The snowy winter months are not ideal for yachting, and many owners leave their yachts idle for months until summer arrives. The extremely cold temperature is another important factor that may damage yachts after sea water salt spray and sun and rain.

So how should you maintain your yacht in winter?

Like cars, the winter use and maintenance of yachts first need to check the antifreeze. All water-containing devices should contain appropriate amounts of antifreeze. Antifreeze is suitable for all kinds of climatic conditions: it can expand the range of working temperature, reduce the freezing point and increase the boiling point. When the temperature is close to 0 ° C, ensure that the antifreeze mixture is injected into the cooling pipe to avoid freezing. Clean the cooling circuit before activating the system that injects the antifreeze mixture. However, whenever the outside temperature drops below 0 ° C, the water in the pipeline (fresh water or seawater) may still freeze and cause the pipeline to break. Therefore, it is very necessary to check all water-containing systems and equipment, including seawater systems (engine cooling systems, generator cooling systems, etc.) and fresh water systems (wipers, fresh water pumps, etc.).

In addition, at low temperatures, general diesel will produce some solid paraffin-like suspended particles blocking the oil filter, resulting in the engine can not work normally. Therefore, in winter, diesel that is suitable for local climatic conditions should be replaced as appropriate to ensure the fluidity of fuel. No. 0 light diesel is generally suitable for use from April to September in various regions, and can also be used in winter in the south of the Yangtze River; No. 10 light diesel is suitable for use in winter and severe winter in areas south of the Great Wall.

Before winter, the engine and generator should let fresh water flow into the seawater circuit, check the antifreeze and the sacrificial anodes against electrochemical corrosion, remove the accumulated salt and spray the protective agent. Check oil and fuel filters and replace them if necessary. Follow the use and maintenance guidelines provided by engine and generator manufacturers.

Check the battery level and keep charging the battery once a week. Protect contact terminals with grease and vaseline; It is recommended to disconnect all batteries from the system and charge them regularly with a separate charger.

Outdoor seat cushions and sun MATS Remove all seat cushions and store them in a dry place.

Cover the sofa with a cloth cover for wood and upholstery leather. All Windows are blocked with the special blackout cloth provided to prevent light from entering the cabin, especially to avoid the color effect of ultraviolet light on the wood and fabric.

The teak deck is washed with water and neutral soap and treated with appropriate products. Only use sandpaper when it is absolutely necessary.

Aluminum and steel clean all metal parts with fresh water and then protect them with a rag dampened in petroleum jelly.

Sacrificial anodes Check for anodic losses in the hull, propeller shaft and water pressure plate, and replace them if necessary.

Take out the runner of sensing log and clean it. The inlet and outlet of the pipe are then blocked with the provided stopper.

After the windshield wiper is washed with fresh water, lubricate with petroleum jelly.

Hawse winch check oil level of gearbox if possible. Protect electrical components with suitable protective spray and lubricate clutch and hawse wheel with silicone oil.

After cleaning the tank with disinfectant, drain the fresh water circuit.

Use a cleaner to clean the tank, especially if the fuel shows signs of water.

It is recommended to clean the cabin, remove accumulated salt from equipment, and protect all electrical, mechanical and hydraulic equipment with protective sprays.

Check all lights on deck and flybridge

Clean all cabins and check all fill. Check the tightness of all hatchcovers and lubricate their joints with suitable silicone oil. Clean the fan coil with the air spray gun and remove the powder from the rear mesh.

Check hull hull and all components: propeller, anode, axis, support, rudder, balance adjusting plate, fan coil, sea cock, bow thruster.

Hoist the yacht to a sheltered and dry place. If the yacht is parked in the open air, cover it with a waterproof layer and pay attention to maintaining good ventilation. Otherwise, harmful moisture will form.

Clean the yacht with fresh water. Inspect all systems and fasteners on board: any signs of damage, aging, or cracking should not continue to be used. Repair damaged parts and replace them if necessary.

Disconnect all unnecessary power units.