Specifications

J/46 OWNER GUIDE
42
Storage Tips
Many of the maintenance problems surrounding boats can be pinpointed during the end-of-season haul-out.
This is the time when a careful inspection will reveal the ravages of a long summer. If you live in colder
climates, it is also the time to prepare the boat for what might be an even more brutal winter ashore.
First, clean your boat as thoroughly as possible. Get the yard to use a high-powered hose to clean off most
of the growth before it dries onto the bottom paint. You may have to use a scrub brush and putty knife for
heavy growth, like barnacles, and for areas around the propeller and shaft and underneath the keel.
Rigging
Sails and lines should be removed at the end of each season, rinsed thoroughly in fresh water and stored in
a warm, dry place. This will prolong their useful life as mildew can affect even today’s synthetic materials.
Most larger sail lofts offer a cleaning/storage service.
Engine
Check the engine owner’s manual for maintenance guidance during the season and for the specific haul out
procedures necessary to winterize the engine. Fill fuel tank to minimize condensation and add an anti-
bacterial agent. In the exhaust system, water can accumulate in the bottom of the water lift “pot.” The pot
should be drained using the drain plug, or anti-freeze added to the pot so residual water doesn’t freeze.
Batteries
It is preferable to remove the batteries and store in a heated area, recharging periodically to maintain full
charge status. If you are in warmer climates, it is possible to leave the batteries aboard. Simply check them
once a month to ensure they remain charged.
Head
Read the owner’s manual for specific maintenance procedures. Generally, you will want to drain all water
and replace with an anti-freeze agent. To maintain the lubrication of its internal seals, flush through a light oil.
Again, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for winter maintenance.
Water System
Drain all tanks and ensure it is also drained from between the heater and the check valve installed in the
supply line. Add an anti-freeze solution specifically designed for marine potable water systems to the residual
water in the water tanks, and pump with boat manual and pressure pumps until all lines are full of anti-freeze
solution.
DO NOT use automotive radiator-type anti-freeze, as most are poisonous and may damage the plumbing.
Bilges
Pump bilges completely dry and use a strong cleaning solvent to eliminate odors and bacteria.
Electronics
Remove as many as possible to avoid condensation caused by the extreme rise and fall of temperature and
humidity that come with winter.