Boat Winterization Tips & Tricks

Yes, it’s unfortunately that time of year to winterize your boat. Making it ready for the off-season requires planning & effort. This is important to ensure that no damage occurs, and to make sure you’re ready for next spring as soon as the water calls.

Because of the many outboard, stern drive, and tow sport variations; it’s not possible to include complete winterization processes for all types of recreational pleasure boats. We strongly recommend that the raw water section of your marine engine be completely drained by an authorized dealer. Failure to do this may result in trapped water causing freeze damage.

 If you choose to tackle some of your boat’s winterization, start with a to-do checklist after review of your boat’s operator manual. Be sure to include items that need attention as a result of the summer’s use and enjoyment. Perhaps “dock rash” that requires buffing or a tear in the canvas needing repair?

Your engine manual should have winterization instructions. Following are a few items to consider and should be used as a guide only:

• If the boat is kept in non-heated storage, the fuel tank should be left completely empty or completely full of a premium non-oxygenated gasoline. Be sure to have fuel stabilizer added.
• Engine and drive lubricants should be changed prior to storage. Lubricants naturally accumulate moisture, combustion by-products, and other contaminants during use. It can be detrimental to store an engine or drive system with large amounts of these contaminants.
• Engine clamps, belts, and hoses should all be inspected.
• Sacrificial anodes must be inspected and replaced when 50% consumed.
• Starting and deep cycle batteries should be charged and have the terminals disconnected.

To prevent freeze damage, drain all water from your boat’s systems. Specific areas of concern include:

• Pump out onboard waste, water, & ballast tanks
• If equipped, drain the hot water heater and shower
• Sponge out water from the bilge

In areas where water cannot be entirely drained, have propylene glycol (RV antifreeze) added to the following:

• The engine’s raw water-cooling system
• The vessel’s onboard pressurized water system

Make sure to remove all cabin items holding liquids that can burst in freezing temperatures. If possible, store fabrics at home to keep them fresh and mold free. Take batteries out of flashlights and clocks to avoid possible acid leaks over the winter. We also suggest having your onboard fire extinguishers inspected and recharged if required. Make sure that carpets and canvas left in the boat are put away in dry condition. With items removed from your boat, it’s time to start cleaning. Following are some tips:

• Scrub the hull & deck with a mild soap
• If your boat has been moored in the water for the boating season, it will likely require an acid wash to remove algae growth that has accumulated to the hull. To acid wash, the boat will need to be lifted off the trailer. Safe handling, disposal, and environment best practices are essential with this process.
• The best way to keep your boat’s surface bright & shiny is to first apply Meguiar’s One-Step cleaner to remove oxidation & scratches and then a quality carnauba wax.
• Lockers are drained and wiped with a mild soapy water.
• Extra canvas items should be laid flat or rolled. Canvas should not be folded as permanent creases could result.
• Add a Dri Z Air into the cabin or cockpit area. This helps to remove excess moisture from the boat’s interior.
• To keep your boat smelling fresh, leave the interior doors and lockers open so air can circulate.

Shrink wrap is an effective method of protecting your boat during periods of outside storage; however, it is extremely important to ventilate the cabin/cockpit area. Even in the driest conditions, without ventilation, the plastic cover will trap moisture. This moisture can create rust on metal components, and corrosion on others and mold/mildew on carpet and upholstery. Boats over 25 feet should have at least two weatherproof vents installed to encourage air circulation.   

Present-day boat & marine propulsion systems are advanced technological pieces of machinery. Service manuals are written for trained technicians. Special tools are required to perform many of these service and maintenance tasks. DO NOT attempt any maintenance or repairs unless you have the required special tools and expertise and are completely aware of the precautions and procedures required. Your safety is very important to us!

We highly recommend that your winterization service is completed by an authorized dealer to make sure that all bases are covered. Now that your boat is ready for winter, you can start looking forward to summer all over again!