How to " Summerize " a Boat ?

[BobH260]

We considering using a sailboat down south in the winter and leaving her on the hard for the summer. The boat will probably be left in Florida. Looking at Indiantown Marina as a possibility.

Aside from removing all sails/canvas from the boat, (can they be left inside the boat ?)

What else needs to be done ?

-flush the engine, AC, head with fresh water ?
-spray the engine electrical with anti-corrosive ? what to use ?
-change engine oil and filter, fill fuel tank ?
-drain water tank">fresh water tank ?
-can all the mattresses, settee cushions be left on board ?
-what about electronics, chart plotter etc. is it normally safe to leave these on the boat ?
-put a sunbella cover over the helm ?
-should the ports/hatches be covered to slow down the crazing process ?
-should the boat have a cover (tarp) on it to limit the UV ?
-anything done inside to lower the humidity ? try to seal the boat or keep it ventilated ?
-can a feathering prop be left on the boat ?
-do most sailors rent a storage locker for the summer for some of this stuff ?

any advice greatly appreciated, Bob

[David M]

Bottom line, make it so you can take it sailing.