Winterizing Your Marine Electronics

Fishfinders. Chart plotters. Radar and positioning systems. Communication devices. When you are winterizing your Grady-White, don’t forget your marine electronics!

While not all Gradys experience the deep below-zero temperatures that may exceed the range stated in equipment warranties, as you prepare to store your boat now is a good time to service and prepare your electronics for the next boating season. In the colder climates, shrink-wrapping your boat helps protect onboard items from the elements. (It’s a good idea to take handheld devices off board.) Avoid tension on antennas and radomes! Your Grady-White dealer is your best resource for wrapping your boat and preparing it for storage. Click here to find your nearest Grady dealer.

“This is a good time to clean connections, and clean and paint transducers. Anything that can be easily removed we store inside,” explains Michael Richard, service manager for Grady-White dealership Cataumet Boats in Massachusetts. “This is a good time to send in for an update, or battery replacement, depending on the equipment manufacturer's service recommendations.”

Take this opportunity to back up waypoints and other stored data. A bit of attention now will keep your electronic equipment in shape and at the ready for that first day back on the water! Refer to your electronics owners’ manuals for more specific information. If you have your own checklist for preparing your boat for storage, share yours under Customer Tips on gradywhite.com. And if new electronics are on your holiday wish list, visit your Grady dealer for suggestions.