In locations where temperatures drop below freezing, you will want to winterize your boat to avoid disruptions or damage. RecProtect is here to give you 9 simple steps to winterize your boat efficiently. Every engine is a little different, so keep your owner’s manual handy as you go:
1. Stabilize Fuel
Fuel deteriorates quicker than you might think, causing build up within your engine, and a half-empty tank collects condensation over the winter. Rather than draining the tank, fill it to about 95% with fresh fuel, leaving room for expansion, and add fuel stabilizer following the directions on the bottle. Then run the engine for 10 to 15 minutes so the treated fuel reaches the entire fuel system. Always run the engine with a water supply connected, either in the water or on flushing muffs, as running it dry can quickly damage the water pump.
2. Replace Engine Oil
Old oil sitting in an engine for months can lead to corrosion of engine parts. While the engine is still warm from the previous step, drain the old oil so it carries out as many impurities as possible, then replace the oil and the oil filter. Ensure you use high-quality oil and filters as recommended by your specific engine’s manufacturer. This step applies to four-stroke outboards, inboards and sterndrives, as two-stroke outboards do not have crankcase oil.
3. Fog the Engine
Shield your engine from moisture that promotes corrosion of parts by fogging it. Fogging oil is a protective spray that coats internal engine parts during this lengthy storage. Depending on your engine, it is sprayed into the air intake while the engine is running or directly into the cylinders through the spark plug holes. Check your owner’s manual first, as many fuel-injected engines call for a different procedure.
4. Remove Water from Engine
Water will expand when it freezes, resulting in damage such as a cracked engine block or manifold. Follow your engine owner’s manual, as every model is a bit different, to ensure you have drained all hoses, valves, plugs and holes your vessel might have. Outboards drain on their own when stored upright in the fully down position. Inboards and sterndrives need the engine block and manifolds drained, followed by non-toxic marine antifreeze run through the cooling system. Never use automotive antifreeze. Don’t forget the rest of the boat: drain the fresh water system, livewells, head and bilge as well.
5. Replace Gear Oil
Drain the lower unit of gear oil and replace it with a fresh supply. This will protect the gears from moisture and corrosion during winter storage. Take a look at the old oil as it drains. If it is milky or cloudy, water is getting in, and the seals should be repaired before storage, as water in the lower unit can freeze and crack the housing.
6. Grease and Lubricate
Lubricating your grease fittings defends against rust, corrosion and oxidation throughout your steering mechanisms. As the location of these are different for every boat, refer to your owner’s manual to be sure you don’t miss any important areas on yours. This is also a good time to remove the propeller, check the shaft for tangled fishing line, and grease it before reinstalling.
7. Leave Nothing Behind
Be sure to clean out your boat of all personal items, electronics and valuables before storing for the winter to avoid potential thefts. This also includes any food or drinks you may have had in there as those scents encourage animals to intrude as well. Remove the battery too. Charge it fully and store it somewhere cool and dry, topping up the charge every month or so, as a discharged battery can freeze and crack.
8. Clean and Wax
Begin with the inside of your vessel, cleaning all seats, flooring and trim as dirt and stains will only get worse if left sitting for several months. Next, power wash the hull of your boat to remove any algae, mussels or other marine growth attached to it. Lastly, waxing the boat adds a solid layer of protection too.
9. Cover and Store
Ensure your boat is being stored in a proactive way, as snow and ice exposure can cause issues. Remove the drain plug and store the boat with the bow slightly raised so rain and snowmelt can drain out. The best choice is to store your boat in a dry, covered location that can protect it from the winter elements. However, if this isn’t an option, a durable cover, or shrink wrap, provides at least one layer of protection from the winter weather it may be exposed to. Make sure the cover is supported so snow and water can’t pool on it, and vented so trapped moisture doesn’t lead to mildew.
Protect Your Boat All Winter with RecProtect Boat Insurance
Proper winterization sets you up for a smooth start when boating season returns, but it can’t prevent everything. Theft, vandalism, fire and storm damage can all happen while your boat sits in storage.
That’s why we recommend keeping your boat insured year-round. RecProtect specializes in recreational insurance, so your boat insurance policy is built around how you use and store your boat. Before you put your boat away this winter, take a few minutes to review your policy with a RecProtect broker and confirm you have the right coverage in place.
Enjoy the winter months worry-free. Get your free boat insurance quote in less than 30 seconds or call us at 888-887-0881 to speak with a broker.