As the snow thaws out and the temperatures start to climb above freezing on a regular basis, boat owners begin to think about removing their boats from storage and de-winterizing them. Perhaps you want to get a head start on this process because you want to do some early spring fishing, or you’re just hardy enough that a chill in the air doesn’t bother you while you’re out on the water!
Regardless of when you do it, the de-winterization process is standard for most boats, whether we’re talking fishing boats or jet boats. If you’re a new boat owner, you may not know where you should begin, which is where this guide by RVs and Boats For Less comes in handy. If you have any questions, visit our location in Chubbuck, ID, to talk to our friendly staff!
Perform an Inspection
As soon as you pull your boat out of the shed or storage facility and remove its cover, you’ll want to perform a thorough inspection of every part of it. This will help you to determine whether your boat suffered any damage during the winter, whether that was caused by pest infestations or inclement weather conditions.
You’ll want to check carpets and cushions for mold and mildew and get this scum cleaned off. If you do find pests, you’ll want to eradicate them quickly by whatever means necessary. Open up your hatches and motor bay to have a good look at everything.
Check the hull to see that it’s not cracked or in need of repairs that you might have missed when you stored your boat in the fall. Any wood on your boat should be examined for rot as well.
Examine Safety Gear & Check Registration
You probably took most items off your boat when you stored it, but now that you’re dewinterizing, you’ll need to make sure that your boat is well-stocked with adequate safety supplies. Check all life jackets and other personal flotation devices to make sure that they’re still in good condition and stored properly. Make sure your first aid kit is replenished with bandages and medications that haven’t expired. Stock new emergency flares and make sure your fire extinguishers are also up to date.
This is also a good time to check your boat registration and tags to make sure you don’t need to renew any of your paperwork or licenses. You don’t want to get fined when you’re out on the water!
Clean Things Up
Finally, you’ll want to give your boat a good scrubbing, even if you washed it in the fall. Months of dust and debris and even mildew may have built up on your boat, and if you stored it outside, you may also have to contend with dead leaves or residue from rain and snow. A good, tight-fitting cover can prevent the need for a heavy cleaning, but even with a cover, you’ll still want to get all the dust off everything and make sure glass is clean for visibility and that the console is cleared of any debris that could affect electronics and controls. A clean boat is also just nicer to be aboard!
With some patience and diligence, de-winterizing your boat is a reasonably simple process that will ensure you head out on the water without problems. If you do find that your boat needs repairs or you have some maintenance concerns that need to be addressed, contact the RVs and Boats For Less service department so our professional mechanics can get you sorted out. If you’re still searching for a boat for the springtime, come on down to see us in Chubbuck, Idaho, where we carry a great selection of new and used boats for sale, including fishing boats and jet boats, among other styles! RVs and Boats For Less proudly serves the cities of Idaho Falls, Twin Falls and Pocatello, Idaho, as well as Logan and Salt Lake City, Utah, to the south!
