Five Simple Boating Projects To Tackle This Winter

Here are five simple boating projects to help cure your winter blues.

For those who live in a region where cold weather eventually puts the kibosh on boating season, the winter months can certainly be a drag. However, the downtime gives you a chance to tackle tasks you missed last summer. Now is the time to cross them off. It brings satisfaction, knowing you’ve given your boat some essential maintenance and TLC.

Those boat owners who are skilled at boat and engine maintenance or repairs may take on a bit of heavy lifting this time of year. For most of us, light to moderate tinkering seems to be about right. With that in mind, here are five simple boating projects. Each can be completed in a winter’s afternoon as long as you have access to the inside of your vessel.

Check, Charge and Clean Batteries

If your battery fails to crank on splash day, you’re likely going to face a delayed start to the new season. Eliminate that risk now with a full charge, basic cleaning and some maintenance. Smaller batteries can be removed from the vessel and brought into a garage, basement or shed for a quick scrub.

Before placing a fully recharged battery back into your vessel, use a wire brush or fine sandpaper to clean the terminal connectors. Next, cleanse the connecting wires with a little battery terminal cleaner spray before adding a shot of battery terminal protector spray. Both are available at auto and marine shops. Some boaters simply scrub the terminals and connecting wires with a mix of baking soda and water to neutralize the green corrosive acid. However, that approach doesn’t provide any added protection.

While you are poking around in the battery compartment, take a moment to scrub the walls and floor around the battery. This will go a long way toward brightening up the scenery the next time you open the hatch.

Replace Old Hoses, Clamps, Hardware and Hatch Gaskets

Each of these items present easily overlooked problems that can sneak up on you over time. Some may last for years, but it’s wise to inspect them each winter. Regular checks throughout the boating season are also recommended.

With hoses, begin by tracing the route of each, replacing any that show signs of cracks, punctures, pinch points or fraying. You’ll want to inspect fuel lines, hydraulic steering hoses, raw water supply lines, washdown pump hoses and live-well systems. Don’t forget head and holding tank hoses, overboard discharge and freshwater system hoses. As you check each hose, examine its clamps to ensure none are loose, rusted, busted or missing. Tighten or replace as appropriate.

As for those hatch gaskets, some lose elasticity and sealing ability over time. Replace any that show signs of wear or hardening, as well as those that simply don’t work as well as they should.

Add/Replace Rod Holders

When the fish are biting and you bring along a few friends, rod holders can be at a premium. That’s especially the case if you like to target multiple species, each requiring a different rig or rod and reel setup. Consider the case where a conventional or bait casting reel might be favored for bottom loving species like tautog, grouper or snapper. Spinning gear, however, is often preferred for top-water, mid-level, and shallow feeders like redfish, snook, stripers, and blues.

Perpendicular rod holders are easy to install with minimal drilling for screw or bolt holes. Use a wrench or screwdriver to secure them along the gunnel or consol. Take a look around your vessel and make sure there are a couple holders within easy reach of anglers at the stern, amidships, and in the bow.

Double-Check Improvised Solutions

Most boats that have some history behind them also sport a few, shall we say, “novel” solutions for small fixes. Think old length of rope for a tie-down. A stretch band to secure rods below the gunwale. A bit of duct tape to hold a hatch or cabin draw in place. Now’s the time to replace them with more permanent solutions. It’s amazing how satisfying it can be to make a simple change in this regard. A worn or missing stretch band securing your rod butts in a horizontal holder can require tightening or adjustment every few trips. In return for the minute or two it takes to replace it, you can get a season’s worth of less irritation. It also ensures the comfort of knowing your rods will stay put without any damage.

Freshen Up Canvas and Upholstery

Boat seats and upholstery really do take a beating throughout the season, so a little wintertime attention is a good idea. Begin by rinsing down seats and upholstery with freshwater. Then, use a soft rag or wash mitt with mild dish soap to clean dirt without stripping the protective outer coating on vinyl and most other fabrics. Be sure to avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, degreasers and abrasive cleansers as these can damage fabric, vinyl and leather.

For areas that seem stained or soiled, allow several minutes to pass after applying cleanser before you begin a moderate scrub. If necessary, use a soft brush to work dirt out of crevices or to apply a little extra elbow grease where needed. Do not over-scrub. To prevent mildew, dry each seat surface thoroughly after cleaning.

Small tears and cracks should be addressed now, before they expand into larger ones. These are easily fixed using a marine-grade leather, fabric or vinyl repair kit matching the upholstery color.  Once vinyl seats have dried, be sure to apply a vinyl protectant to prevent future damage.