Dougherty Everglades 273CC Owner'S Manual Download

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117

Chapter 14:

SEASONAL MAINTENANCE

14.1 Storage & Lay-up

Before Hauling:

• Pump out the head holding tank. Flush the

holding tank using clean water, soap and a

deodorizer. Pump out the cleaning solution.

• The fuel tank should be left nearly full to

reduce condensation that can accumulate in

the tank. Allow enough room in each tank

for the fuel to expand without leaking out

the vents. Moisture from condensation in

the fuel tank can reach such concentrations

that it becomes heavy enough to settle out of

the fuel to the bottom of the tank. Since fuel

pickup tubes are located near the bottom of

the tank, this accumulated moisture can cause

the engines to run poorly or not at all after

extended storage.

Chemical changes also occur as the gasoline

ages that can cause deposits and varnish in

the fuel system as well as reduce the octane

rating of the fuel. Severely degraded fuel can

damage the engines and boat fuel tank and

lines. Therefore, if your boat is not being run

enough to require at least one full tank of

fresh fuel a month or during winter storage, a

fuel stabilizer should be added to the gasoline

to help protect the fuel system from these

problems. Operate the boat for at least 15

minutes after adding the stabilizer to allow

the treated fuel to reach the engines. Yamaha

recommends using Yamaha Fuel Conditioner

and Stabilizer for their engines.

Your dealer or the engine manufacturer

can provide additional information on fuel

degradation and fuel stabilizers recommended

for your engines. For more recommendations

for your specific area, check with your local

Everglades dealer.

• Drain water from the fresh water system.

• Consult the engine owner’s manual for detailed

information on preparing the engines for

storage.

Lifting

It is essential that care be used when lifting your

boat. Make sure the spreader bar at each sling is

at least as long as the distance across the widest

point of the boat that the sling will surround. Put

the slings in position. Sling labels on the gunnels

just above the rubrail identify the correct posi-

tion for the lifting slings. The fore and aft slings

should be tied together to prevent the slings from

sliding on the hull.

CAUTION

BOATS CAN BE DAMAGED FROM IMPROPER LIFTING AND
TRANSPORTING WITH FORK LIFTS.  CARE AND CAUTION
MUST BE EXERCISED WHEN TRANSPORTING A BOAT WITH
A FORK LIFT.  NEVER HOIST THE BOAT WITH A SUBSTANTIAL
AMOUNT OF WATER IN THE BILGE.

SEVERE GEL COAT CRACKING OR MORE SERIOUS HULL
DAMAGE CAN OCCUR DURING HAULING AND LAUNCHING
IF PRESSURE IS CREATED ON THE GUNWALES (SHEER) BY
THE SLINGS.  FLAT, WIDE BELTING SLINGS AND SPREADERS
LONG ENOUGH TO KEEP PRESSURE FROM THE GUNWALES
ARE ESSENTIAL.  DO NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO HAUL YOUR
BOAT WHEN THE SPREADERS ON THE LIFT ARE NOT WIDE
ENOUGH TO TAKE THE PRESSURE OFF THE GUNWALES.

Supporting The Boat For Storage

A trailer, elevating lift, well-made cradle or proper

blocking is the best support for your boat during

storage.

When storing the boat on a trailer for a long

period:

• Make sure the trailer is large enough to

properly support your boat and that it is rated

to support the weight.

• Make sure the trailer is on a level surface and

the bow is high enough so that water will drain

from the bilge and cockpit.