Here is the awesome checklist put together by Chris Birch (and reposted with his permission). To all those of you whose season is coming to a close, I hope you had an awesome season. Hope that this checklist really comes in handy. Chris is one of the top marine technicians – so if you’re in Boston, MA, contact him if he can help. Otherwise, his contribution is incredibly nice of him.
Winter work order: De-commissioning from Chris Birch / Birch Marine
To Do Project
Phase 1 – near the end of the boating season:
∆ Fall varnish
∆ Clean & wax topsides from waterline to the rail
∆ Clean & wax deck, cockpit & house
∆ Interior cleaning including storage lockers and contents there of
∆ Bilge cleaning
Phase 2 – Just prior to haul out:
∆ Fuel: fill tank(s)
∆ Add fuel stabilizer and biocide to fuel tank(s)
∆ Canvas: remove, send out for service & storage
∆ Sails: remove, send out for washing, minor repair & storage
∆ Main engine(s): winterize
(Change engine oil, oil filter, fuel filter(s), & engine zinc. Flush, fog & seal)
∆ Generator: winterize
(Change engine oil, oil filter, fuel filter(s), & engine zinc. Flush, fog & seal)
∆ Batteries: clean, service, charge, hydrometer test
∆ Head(s): winterize toilet, macerator pump and holding tank.
∆ Fresh water sys.: winterize tanks, water heater, taps, showers & shower sumps
∆ Ice maker: winterize
∆ Bilge & bilge pumps: test & flush all electric and manual bilge pumps
∆ Air conditioning / heat: winterize
∆ Refrigeration: winterize
∆ Water maker: winterize
∆ Windshield spray system: winterize
∆ Salt water wash down pump(s): winterize
∆ Winterize & stow dingy outboard engine
∆ Clean, deflate and stow inflatable dingy
∆ Full systems check
Phase 3 – After haul out (or final move to winter slip for in water storage):
∆ Shrinkwrap. White plastic? Or clear plastic for $100 Surcharge? Zipper door?
(note: Sails and canvas must be removed prior to shrinkwrap)
∆ Set out dehumidifier containers
∆ Send prop(s) out for tune and service
∆ Diver to change zincs if boat is to winter in the water
∆ Other:
Winter projects
To do Project
∆ New electronics installation
∆ Interior varnish or painting project
∆ Exterior varnish or painting project
∆ Wiring project
∆ Rigging project
∆ Plumbing project
∆ Carpentry project
∆ Flexiteek decking project
Preventative maintenance suggestions:
∆ Replace engine control cables
∆ Replace old hoses and hose clamps
∆ Add a bilge pump and/or high water alarm
∆ Service your steering system
∆ Service your winches
∆ Service or renew your sea cocks
∆ Send prop(s) out for tune and service
∆ Renew your cutlass bearing(s)
∆ Re-bed some or all of your deck hardware & ports
∆ Cabin sole varnish
∆ Repaint your worn anchor chain markings
∆ Renew your running rigging
∆ Renew your standing rigging
∆ Renew your dock lines and /or fenders and/or fender covers
∆ Bleach clean your interior lockers and bilge spaces
∆ Renew your head(s)
∆ Upgrade or renew your DC wiring system
∆ Upgrade or renew your AC wiring system
∆ Send your engine alternator(s) and starter motor(s) out for service
∆ Clean & paint your engine
∆ Other:
FINALLY – Re-Commissioning Checklist
To do Project
∆ Remove & recycle winter cover
∆ Bottom paint. Interlux Micron CSC is standard choice. Alternative paint? Color?
∆ Zinc: install new shaft/tabs/rudder/hull/thruster zinc(s)
∆ Clean shaft(s) & prop(s) and thruster tunnel(s)
∆ Diver to clean bottom and change zincs if boat wintered in the water
∆ Clean wax topsides (waterline to the rail)
∆ Clean wax deck (from the rail up)
∆ Polish stainless
∆ Interior cleaning
∆ Bleach clean interior lockers and bilge spaces
∆ Varnish: exterior varnish or other wood finish
∆ Tune rig
∆ Bend on sails
∆ Install dodger and / or bimini
∆ Main engine(s): commission
∆ Generator: commission
∆ Fresh water system: commission
∆ Ice maker: commission
∆ Head(s): commission
∆ Air-conditioning / heat: commission
∆ Refrigeration: commission
∆ Battery: clean, service, load test & charge
∆ Check and grease sea cocks
∆ Service stuffing boxes on shaft(s) and rudder post(s)
∆ Service winches
∆ Inflate and check and clean inflatable dingy
∆ Summerize dingy engine
∆ Full systems check
∆ Other: