Before putting your boat away for the winter, it is important to prep it for the long sleep. The first place to start is with the engine. This will be the messiest part of this endeavor but the engine is usually the most expensive and least expendable item of your boat. Clean the engine and change the oil and the filter. Having dirty oil sitting in a dirty engine will be an even bigger mess in the spring.
Drain the cooling system. If it’s like a car and has a closed system,
refill it with the recommended antifreeze and water solution. If it’s an open system, flush it out with
water. If your boat has a
carburetor, drain the gas out of the tank. Use the drain screw found at the bottom of the
bowl. Fill the tank with a fuel
stabilizer after putting the screw back.
If you have a bathroom, pump out the holding tank until as dry as possible. Treat the tank with a deodorizer that can be found at supply stores. Try to get in the habit of removing as much of your boating gear as possible and putting them in their designated spots. It may be a hassle but you don’t want your life jackets, cushions or sails to collect moisture.
Open up all the hatches and lockers if you’re going to keep your boat in a garage. On the flip side, keep all hatches and lockers closed if your boat will be kept outside. Spray the bilge, head and lockers with a light mist of anti-mildew spray. Consider putting a dehumidifier in the boat if you’re going to be storing it outside. Lastly, get a boat cover to act as an extra helping hand during the winter months to ward off harsh weather, animals and small accidents.
