How to properly winterize your boat
How to properly winterize your boat
Posted on August 16, 2022
As the boating season draws to a close, it's unfortunately time to think about winterizing your boat. Are you ready? Do you know all the steps to properly winterize your boat so that it will be as good as new in the spring? Don't worry, we've got your back with a list of the most important things to remember before saying goodbye to your boat for the winter.
How to properly winterize your boat
Storage
Before thinking about winterizing your boat, you need to know where it will be stored. For the most part, there will be two options available to you. Towing is the most suitable option for owners of small recreational boats such as fishing, surfing or pontoon boats. It is the least expensive option since it only consists of winterizing your boat directly on its trailer and storing it on your property. Please note that you will need to cover your boat with a heat-shrinkable tarp if you want to ensure the protection of your interior lining.
Dry storage is also an option if you don't have a large lot or simply don't want your boat to spend the winter outside. This is a slightly more expensive option and involves storing your boat in a covered shed. The advantage of this type of shed is that you can store your boat year round and take it out whenever you need it for a ride.
Winterization
Empty the boat
Before storing your boat, be sure to remove all non-integrated equipment such as sports equipment including boards, paddles and masks as well as safety equipment such as flares, fire extinguishers, life jackets etc. to avoid theft.
Winterizing your engine
To ensure a long engine life, it is important to refurbish your engine every year. Rinsing with fresh water, changing the oil and gasoline, changing the oil filters, changing the water pump impeller and anodes, lubricating the engine block and greasing the screws are essential steps if you want to enjoy your boat for several more seasons.
Battery Storage
If your bilge pump is not connected to your batteries, it will be important to remove them and store them in an area that is protected from moisture and where they can be charged. It is important to charge the batteries while they are in storage to avoid damaging them.
Cleaning
A thorough cleaning of the hull is necessary before storage. A small amount of elbow grease and products adapted to boat cleaning is the recipe that will make your boat shine until its first outing in spring. As for the interior, a simple all-surface cleaner will do the job.
Sometimes we lack the motivation to take our boat out and say goodbye to it for the winter, but think of all the future seasons you'll experience on your boat if you take good care of it. Now that your boat is winterized, all you have to do is get the snowmobiles out and get ready for a winter full of thrills.
Read our article "Our 5 «must haves» to start the snowmobiling season" to be the best prepared for your first ride!