACTIONS Cable Management- Secure and tie up any disconnected cables (especially mast/hardtop runs) and consider covering the connector ends with electrical tape or a weatherproof cap to prevent moisture ingress. Transducer Prep- Check in-hull transducers for leaks. Top off any in-hull acoustic liquid wells with non-toxic marine-grade propylene glycol to prevent freezing and ensure proper sound transmission. Transducer Cleaning- Clean the face of hull-mounted transducers while the boat is out of the water, ensuring no marine growth is present. Weather/Wind Sensors- Remove sensitive weather instruments (e.g., ultrasonic wind sensors, paddle wheels) or secure them and protect bearings as per manufacturer guidance.
Battery Maintenance- Check the water level (for flooded batteries) and ensure any dedicated electronics batteries are fully charged and placed on a smart trickle charger or maintainer, especially in colder climates. Chart/Memory Cards- Remove and store expensive chart cards or system memory cards indoors with the displays. Pest Inspection- Check cable runs and storage areas for signs of pests, who can chew through wiring over the dormant period.
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