Sailing life: How to prepare a sailboat for storage
18 February 2024 · 14 min · 511 views · United States
What this video covers
Preparing a sailboat for long-term storage requires flushing the diesel engine with fresh water to prevent salt buildup, topping off lead-acid batteries, and decommissioning the dinghy motor.5:56 To flush the engine, connect a garden hose directly to the sea strainer, run the engine until it reaches operating temperature, and then drain the heat exchanger by removing the zinc.7:16 For the dinghy motor, remove the spark plugs, inject a teaspoon of engine oil into each combustion chamber, and turn the starter motor to lubricate the cylinders.11:15 During a final electrical inspection, check fuse blocks for signs of heat damage or melted connectors, which may indicate over-current issues or proximity to engine exhaust.8:49 Before leaving the vessel, disconnect all battery switches and breakers to prevent electrical fires.8:29 When removing components like a water maker pump, ensure all mounting bolts are accessible before clearing storage areas to avoid unnecessary labour.0:24
Boats in this video
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