Step-by-Step Guide on Boat Winterization

Getting ready to put your boat into storage for the year? The final weeks of sunshine and warmer weather are soon to give way to another bitter winter, and your boat needs some tender loving care to prepare for months of idleness. By failing to take the proper steps to winterize your boat, then you may be in for some nasty surprises when you attempt to go boating again in the spring. Just read on to learn more!

Step 1: Replace Engine Oil

While in storage, acids in old oil and moisture will damage bearings and other engine parts. The easy solution is to drain it out beforehand. We recommend doing this in water so the dirty oil will drain more easily before adding in fresh oil and a new filter.

Step 2: Flush and Drain Cooling Water

Water expands when it freezes, which means your boat’s cooling water can become a serious hazard during winter. For inboard and sterndrive engines, try flushing the engine with clean water by connecting a garden hose to the cooling system. You may also need to remove the water pump hose to drain remaining water. For outboard engines, start the engine and flush it with fresh water for a few minutes.

Step 3: Stabilize Fuel

Boat fuel can deteriorate in as little as 60 days, which means this process can occur out of sight while your boat is in storage. When gum and varnish build up in the engine as a result, it can lead to hard starting, poor performance, and shortened engine life. Consider adding a high-quality marine fuel stabilizer to prevent fuel deterioration, then fill the tank with fresh fuel.

Step 4: Protect Internal Engine Components

Engine oil naturally drains away in storage, which may compromise internal engine components and result in corrosion and metal-to-metal contact. Stay one step ahead of these issues by using a fogging oil spray. These products penetrate deep into the engine and coat components with a protective anti-corrosive compound.

Step 5: Replace Gear Oil

It is important to replace the lower unit of old gear oil with a fresh supply prior to storage. As you change the gear oil, be sure to keep an eye out for moisture. If you observe that water comes out first, or if the oil is milky or lumpy, then that may indicate that your boat is suffering from moisture contamination and needs new seals.

Step 6: Grease and Lubricate

Most engines’ grease fittings are located in the steering mechanism area. Locate your boat’s grease fittings, then use a high-quality marine lubricant to protect against rust, corrosion, and oxidation. Be sure to look through your owner’s manual and confirm that you won’t miss any important areas that need to be greased prior to storage.

Step 7: Remove Valuables

Boats in storage are prone to break-ins, especially at locations that receive little traffic during the winter. Before storing your boat, you must remove all valuables, including expensive electronics. Plus, it could be in your best interest to insure your boat if you haven’t already. This will offer an extra layer of protection in the unfortunate event of thievery or other damages.

Step 8: Finishing Touches

After doing all the above, all that’s left is to put the finishing touches on your boat before saying goodbye for the winter. This should include a thorough clean and wax to make sure that it looks its best, then covering it with a durable boat cover. The best place to store your boat is in dry storage – the less moisture there is, the longer your boat will last.

If you take the time to go through each of these steps, then you are doing everything you can to ensure that your boat will be waiting for you happily and healthily in the spring. For any assistance with cleaning or maintenance for your boat, give Bay Marine a call! Our service department is more than happy to work with you and prime your boat for a long winter of storage. Just contact us today to learn more!