Temperatures have dropped and the boating season has ended, you’ve made a plan where your boat is residing for winter but should you start to think about ‘Winterisation’? What is this? and why is it important? This article will briefly explain the reasons why this end-of-season process must be carried out and the specific steps our Volvo Penta-trained engineers follow to ensure that your engines are prepared for winter.

The question we get asked most often is: Should I bother Winterising?

The short answer is YES!

We are so keen that you Winterise your engine that if you can’t afford to do it, we’ll do the basic for free (during an engine service)!

Winterising your engine is not optional or a matter of opinion, it’s essential and most insurance policies will tell you that also. Whether they state it vaguely “Follow Manufacturers Guidelines,” or direct, both Volvo Penta and Evinrude strongly recommend Winterising. Evinrude are keen that you do it that most of their engines will ‘Self Winterise’ with the twist of the throttle!

‘WINTERISATION’ – THE BASICS

When we talk about ‘Winteration,’ we’re specifically talking about your engine unless otherwise stated. If you’re not using your boat over winter, you will need to protect your engine from the elements; Engines are designed to be used and need to be carefully prepared in order to withstand long periods of time sitting up in cold temperatures i.e. Irish Winter. As we’ve had a few mild winters, people don’t think about this anymore, but nobody likes to see a weather seized block! Preventative maintenance by qualified engineers will save you thousands of Euro. It’s also worth remembering that many insurance policies will not cover damage done by ‘lack of maintenance’.

The best time to prepare your engines is at the end of the boating season (mid-October). Before the temperature starts to drop and while the boat is still in the water. This will give you and your engineer plenty of time to follow the basic steps and also check for and repair any damage that may have been caused over the spring/summer- ‘Winter Work’. saildrive/ shaft seal, leaking pumps etc

POD MARINES WINTERISATION CHECKLIST:

Here at POD Marine, we know our Volvo Penta engines! We’ve created a basic winterisation package for our customers. Each of these steps protects all the vital engine components from deadly moisture over the winter months.

Basic Wintersation

  1. Run engine up to temperature
  2. Drain down domestic water systems
  3. Check coolant levels (replace every 24 or 48 months depending on coolant type). **
  4. Pump out bilges and leave dry

Premium Winterisation

  1. Spray engine with moisture repellent
  2. Seal Exhaust and air intake from atmosphere
  3. Flush raw water system with inhibiting solution
  4. Lubricate upper cylinders and valves
  5. Remove batteries for storage

** Extra to service price

 

HOW MUCH WILL WINTERISATION COST?

Protecting your investment doesn’t need to break the bank. Any funds spent looking after your engine in the winter months will definitely affect its performance come next year’s boating season. Preventative maintenance is essential.

Our prices vary depending on different factors such as; size of engine, ease of access and boat location/travel costs. If any repair work is also booked in at the time of winterisation, this will also change our estimates. For a general idea of what to expect however, below is a description of our pricing matrix including VAT but excluding travel costs.

ENGINE TYPES WINTERISE ONLY PER
ENGINE (€) (INC. VAT)
HOURS TO COMPLETE
PER ENGINE
Small Diesel Engines
2000 Series (2001, 2002, 2003) Prices from €135.00 Estimated at 2 hours
Compact Series (D1-D2)
MD2010, MD2020, MD2030, MD2040
Medium Diesel Engines
D3 (Early & Late Types) Prices from €175.00 Estimated at 3 hours
KAD32 (Early & Late Types)
KAD43 (Early & Late Types)
KAD44 (Early & Late Types)
TAMD40B
41 Engines A, B, D, H, L, M & P Versions Prices from €170.00
KAD300 Prices from €175.00
KAMD300
TAMD61A, TAMD62A, TAMD63P
TAMD71A, TAMD71B, TAMD74, TAMD75
Large Diesel Engines
D4-180 – D4-225 Inboard Prices from €245.00 Estimated at 3 hours
D4-260 – D4-300 Inboard
D4-210 – D4-300 Aquamatic
D6 Inboard Prices from €320.00 Estimated at 4 hours
D6 Aquamatic
D6 IPS (Engine Only)
D5 (Commercial Only), D9 Prices from €335.00 Estimated at 4.5 hours
D11 Prices from €375.00
D12
D13
Petrol Engines
5.0 Ltr Prices from €140.00 Estimated at 3 hours
5.7 Ltr
AQ151C Prices from €170.00 Estimated at 3 hours

OTHER USEFUL TIPS

Our engineers are trained to take expert care of your Volvo Penta engines. There are some other useful tips that you can consider doing yourself to protect your whole boat from the damaging effects of winter.

 

THINK ABOUT WHERE YOU’RE GOING TO STORE YOUR BOAT; IN OR OUT OF THE WATER?

IN THE WATER

water retains heat longer than air. If you choose to keep your boat in water you reduce the chance of ‘sudden freeze’. You will however, increase your risk of sustaining storm damage, hull blisters, theft or sinking.

OUT OF THE WATER

If you are keeping your boat ashore, you should consider winterising earlier as the lower temperatures will impact it earlier than in water. Investing in a good quality boat cover is the most economic form of protection. Covers should keep water out but allow air to circulate to prevent condensation build-up leading to rot, mould and corrosion.

PROTECT EVERYTHING FROM MOISTURE DAMAGE

Fighting against mould and rot in a marine environment is always hard. To win this battle, through-ventilation is your best weapon. Store all fabrics such as linen, clothing, blankets, curtains etc away from the boat. Leave cupboard doors, drawers and – most importantly – fridge doors open.

 

If you want to book your engine in for Winterisation and save your block from freezing, book online now: [email protected]

 

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