Boat Winterization Services and Charges, Part I

If you own a boat maintenance business you mayBilge Pumps:
have considered what your charges should be andCheck the operation of all your automatic bilge
what the boat owners are willing to pay. Here arepumps. Trip the float switches by hand or better yet
some thoughts on the type of charges and servicesflush out the bilge with fresh water. This will also get
you should consider.rid of any stagnant water. Then after pumping out as
Basic Services You Can Offer:much water as possible pour one to three cups of
Outboards 1-25 Hp $ 40.00, Above 25 Hp $75.00chlorine in to keep long standing water from smelling.
Change Gear OilIf the boat doesn't have automatic bilge pumps,
Add Fuel Stabilizersuggest to the owner that they be installed and
Start, Run and Fog Enginerefer the work to a professional.
Grease FittingsBatteries:
Drain Fuel SystemCheck fluid levels. Remember fully charged batteries
Spray Power Head with WD-40will not freeze. Top them off and remember to
Inboards $60.00-100.00 Single Engine, $100.00-150.00protect your eyes from splashing. Use terminal
for Twinscleaner or a wire brush and coat with an
Oil Changeanti-corrosive compound. Petroleum jelly prevents
Change Gear Oilrust. Another option is for the boat owner to take
Add Fuel Stabilizerthem home, in this case advise him to trickle charge
Start, Run and Fog Engine(s)them every 30-60 days.
Drain Block and Manifolds, Fill with Non-ToxicSanitation System:
Anti-FreezePump out and rinse holding tanks three times. After
Grease All Fittingscleaning add holding tank blue treatment chemical to
Disconnect Batteryeliminate odors. Close the head discharge, through-hull
Check All Systemsball valve and raw water supply valve. Pour a small
Sprinkle Rock Salt Near Bilge Drain Plugsamount of chlorine bleach into any standing sea
Wipe Down Engine(s) with WD-40water in the head itself to eliminate the formation of
Acid Wash Bottom (Out of Water):bacterial growth and odor. Add a little anti-freeze
$50.00 to $75.00 for small boats up to 22 feetsuch as Starbrite 'Bio-Safe' Anti-Freeze and pump it
$75.00 to $$100.00 for 22 to 27 foot boatsthrough hoses, holding tank, Y-valve, macerator and
$100.00 to $125.00 for 28 to 33 foot boatsdischarge hose. Check owner's manual to make sure
Additional Winterization (at a per hour fee): $55.00there are no other parts which need tending to.
per hourMake sure to check and see if your anti-freeze is
Some Franchisees Charge Simply by the Foot:alcohol based because it will not damage the system.
$14.00-17.00 per footWater Heaters:
It is important to pay special attention to:Put some non-toxic anti-freeze into the heater and
Bilge pumpmake sure assembly and plumbing is surely fastened
Batteriesand secure.
Sanitation systemThrough Hull Openings:
Fresh water tanksWith a screwdriver or similar tool, poke up inside
Main engines and generatorseach opening. Make sure there is no marine growth
Canvas coversleft on the inside.
Docking linesFresh Water Tanks:
Power cordsPump them dry and add some bleach and non-toxic
Deck gearanti-freeze to the system. Always use Propylene
Fuel tanksGycol anti-freeze and not engine type anti-freeze.
CabinRefill and pump them dry again. Be sure to turn off
Sailing yachtsthe pressure pump. Isolate hot water by
Sail coversdisconnecting the in and out lines. Some do not make
Roller furling gearnoise when the fresh water tanks are empty. Make
Deck hardwaresure to also check faucets, sinks, shower stall drains,
Dock box (give it a wash or shine it up before youetc.
go, customers will love it)