For many, it’s time to think about winterizing. It is far better to perform most routine maintenance at the end of the season when laying up rather than when recommissioning for the next season.
Spars and standing rigging.
Wooden spars and spreaders: Wash and inspect closely for any signs of rot (e.g. softening or discoloration), especially on spreaders and around fasteners and exit holes. Seal bare spots even if you are not varnishing or painting at this time.
Aluminum spars: Wash and inspect for signs of corrosion, distortion of mast walls (especially around spreader sockets), crazing of anodizing, and hairline cracks (especially around welds and cutouts). Remove and grease any fasteners that must be prevented from freezing up. Wax the spar before storing.
Carbon fiber spars: Clean and inspect all attachment points for signs of delamination or other damage.
All spars: Withdraw mast tang bolts and check for crevice corrosion. Remove boots or covers from spreader tips. Remove head box sheaves and inspect shafts and sheaves. Lubricate and replace. Remove turnbuckle boots, tape, etc. Undo all turnbuckles, clean, inspect, and grease. Pay close attention to clevis pins; when replacing, tape over the ends of cotter pins (split pins). Inspect swages for hairline cracks. Wash all rigging. Do not store stainless against aluminum spars. If stored outside, do not rest on water absorbent materials.
For more winterizing procedures, as well as thousands of other repair and maintenance tips, purchase Nigel Calder’s Boat Owner’s Mechanical & Electrical Manual from Practical Sailor.
