Laying up time

It seems to have come around very quickly this year. There’s always a long list of things to do before you leave the boat for the winter. Here’s a short list of jobs that need to be done and things that need to be checked.

If she’s staying afloat for the winter, check the mooring lines or warp for wear and replace if necessary, there’s no harm in doubling up on the lines either. Check that fenders are in good condition too. It’s also an idea to make sure that the cleats are in good order and up to surviving the winter gales.

	Starbrite No Damp Dehumidifier 12oz Dries air to level where mildew cannot grow and stops odours. Unique inner basket design increases efficiency and life of uit. 12oz container treats 900cu ft area. Our Price: £8.50

If you have time and are able, give all the seacock’s a greasing, better now than unseizing in the spring.

The heads (toilet) would benefit from a bit of post season attention, it should be thoroughly cleaned and drained. If the seals or pump is getting tired, why not service it now. In any case pumping some olive oil through is well worthwhile.

Look after your batteries too – check the levels and top up with distilled water and if you haven’t got a shore power charger or solar power charging system but you do have 240v available, fit a small trickle charger, these are readily available from car spares shops. Otherwise, remove the batteries and take them home for charging.

The engine will need some attention too. For inboards, drain and replace the oil, check that sufficient antifreeze is in the cooling system, if in doubt drain and replace. Have a look at the drive belts and anode as well. Outboards with seawater cooling must be flushed through with fresh water. Give the unit a quick spray with fogging oil.

Damp is bad thing. You get mildew, nasty smells and damage to material so fit a dehumidifier, anything is better than nothing – crystal based to electronic – something for all budgets…

Our Price £111.99	DeLonghi Dehumidifier Highly efficient compact dehumidifier, 10 litres extraction / 24 hours 2 litre capacity tank with visible water level Continuous drain facility Compact dimensions only 42cm high Humidistat to set moisture to comfortable level and save energy Electronic anti-frost device for lower temperature use Tank control system Quiet operation
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Our Price £130.69	XM Dehumidifier Humidity control switch. Air inlet contains filter to trap dust. It has automatic defrost allowing for use in temperatures below 12°C. Water can be collected in the built in tank or the unit can be plumbed in for continuous drainage. Voltage: 220-240V 50Hz Rated power output: 245W Rated current: 1.5A Moisture removal rate: 10litres per day (@30°C RH 80%) Operational temperature range: 0-35°C Dimensions: H 555 x W 310 x D250mm