Winterizing your Boat
Last we checked, most boats don’t run too well on the ice, So when the winter months creep in its time to start thinking about winterizing your boat. This can be a chore, because there are some ins and outs to the process, so we’ve put together this list of things you need to take care of to winterize your boat for winter storage. Remember if you need any help or parts for this process, RVs and Boats for Less is here to help, proudly serving the areas of Pocatello, Idaho Falls, and Twin Falls, Idaho; as well as Logan and Salt Lake City, Utah.
Clean Thoroughly
Before you winterize anything for storage, your first step is going to be to make sure everything is clean. In the case of your outboard boat, you’ll need to clean the entire craft from front to back. Do your best to get those stubborn scales or muddy footprints washed off before storage. On a fiberglass boat, check for blistering on the hull and have your boat serviced if necessary. Don’t miss elements of your boat like the canvas top or the windshield, which have undoubtedly collected their share of grime.
Flush Cooling System
To get your engine winterized, the first step (on inboard and sterndrive boats) is to flush out the water cooling system Use fresh water to flush dirt and other particulates from the system. If you’re likely to have a freeze over the winter, flush with antifreeze using the boat’s water pump. If your boat is an Outboard, just flush the engine with a freshwater, and make sure it’s all drained out.
Prep your Fuel System
Swap out your fuel filter and put a full tank of gas in the boat. Add marine fuel stabilizer based on the size of the fuel tank. After adding the stabilizer allow the engine to run for a few minutes to ensure circulation through your fuel system.
Take Care of your Engine
Hit your air intakes with some fogging oil while the engine is running. This is going to prevent corrosion from building up in the cylinders while your boat awaits your return. Use a chamois with a little fogging oil on it to rub down the exterior of your engine as well.
An Oil Change
Change the oil and oil filter in your boat. This is best left until your engine has warmed up a bit so more particles will get flushed out when you drain your oil. If your engine is experiencing any water intrusion your oil may look milky or opaque which is a red flag that you’ve got a leaking seal. Make a note of it so you can address the problem when you pull your boat out of storage.
Add Lubricant
Your engine is good to go, so go over your boat with a can of WD-40 or other moisture displacing lubricant and hit all of your moving components. This will prevent corrosion during storage, and help everything move smoothly when you pull your boat out again.
One Last Check
Take one last chance to go over your boat front to back and top to bottom. Pull out any electronics, life preservers or other gear you don’t want to risk molding or getting damaged. Store your battery somewhere safe and dry, hooked to a trickle charger. Look for spots where water may be pooling or hiding, and clean it up before you cover and stow your boat.
Cover and Store
Cover your boat with a breathable cover in a dry, flat location. If your boat is living on its trailer for the winter, make sure to chock your tires. Make it routine to check on your boat every so often, especially in a situation where your boat may be exposed to harsh weather.
Take care of your boat before winter, and your boat will take care of you in spring. If you need any parts, advice, or discover your boat needs some help beyond your skills, we’re here to help at RVs and Boats for Less in Pocatello, Idaho. We’re proud to serve the areas of Twin Falls, and Idaho Falls, Idaho; as well as our neighbors in Logan and Salt Lake City, Utah.
