BOATERS BLOG
As the fall begins to creep in and the summer comes to an end, it is time to prepare your boat for winter hibernation. Even if you enjoy cruising on your boat through the winter, whether you travel or live in a warm climate year-round, it is still crucial to take a few extra steps and give special attention to some specific items and systems on your watercraft. In fact, the southern states don’t always escape the harsh effects or damage that the winter can have on boats. Texas, for example, is one of the top states with the most marine insurance claims regarding a “freezing engine.” So, to prevent your boat from experiencing damage this winter, the experts here at NBOA, National Boat Owner’s Association, are sharing a 10-step guide for how to effectively winterize your boat and keep it out of harm’s way no matter where you plan to store it.
The two primary goals for winterizing your boat are to keep your watercraft from freezing in the frigid weather and to keep up with general maintenance. Water is the most threatening element to boats during the winter or whenever your boat is in storage for a lengthy period. Water can quickly freeze and cause damage to your engine (a cracked engine block is a common catastrophe for boat owners during the winter), plumbing, and fuel systems, as well as be the main source of mold, mildew, and corrosion. No matter how you plan to prepare your boat for a long winter, always consult your specific watercraft’s owner’s manual to confirm you are taking the proper steps and precautions.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Winterizing Your Boat
- Choose a safe, reliable, and accessible location to store your boat during winter.
- Remove all gear, equipment, valuables, electronics, PFDs, fire extinguishers, food, drinks, cushions, personal items, and anything else that doesn’t need to sit in the boat all winter.
- Deep clean and wax your boat before putting it in storage for the winter. Be sure to air it out and let everything dry well before closing it back up or putting on the cover.
- Drain all water from the engine and prepare the engine with corrosion protection to eliminate the chance of damage during the winter. Then, add a fuel stabilizer to the system and run your engine.
- Skim through your owner’s manual for proper fogging instructions. Usually, this includes flushing your engine with fresh water and adding the fogging oil into the cylinders.
- Run your engine after adding a fuel stabilizer to the system
- Refresh your engine with a new fuel filter and new fuel/water separators, and change the oil. It is also a good idea to give your boat another oil change before putting it back in the water once the winter is over.
- Drain any sinks, tanks, and heads connected to your boat’s freshwater plumbing system, as well as other water systems, including bilge pumps, live wells, raw water washdowns, etc. Then, add antifreeze.
- Remove drain plugs from your boat and ensure your vessel is thoroughly cleaned and dry.
- Cover your boat and relocate it to its new winter home.
Seven Boat Storage Tips
- Store your boat with the stern facing down so the snow and rain can easily empty from the scuppers.
- Don’t utilize automatic battery chargers or portable heaters in the bilge.
- Don’t tie boat covers and tarps to the boat stand.
- Add structural support under tarps, the boat cover, and the trailer hulls.
- Add moisture absorbers inside the cabin.
- Open the drains and seacocks to prevent freezing.
- Check on your boat every so often to ensure everything is still in place, and nothing is freezing or causing damage.
Since all boats are different, using this guide in conjunction with your watercraft’s owner’s manual is essential. This way, you can be confident that you have taken all appropriate measures to properly and effectively winterize your unique boat. However, sometimes you do everything right, take all the proper steps, and still experience damage from long storage or winter hibernation. Before saying “bon voyage” to your watercraft this winter, securing the best marine insurance coverage is vital. You can never be too careful when keeping you and your investment safe from the harsh winters and elements. For a quick, easy, and free quote, head to nboat.com and let the experts guide you to your ideal policy.