Winterising/Dry Storage
Store the boat covered in a clean, ventilated
and dry place that is not affected by major
variations in temperature or humidity. For full
information on servicing please refer to
the Rotax engine service manual.
GENERAL
Carry out a thorough inspection of the engine
compartment and bilges to ensure they are
clean and completely dry. If possible, raise the
front of the boat to allow any residual water to
drain towards the stern where it can be easily
removed.
BUOYANCY TUBE
After each use it is advisable to wash down
the tubes with a mild soap and water solution.
Prior to storing over the winter periods, the
buoyancy tubes must be deflated and hosed
down with a mild soap and water solution,
removing any small stones and weed from
the luffing track, then allowed to dry. Use a
proprietary tube cleaner and polish to ensure
optimum condition. Store with the tubes lightly
inflated where possible.
UPHOLSTERY
Where possible, remove all upholstery from
the boat and store in a dry place. Ensure
upholstery is cleaned using a proprietary
upholstery cleaner and is fully dry before
storage.
MAINTENANCE OF THE
HULL AND DECK
Wash the deck in warm water after use,
using a mild detergent and hose down to
remove sand etc. The hull and deck should be
regularly polished using a good quality gelcoat
polish to minimise fade and UV chalking.
BATTERY
The battery used in the Sportjet is of the dry
cell type. This means that the electrolyte
content is absorbed in a special fabric which
requires no topping up and is leakproof in any
position. When the boat is not being used for
an extended period of time, disconnect the
earth terminal. A trickle-charging device, such
as an Accumate, will extend battery life.
FUEL SYSTEM
Fuel will become stale over a period of several
months. A full fuel tank prevents moisture and
mildew from developing within the tank. Fuel
begins to break down after approx. 30 days.
Adding a fuel stabiliser in the recommended
ratio will minimise this.
COOLING SYSTEM
Flush the open loop water circuit to remove
salt, sand, shells and other contaminants
that may be trapped in the raw water cooling
circuit (refer to Exhaust System Flushing
section).
Measure the anti-freeze content of the engine
coolant with a commercially available anti-
freeze tester. A 50/50 mixture of distilled water
to propylene glycol provides sufficient frost
protection to approx. -37°C.
ENGINE OIL CHANGE
It is important to change the oil. Used engine
oil contains water, unburned fuel and small
metal particles. When old oil is left in the
engine for longer periods, corrosion and
degradation of bearings within the engine may
occur.
CONSERVING THE CYLINDERS
Unscrew the spark plugs and fill approx. 10ml
of clean engine oil directly into each spark plug
bore. Crank the engine a few times with the
starter. Screw in the spark plugs again.
GREASE CABLES
Grease all control cables at both ends and
exercise to ensure good coverage
GENERAL CORROSION PROTECTION
Apply Vaseline, dielectric grease or a similar
white grease to battery isolator switch,
upholstery press studs and running light pole
base. Use maintenance spray on key switch.
Apply a proprietary corrosion guard to engine,
electrical connections, under helm and around
jet pump area.
FOOTWELLS
Remove all foot well drain bungs to prevent
rain water becoming trapped within the boat.
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