Even though summer is hot on our heels in the Northern Hemisphere, boat winterization is still something you should know if you’re the proud owner of a vessel. No matter how big or small, all boats must undergo some form of preparation before the winter months hit.
The good news is that it’s a fairly simple process — something you can complete in a morning or afternoon’s work (depending on your boat size, of course). Here’s how boat winterization looks as a step-by-step process.
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Table of Contents
Step 1: Start By Replacing Engine Oil
If there’s one thing most boats cannot withstand during the winter months, it’s an accumulation of moisture. Especially boat engines, no matter how hardy they are.
In short, moisture and other acids that accumulate in engine oil will pit the bearings. That’s why you need to drain the engine oil before you put it in boat storage for the winter. After that, you’ll need to replace the oil with a high-quality version, as well as the engine filters.
To do so, you’ll need to start the engine and let it warm up a little (if you can, do this while your boat is still in the water). Then, replace it with the right oil, as recommended by the engine manufacturer. It’s especially important to replace the engine oil and filters for 4-stroke outboard motors.
Step 2: Flush Out Engine Cooling Water
All boat engines have an amount of water in them that works to cool the engine down when it’s in use. The last thing you need is for this water to freeze and expand inside your engine over the winter.
Make sure you drain out this cooling water before putting your boat in storage. For outboard engines, open up all the drain holes in the engine. Start the engine, then flush it out with fresh water using a hose. Let it drain well then dry out.
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Step 3: Stabilize Your Boat Fuel
Boat fuel can deteriorate pretty quickly when it’s just standing over the winter. This can cause major damage to your engine, resulting in poor performance or a shortened engine lifespan.
The best way to keep your fuel in top condition is to add fuel stabilizer to it. First up, fill your tank with fresh fuel to prevent water condensation inside the tank. Then add your fuel stabilizer.
Step 4: Take Some Time to Protect Engine Components
While your boat stands, unused over winter, some of the engine oil will drain away. This exposes your engine components to the harshness/cold of winter.
A good way to protect them is to coat your engine’s internal components with a fogging oil spray. Essentially, this coats the important parts of the engine with an anti-corrosive layer.
You also want to oil up your engine’s grease fittings — you’ll find these near your steering mechanism. Spray down the components with a top-quality marine lubricant for protection from oxidation and moisture.
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Step 5: Clean, Wax, and Cover
Your last step is to give your boat a thorough clean down and wax before you put it in storage. Make sure to do some research on the best boat cleaning and waxing products for your vessel type.
The best way to protect your boat throughout winter is to keep it out of the water and in dry storage. Along with a hardy, durable boat cover. Don’t forget to remove all valuables too — especially electronics from inside the boat.
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