How To Winterize Your Boat

Winterizing your boat is the single most leading maintenance duty that you will have to perform as a boat owner. If it is done correctly, very tiny work will be required to get the boat ready for the water in the spring. Allowable winterization greatly extends the life of the boat and its engine by protecting its components from freezing, corrosion and lying idle for long periods.

The first step in the winterization process is to ensure that the boat's fuel tank is full - leave just a tiny room for expansion - and add fuel stabilizer in accordance with the instructions on the product. If the fuel tank isn't full you run the risk of condensation forming within the tank which can lead to corrosion and clogging.

Door Bottom

Turn off fuel valves and seal through-hull exhaust ports with duct tape. Replace the water separator and the fuel filter.

Protecting Your Engine

Run the engine for a while to warm it up and change the oil while it's warm. This allows many of the impurities in the oil to be drained away. change the oil filters. If your engine uses coolant drain the current fluid from the engine block and manifolds and replace it with a propylene glycol based antifreeze.

When a boat is not being used, oil tends to determine at the bottom of the engine block, exposing the pistons and valves to air, humidity and other corrosive materials. To avoid this situation take off the spark plugs and spray "fogging oil" inside the carburetor and into each cylinder. Replace the spark plugs without reconnecting the wires.

Replace the engine's old gear oil with fresh oil. Dispose of any used oil at an authorized recycling center.

Outboards

Flush outboard engines with fresh water. Allow all water to drain from the engine and wash down the engine with soap and water. Disconnect the fuel hose and run the engine until it stops. It is leading to ensure that all fuel is drained from the carburetor. Use fogging oil in the cylinders. Apply water resistant grease to propeller shaft and threads, and lightly lubricate the outside of the engine or polish with a capability wax. change the gear oil in the lower unit.

If your boat will be stored out of the water during the off season, disconnect the battery and store it at home. Boats left in the water should have the battery left in place on board and functioning so the bilge pump will continue to function if required. If you are removing the battery from the boat, ensure it is fully charged before stowing it away. Recharge every 30-60 days or keep on a trickle charger during the storage duration and check the water level from time to time.

It is also sensible to take off any indispensable marine electronics from the boat for the winter, and to store this equipment in a safe place to avoid theft and possible damage caused by temperature changes and humidity. The winterization process also offers an chance to observe items like lines, flotation devices, flares, fire extinguishers, etc., for wear and tear and possible replacement.

Propeller

This is also a good time to check your boat's propeller and hub. Bent or nicked propeller blades will diminish performance. The hub may also be have sustained wide wear. If this type of damage is apparent, replace the propeller and make any indispensable repairs during the winterizing process.

Clean, Clean, Clean

Clean the boat thoroughly inside and out. If you store your boat with dirt, scum, barnacles and the like on the exterior, these impurities will be even harder to take off in the spring. After the outside of the boat has been cleaned, apply a capability polish to the outside surfaces to originate a protective barrier against dirt and dust. Clean the interior, together with all timber, vinyl and carpet.

To help keep your boat free from mildew, you may wish to install a dehumidifier or use a moisture absorber. Turn any cushions up on edge so that air can circulate nearby them, or best yet, take off them from the boat.

Drain and clean the bilges. (If your boat will be stored out of the water take off all drain plugs and put them in a place where they'll be easy to find when relaunching your boat in the spring.) Spray the bilges with moisture displacing lubricant and add a tiny antifreeze.

Empty The Head

Pump out the retention tank at an beloved facility. While pumping, add fresh water to the bowl and flush several times. Use an beloved cleaner for your type of system, and let the solution sit for a few minutes before adding more fresh water and pumping it out again. Add antifreeze and pump the coolant through the hoses, retention tank, Y-valve, macerator and discharge hose. Check your owner's manual to be sure that an alcohol based antifreeze won't damage your system.

Water Tanks

Drain the fresh water tank and any hot water heater. Isolate the hot water heater by disconnecting the in and out lines and connecting them together. Pump non-toxic antifreeze through the law by turning on all the taps / shower until the antifreeze starts arrival out. Add non-toxic antifreeze to the water heater.

Put it on Blocks

If you own a trailer boat, think putting the boat and trailer up on blocks for winter to take the pressure off the tires. observe the trailer and tires for wear and tear. Grease the wheel bearings and replace if necessary.

If at all possible, store your boat undercover. If you need to leave it outdoors you'll require a boat cover. A good capability 8- to 10-ounce canvas boat cover should be sufficient for most situation. Even undercover the boat should be covered to safe against dust and dirt, pests and bird droppings. For greatest conditions you could think shrink-wrapping the boat. Do-it-yourself kits are available.

How To Winterize Your Boat

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