Winterizing Your Boat On Your Own: A Checklist

As a follow up to the article titled, "Storing Your Boat For the Winter: Almost That Time of Year Again…", I wanted to put together a few suggestions for those out there who plan to store their boat themselves this winter. While it is relatively easy to do this, especially as you repeat it year in and year out, I figured I would throw out some useful tips that will be able to get your boat all set for its "vacation" as well as reduce the chance that you will run into problems upon returning it to water next season:

• Unless you are a mechanic or you have much experience working with boat engines, you may want to research taking it to a service shop or sending an email on our "Ask the Tech" service so that you will be confident your motor will be fully prepped and serviced for the upcoming months.

• The Ethanol Debate!! Yes, it is a hot topic in the boating world now-a-days because in the past, it was almost always acceptable to store your gas tank full and with the appropriate amount of stabilizer in it, and that would ensure a safe storage and start-up for the next season. Well, since our friend Ethanol has jumped into the mix, many have found that its ability to attract moisture will cause start-up issues the next time you try to get the engine running. What has been found to be best is to completely drain your tank, and then bring them to be cleaned appropriately before you put your boat back in the water next. 

• Take your battery out. Do not leave the battery in as it can get corroded and that would put a damper on opening day next season. When storing the battery, make sure you keep it in your garage or basement where it is going to be average room temperature, have a full charge on it, and keep it up off the ground, using some old wood, milk crate or, heck, even hockey pucks.

• Only use the nontoxic "pink" antifreeze when you are treating the live well systems and fresh water lines on your rig. We all love the lakes, rivers and ponds we spend time on with our boat, so you should be aware that if you use the "green stuff" that you have an extra bottle of in your pick-up truck (ethylene glycol), you may be doing harm to the body of water you boat out of.

• Check your bilge for oil and make sure you have thoroughly cleaned and removed as much oil as you can. They have absorbing pads and other accessories that you can place inside the bilge to actively absorb any excess oil that could build up over the off season.

• If you have any "extras" - such as fish-finders, GPS, heaters, refrigeration systems, etc.- check with the owners manuals or local technician regarding how to properly store them as well. Some may require that you remove and store separately in your home rather than on board, while some are fine where they are but should be "shut down" correctly before a few months of inactivity.

• Clean your boat before you put it away for the winter. Wash it down, give it some wax, vacuum or shampoo the carpeting and take out any life jackets, padding, cushions or any items that could get moldy. This will prevent any growth or rot that could occur otherwise.

• For those with sailboats, make sure you take care of your sails as if they are your best suit. You should wash them down first and properly hang them or fold them, dry and keep indoors at room temperature.

• If you do not have garage space, you may want to use tarps and other coverings that will prevent rust, cracking, moss, and other adverse consequences that will result if it is left open to the elements.

I hope that this information, even if previously known, will serve as a reminder checklist and help when it comes time to call it a season. Don't forget to use our "Ask the Tech" feature, or review our database of marinas and service shops to call on if you need some assistance.

Article submitted Monday, September 22, 2008
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