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Winter in the Northern California Sierra Nevada, especially around Lake Tahoe, brings a picturesque snowy landscape that unfortunately can spell disaster for unprepared boat owners. At Sunnyside Marina, we stress the importance of winterizing your boat to prevent significant damage and ensure that your vessel remains in peak condition for the next season.
What Happens to Unwinterized Boats
When temperatures consistently hit 25 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, the risk to boats increases significantly. Water in the engine block can freeze, expand, and cause the block to crack, leading to costly repairs. Additionally, if not properly treated, oil and fuel can degrade, affecting performance when you most need reliability. Other common issues include hoses splitting due to the expanding ice, accelerated corrosion of metal parts, and battery damage. These problems are particularly prevalent in inboard/outboard and v-drive boats, the types most commonly found at Lake Tahoe and stored at our marina.
Sunnyside Marina’s Winterization Process
At Sunnyside Marina, we follow a thorough winterization protocol to safeguard your boat during the off-season:
1. Draining Water: We ensure all water is drained from the engine block, which is crucial to prevent freezing and cracking.
2. Battery Care: Batteries are disconnected to prevent drain and damage during cold months.
3. Bilge Maintenance: We remove all plugs and drain any remaining water in the bilge, followed by a thorough cleaning to ensure no debris is left behind.
4. Antifreeze Application: Antifreeze is run through pumps and hoses to prevent any residual water from freezing.
5. Fuel Stabilization: Adding fuel stabilizer to the tank keeps the fuel fresh for up to a year, ready for spring use.
6. Transport and Storage: For added protection, we transport boats to less harsh climates or store them in indoor facilities at lower elevations.
Additional Services for Boat Activation
Understanding that the boating season at Lake Tahoe is relatively short, we want to ensure that your boat is not only ready but optimized for use whenever you desire. Our “boat activation” services include:
• Oil and Filter Changes: Recommended either before winterizing or during boat activation to ensure smooth operation.
• Test Drives: Our expert technicians will take your boat for a test drive on the water to identify and rectify any issues before you plan your summer trips.
Conclusion: Why Winterize?
Winterizing your boat is not just about preventing damage; it’s about ensuring that when spring comes, you can enjoy your time on the water without any worries. Storing your boat at Sunnyside Marina means taking extra precautions to guarantee your boat’s safety throughout the winter. We offer comprehensive winter storage solutions and are equipped to handle the specific needs of Lake Tahoe boaters.
Protect your investment and ensure another season of joyful boating by choosing Sunnyside Marina for all your winterizing needs. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to the care of your boat.For further information on the intricacies of boat winterization, you can explore detailed guides and tips from industry experts here and here.
