Keep Winter Weather-Related Tragedies From Striking At Your Dock!
You honestly never know when tragedy is going to strike near your dock, especially if it's winter weather-related. HOWEVER, there ARE a few things you can to help stop some of the common mishaps from affecting your dock. Keep reading this week's blog for a few precautions you can take in an effort to keep your dock and boat safe this winter. Need help with this important task? Call Firstmate Controls today. We can be reached at 866-570-9707.
The majority of boat sinkings during the winter months occur in the slip. Snow adds weight, pushing the boat deeper and deeper into the water until the boat's submerged and the damage has been done. The key to avoiding the snow-triggered sinking is to regularly visit your boat, especially right after a snow fall, and making sure it has power so the pumps will keep running if water does start coming in. Having a smart and reliable boat lift remote control system for your lift can help you avoid these types of disasters!
WINTERIZE YOUR BOAT.
If you leave a space heater running or a light-bulb burning onboard, you might think that this is a good way to keep from having to fully winterizing your boat. However, this is the number-one reason why boats stowed for the winter go up in flames. Instead of depending on an additional heat source to prevent freeze damage, fully winterize the boat. If there’s any chance of freeze damage where you live, fully winterizing the boat is your best bet.
STORE YOUR BOAT ON A TRAILER.
When you store your boat ashore and you don’t have a trailer, the typical storage method is to haul and block the hull. Two stands per side is only sufficient up to about 26 feet. If your boat is bigger, additional jack stands should be in place. But most of the weight will be sitting on the boat’s keel, which should be supported by wood blocks. If not, your boat could suffer a broken back. It’s important for the boat’s weight to be evenly distributed, and to prevent all the weight from settling in one area. Jack stands and blocks sometimes settle, especially after a hard rain, and this can cause shifts in the load. So, periodic check-ins through the winter are a key part of ensuring your boat doesn't get damaged while stored ashore.
INVEST IN A BOAT COVER.
It's important to cover your boat during winter months to avoid damage. But if that cover collapses, your boat’s going to suddenly become exposed. The best way you can defend against this issue is by consistently checking in to make sure everything's ship-shape. A collapsing cover may not be preventable but if you discover what’s gone wrong in a matter of days instead of weeks, you can make some quick repairs and minimize the damage. Of course, the best way to prevent these types of damage is to store your boat indoors.
Have a Safe Winter This Year From Firstmate Controls!
All of us here at Firstmate Controls hope that you, your dock, and your boat remain unharmed by the winter weather this year. If you are in need of any of our services in an effort to keep your dock or boat safe, please give us a call. We can be reached at 866-570-9707. You can also stay up to date on the latest products we are featuring by following us on our social media channels listed below.
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