With an abundance of water, both fresh water and salt water, in the Portland area, boating is a popular summer activity. As a matter of factPortland boat sales are brisk during the warm summer weather. Portland outboard motors give boats increased speed and distance. However, a motor on a boat adds to the maintenance responsibilities of the boat owner. Portland, Oregon, is situated in northwest United States. Being a northern city, it experiences cold weather in the winter months. As the cold weather rolls in from Canada, specific maintenance steps must be performed so that the boat and its motor survive the weather and come to life quickly once the warm weather arrives.

As for the boat itself, it must be stored out of the weather. The easiest way to remove it from the weather is to store it in a building. Indoors, it is safe from the cold temperatures, the harsh winds, and the snow. However, this solution can cost a lot of money. Another solution, while costly, is more affordable that indoor storage. This solution is to shrink wrap the boat. While this may sound bizarre, it provides a barrier between your precious boat and the elements. If shrink wrapping is not a viable solution for you, you should at least protect the boat with a strong, waterproof tarp or other cover.

Aside from the boat’s hull, you need to take care of the peripherals. The rule of thumb would be to remove any fluid that is water based and to replenish any fluid that is petroleum based. Keep in mind that, when water freezes, it expands. Thus, removing the water will prevent the container from cracking or, even worse, breaking. Two important water containers are the waste removal system and the fresh water supply. Also, empty and scrub the bilge using detergent, hot water, and a stiff brush. Both need to be scoured out at the end of the warm season. As for the petroleum-based systems, the motor needs to be maintained in a manner similar to the automobile. First of all, change the oil. Then ensure that the gas tank is filled. A full fuel tank will stop condensation within the tank. Another important task is to change the spark plugs and the transmission fluid.

These guidelines are merely suggestions. More information is available from your boat dealer or your marina. Another source of information is our huge fount of all knowledge, the Internet. As you gather your information, you may want to make up a check list of tasks so that none of the steps are accidentally skipped. You might also want to team up with another boat owner so that you can share knowledge and share the tasks. Then you can reciprocate by helping him with his boat. Two people working on two boats together can finish the job in less time than two people working alone. When both boats are ready for winter, you can celebrate together that now you can get out the skis and snow mobile.

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