Winterization is almost another topic for the northern climates and The GAM. Tougher in remote areas where services may not be available.
- "The WILBUR" under shrink wrap
- W1.JPG (73.04 KiB) Viewed 2810 times
- "The WILBUR" option 2 boathouse saves money.
- W2.JPG (122.99 KiB) Viewed 2810 times
- 1990 Revenge 22 - W.T. "Kelsey J" under the brown tarp (Had her for 19 seasons.
- KJ2.JPG (93.22 KiB) Viewed 2810 times
Winterizing the "Kelsey J", my 1990 Revenge 22 - W.T. for 19 seasons, was fairly simple. To the shop to winterize the 225 Merc Optimax, and a day in the front yard to cover her. Leave air gaps in the cover to circulate air, no electricity needed.
A 34' boat is a bit tougher. If hauling for the winter, you have to get somebody to haul her to a boat yard as 17,000 pounds was too much for the truck ($940), then shrink wrap ($1,100), then pay for the yard (~$750), and electricity. I left her in the water last two winters and reused the shrink wrap (failure last winter, it blew off). This winter I'm renting a boat house ($1,700 for 6 months) and still paying for my regular slip.
As JimH mentioned, drain and winterize the water system with antifreeze (hot water tank, water tanks, fresh water lines to galley sink, head, and shower), winterize raw water pump to galley and cockpit, change oil in the CAT 3208TA (almost 4 gallons), change zincs, check underwater zincs (still have to do that).
But it was a decision we made to move up to a larger boat for about 10 years. The Revenge 22 cost about $1,000 per year to operate. The Wilbur 34 about $10,000 per year. It's a choice. And an eye-opener.
JimP
