Tips for Winterizing Your Boat

For many people across the country, winter means taking their boats out of the water and putting it into storage for three or four months.

The fishing, swimming, and boating season is over, and it’s time to get out the heavy jackets; maybe even the snow skis.

If you are giving your boat a break for the winter, make sure you do things right. With these tips, your boat will be stored properly so it’s ready to hit the water when spring finally breaks.

Winterize

Remove the Boat and Drain Thoroughly

One of the first things you should do to winterize your boat is to get it out of the water and make sure it is fully drained. Saltwater can be seriously corrosive is left alone, but freshwater can also have a harmful effect if it sits in your boat for months.

Even states that are considered warm-weather areas, like Florida, California, Texas, and the Carolinas, are subject to freeze cycles. If water is inside the boat, it turns to ice and expands, which can damage the hull and other components.

Remove Smaller Parts and Items

You don’t necessarily need to strip your boat bare, but you should make sure most of the items are removed, including removable seats, electronics, fishing finders, and batteries. Storing these items inside ensures they are protected throughout the winter.

Washing, Detailing, and Polishing

Before your boat goes into hibernation for a few months, you need to make sure all the dirt, grime, and salt is removed from the surface. Detailing the interior and adding a layer of polish will also help maintain the quality of your boat.

This is a project that you can do yourself, but it’s highly recommended that you hire a professional team, as they will be able to do everything correctly, giving you peace of mind throughout the winter. Also, by the time you purchase all the necessary cleaning tools and supplies, it’s probably more affordable to have someone do it for you.

Add Fuel Stabilizer

Maintain your engine through the long layoff of winter with a fuel stabilizer. We won’t get too deep into the science and chemistry of gasoline and fuel stabilizers; just know that if your boat motor is going to be unused for a month or two, adding stabilizer will combat clogging in the fuel system and make it easier to start when spring arrives.

Shrink Wrap Your Boat

If you really want to protect your boat all season long, consider having it shrink-wrapped. This is a fairly simple process that you can handle yourself, but if you have a fairly large boat, you may want to consider having a professional take care of it. Shrink-wrap is the best protection against moisture, giving you a better seal than most boat covers.

With these simple steps, your boat will be ready to cruise after winter!

Is it spring yet? Check out our previous article on de-winterizing your boat.

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