Winterising Your Marine Electronics

Marine electronics are incredibly useful, integrating essential boating information such as charting, navigation, radar , sonar, entertainment, and engine data. Given their high cost, it’s crucial to maintain them properly to ensure longevity.

After a day on the water, your GPS/chartplotter or fish finder might be covered in water spots, salt, and fingerprints. How do you clean these, and how do you prepare them for long-term storage to ensure they’re ready for use next season?

Cleaning Your Boat Electronics

Marine electronics can accumulate salt, dirt, fish residue, and sunscreen. While it might be tempting to wipe them with a paper towel or your sleeve, this can cause damage.

Power Down: Turn off the device to avoid accidentally changing settings.
Rinse with Fresh Water: Lightly spray fresh water on the unit to remove salt, but avoid soaking it, even if it’s waterproof.
Use Recommended Cleaners: Check if the manufacturer recommends a specific cleaner. If not, use water and mild soap.
Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Do not use ammonia-based glass cleaners, bleach, harsh soaps, or citrus cleaners as they can damage the screen’s coating. A 50-50 mix of distilled water and isopropyl alcohol or vinegar is safe if the solution is not too strong.
Dry with Microfiber Cloth: Use a microfiber cloth to clean and dry the unit. Avoid paper towels as they can be abrasive and leave streaks.
Gentle Pressure: Apply light pressure when cleaning to avoid damaging delicate screens.
Wax Plastic Parts: Apply wax to the radome and GPS antenna for UV protection.
Cover When Not in Use: Keep screens covered to protect from sun and dust, even when anchored.

Preparing for Long-Term Storage

Opinions vary on how to prepare electronics for winter or long-term storage, but thorough preparation can prevent issues later.

Clean and Cover: Follow the cleaning steps above and cover your electronics.
Remove Electronics: If possible, remove electronics to store them in a more stable environment. This also protects them from theft or damage if stored in a third-party facility.
Disconnect Batteries: If leaving electronics onboard, disconnect the batteries and place a paper bag of rice or silica gel packets near the wiring to absorb moisture.
Periodic Activation: Turn on the electronics periodically during long storage periods to reduce internal moisture buildup.
Inspect Cables: Check cables and contact points for corrosion or damage. Rodents can chew on cables, so inspect them thoroughly.
Backup Data: Backup waypoints and favorite fishing spots before storage to prevent data loss.

Whether your boat is in a slip, driveway, or storage facility, a few minutes of preparation can ensure your electronics remain in good condition.

This should help keep your marine electronics well-maintained and ready for the next boating season!