Good boating starts with good preparation. That’s true before your fishing adventures, and it’s true before you store your boat for the cold winter ahead. Prepping your craft will ensure it’s in top shape at the start of the next season! Learn how to store your boat for winter, below.
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Clean the Boat
The first step in your winter preparation is to do a thorough cleaning of your vessel:
- Clean the interior, making sure it’s free of trash, food, and all the other debris that might have been hiding during the long summer.
- Clean and varnish the wood and metal surfaces.
- Open any areas that could retain water so they can ventilate and dry out thoroughly.
- Give the hull a thorough cleaning and wax job to ensure your boat is spotless at the start of the next boating season.
Clean the Bilge
The bilge takes on water throughout the year, and it should be thoroughly cleaned and rinsed as often as possible. This is very important to do before you store the boat for winter, especially if you live in a climate where the water inside the bilge could freeze. Clean the bilge with soapy water, and if you can reach inside, scrub gently with a firm brush. Spray a lubricant and add a little antifreeze just to be safe.
Prep the Motor for Winter
You also need to prep the motor for the long winter months. Exactly how you clean this part of your boat will depend on the type of motor system you have, as there are different cleaning methods for inboard, outboard, and jet-drive motors. For outboard motors, take the following steps:
- Drain the gear case and clean the outer unit with soap and water. Rinse thoroughly before putting it back.
- Top off all the fluids your motor requires.
- Grease all the fittings you can reach.
- Use fogging oil in the cylinders to help preserve the motor.
Change the Fuel Filter
The fuel filter helps ensure your boat runs smoothly, providing quality fuel that is free of potential particles that could damage the motor. Before you store the boat for winter, replace the fuel filter so you can start next season with a vessel that runs at peak performance.
Unhook Battery Cables
You want to ensure that your battery makes it through the winter and provides plenty of power when you start it up next season. Batteries can be drained by electrical systems, so detach the cables. If needed, clean the terminals so you have a good connection. If storing in a cold location, consider pulling the battery and storing it in a safe indoor location.
Drain the Tanks
Many boats have freshwater systems, and these need to be drained before winter. Drain them and flush the plumbing system so nothing sits in the pipes over the winter. You may also need to disconnect the water heater if you have one on the boat.
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