Protecting Marine Electronics in the Off Season

The leaves are falling, winter is coming on and it's time to pack up the boating equipment and head back inland. So what you do with those sensitive marine electronics you have spent so much money on this boating season? Here are some pointers to ensure that they will fire up without a hitch next spring.

First Things First

If you store your boat on dry land it's a good idea to remove the battery, otherwise you can leave the battery in the boat. Make sure the battery is fully charged before you remove it and bring it out once in a while throughout the winter months to check the water level and boost the charge if needed.

Removing Marine Electronics

After taking care of the battery you will want to decide whether to remove any sensitive or expensive marine components. There are pros and cons to doing this. Electronic equipment can be sensitive to cold and freezing temperatures so it is best to store it in a dry place where temperatures don't dip (or climb) dramatically during the winter. Inside your home is as good a place as any. If possible wrap any exposed circuitry in anti-static material and wrap it all in a soft cloth for protection. Storing your electronics for the winter also protects them against theft - after all some of these devices are not cheap. This is easy enough to do if the marine electronics are not dashboard mounted.

Dashboard Mounted Marine Electronics

For dashboard mounted devices if it is easy enough to unscrew a piece of equipment and store it for the winter, that would be the best thing to do (put mounting screws and hardware in a plastic zip-top bag and tape it to the device so you have the right mounting hardware handy when you reinstall the device.

If your marine electronics mountings are complex or wired together in a way that would be hard to remember, it might be best to leave them installed. In this case, check any loose wires, ensure all connectors are properly inserted and clean any traces of salt or debris from exposed surfaces. I recommend covering the electronics with a soft cloth. If you need to waterproof them or protect them against the elements, don't wrap them directly in since condensation can build up on the inside and damage the electronics. It is better to wrap it first in a soft, absorbent cloth and then cover the cloth with waterproofing plastic and tape it down.

In the Spring:

Before powering up your marine electronics, check for loose connections, and clean off any parts that have been exposed to elements. Then power on one device at a time and verify it is in good working condition. Taking care of your marine electronics in the off season will ensure you get long life and full functionality from the equipment for several years.