The claims dept at BoatU.S. cites the six most common winterizing
screw-ups that result in an insured loss.......

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Scott Croft, 703-461-2864,
Date: October 3, 2007

HOW TO AVOID THE SIX MOST COMMON WINTERIZING MISTAKES
Free BoatU.S. Winterizing Guide Available

With winter approaching, BoatU.S. Marine Insurance has reviewed its
claim files and reports the following six most common mistakes made
when winterizing a boat:

1. Failure to winterize the engine: Freezing temperatures occur in all
50 states and while they are taken seriously up north, it's the balmy
states of California, Florida, Texas, Alabama and Georgia where
boaters are most likely to have freeze-related damage to engine
blocks. It routinely occurs to boats stored ashore here. Boats left in
a slip are less susceptible to sudden freezing as the surrounding
water retains heat longer than air.

2. Failure to drain water from sea strainer: If your winterizing plan
calls for draining the engine, the seawater strainer must be
winterized or residual water could freeze and rupture the watertight
seal. Sometimes you won't know it's damaged until spring launching and
water begins to trickle in.

3. Failure to close seacocks: For boats left in the water, leaving
seacocks open over the winter is like going on extended vacation
without locking the house. If a thru-hull cannot be closed the vessel
must be stored ashore - the sole exception are cockpit drains. Heavy
snow loads can also force your boat under, allowing water to enter
thru-hulls normally well above the water line.

4. Clogged petcocks: Engine cooling system petcocks clogged by rust or
other debris can prevent water from fully draining. If one is plugged,
try using a coat hanger to clear the blockage or use the engine's
intake hose to flush anti-freeze through the system.

5. Leaving open boats in the water over winter: Boats with large open
cockpits or low freeboard can easily be pushed underwater by the
weight of accumulated ice and snow. Always store them ashore.

6. Using bimini covers as winter storage covers: A cover that protects
the crew from the sun does a lousy job protecting the boat from
freezing rain and snow. Unlike a bonafide winter cover, biminis tend
to rip apart and age prematurely by the effects of winter weather.