Winterize
Brian- I must first say that I have never left a boat in the water for the winter, only because here in WI you cant. I think we are the only people on the board that are not out on the water this weekend.
Here are my thoughts about a cockpit cover: I would have one (a square piece) over the companionway to protect water that could make its way into the cabin and fill the bilge. I too have a E-25 CB and when it pours I end up with a gallon or two in the bilge. I would love to have a boat cover that looks like a pup tent, but too much cha ching for me
I would also put some sort of heat tape in the bilge to keep water from freezing if intrusion occurs, dumps some anti freeze in the bilge also and set your bilge switch higher than that at least. Rudder and motor off. I would also make a 1 piece board to replace the four companionway boards, geez I should practice what Im preaching, note to my self do this. Winterize your water tanks and head if still installed and remove all food and liquidsa that can freeze and make one big F$^$%g mess to clean up, note to myself again. Take the boom off, my thoughts are, why leave it on in the elements and just out of the slightest odds some prick steals it.
****Important to close all of your seacocks!!! 8 out of 10 sinkings in the winter are caused by a broken hose!
Check out your batteries and charger that they will work for you if needed it be called upon.
Brian Im sure there will be more help on the way these are just a few of what I would think about> My winter expierience from last year was that you cant see black ice when its on the road and you sure as hell cant see it when its on your cockpit floor either. Watch yourself when you board the boat for whatever reasons. Best of luck , Rob Hessenius E-25CB Hull # 88
