Maintenance And Winterizing; Measures Before Winter Docking; Washing And Cleaning; Winter Storage And Servicing - Silver Fox Avant Owner's Manual

6 MAINTENANCE AND
WINTERIZING
Consult the engine manual for servicing recommendations. Carry
out the necessary measures or have them performed by an author-
ized service centre. Other items requiring regular maintenance in-
clude:
− steering and controls
− bilge pumps
− heater
− stove
– fire extinguisher
− canopy.
Carry out the servicing in accordance with specific instructions and
manuals.

6.1 MEASURES BEFORE WINTER DOCKING

If subzero temperatures are to be expected, drain the cooling
water from the engine as described in the engine manual. Lift your
Silver boat out of water well before the lake or sea freezes. Your
boat is not designed for use in ice or for in-water storage in winter.
Before lifting the boat on land, it is advisable to carry out the
following operations:
− Wash the hull.
− Drain all bilge water from the boat and remove equipment that is
not needed. However, leave the safety equipment, such as the fire
extinguisher, in the boat.

6.2 WASHING AND CLEANING

Keep the boat clean to improve comfort and safety and to maintain
its re-sale value. The deck and broadsides should be cleaned regu-
larly and waxed yearly. In this way you insure a good surface gloss
and a surafe that repells dirt. Use sweet water and ordinary boat
shampoos for washing. Do not use strong solvents as they tend to
dull the gloss of reinforced plastic surfaces. To remove chafes or in-
grained dirt, use a mildly abrasive polish.
Clean the bottom immediately after the boat is lifted out of water.
Algae and slime are easy to remove before they dry.

6.3 WINTER STORAGE AND SERVICING

Service the engine and other equipment for the winter in accord-
ance with the instructions provided. If you leave the boat out of
doors or in damp conditions, remove all textiles and other materi-
als that may get mouldy or corrode in dampness. Wash the ropes in
sweet water and replace any worn ropes.
Open the plug in the transom to remove all water accumulated in
the bilge to prevent it from causing damage when freezing. Also,
leave the ball valves half-open to prevent freezing.
Electrical instruments should also be protected against oxidization
and theft by removing and storing them in a dry place for the winter.
Remove the batteries and place them in a warm, dry location. Re-
charge the batteries at least twice during the winter. Spray a suitable
de-moisturizing and anti-corrosion agent to electrical connectors.
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