How to Winterize a Boat
Sailing during the beautiful summer season is awesome, but when it’s time for winter, you have to pack away your sunblock, bikini and, yes, even your boat. Winterizing your boat ensures you that your boat stays safe and free from harsh elements, so you won’t be troubled by repairs during the next boating season. Here’s how to winterize your boat properly.
What You’ll Need:
Boat
Owner’s manual
Oil
Gas
Antifreeze
Water heater
Pressure washer
Boat cover
Procedure:
Consult the owner’s manual. Boats come in different types, all having a certain maintenance requirement when they’re winterized. Read through the manual and see if there are special instructions on winterizing you must follow.
Fill your boat’s tank. You should use the required fuel additive. This prevents corrosion in the areas that are usually covered with the gas.
Flush the boat’s motor with water, so bacteria, salt and other debris lurking inside are removed. Use “ears” so the motor will be attached to your hose; this allows the water to clean out the motor and also keeps the motor cool.
As you’re flushing the motor, drain the oil. There should be a section in your manual that says how to do this correctly. Put back the filter and oil. As much as possible, use high quality filters with check valves,since this keep the oil from going back in the filter.
Use the right type of motor oil for your boat. Majority of inboard motors use 30-weight oil.
As the motor runs, fog the boat’s carburetor, until it starts smoking. Do this for 20 to 30 seconds. This causes your oil to spray in the carburetor, making a thin oil coat on it. This reduces condensation in the motor’s internal parts, preventing rust.
Disconnect the fuel line then let the motor run out of gas, so any gas that settles in the line will be removed.
Lower your motor, letting the water drain from it. Turn the motor a few times too, so the rest of the water will go out of the cooling system on the motor.
Replace the old antifreeze with new fluid.
Install a dehumidifier or moisture absorber if you want to keep it from getting mildew.
If the boat stays in the water during winter, close all valves and seacocks, so open water won’t come in and fill in the boat. There must be something in the water around your boat that will prevent it from freezing. You can use a water heater.
If taking the boat out of the water, disconnect the battery, and put it in your garage, preventing it from being stolen.
Clean the boat, inside and out. Use a power washer to clean the outside of the boat, removing stains and residue. Inspect the hull for damages or cracks that need repair. Apply a high quality polish to exterior surfaces, creating a barrier against dust and dirt.
Finally, cover the boat to keep the elements from harming it.
It’s better to be safe than sorry when spring arrives. Winterize your boat the right way, and you’ll soon find yourself sailing happily once the ice cracks.