Hauling a boat into the winter can be a nerve-wracking and expensive process unless you know what to do. It corrodes during the winter months, and you don’t want to be faced with a hefty repair bill.
You might think that it’s better to leave it out in the elements, but if you slip and fall on an icy boat, you could seriously injure yourself. Winterize boat is the answer.
Read on for the five steps you need to take to protect your boat this winter.
Table Of Contents
1. Clean and Drain the Boat
Begin by removing all items, such as the engine, seats, and covers, and any other items that can be taken out. This will allow for easy access to all areas of the boat.
After rinsing the boat down, use a cloth and cleaning solution to scrub any stubborn deposits off the surface. After the boat has been adequately cleaned, drain all the water from the boat, removing any that has been collected after a day spent on the lake or ocean.
2. Prepare the Engine for Cold Weather
Start by ensuring that the boat’s fuel system is properly filtered and free of any contaminants. If the boat has been sitting in the water all summer, add a fuel stabilizer.
This will allow your boat to run smoothly during the off-season. Next, remove the spark plug and spray WD-40 or fogging oil directly into the cylinder to prevent corrosion.
You can also clean the spark plug with a wire brush and gap it at the manufacturer’s recommended setting. Make sure all of the electrical connections are clean and tight.
3. Lubricating
It’s especially important to lubricate various parts of your boat when it comes to winterizing. Sliding surfaces, such as trailer rollers, pins, and rollers, all need to be lubricated for proper performance and to decrease wear and tear.
Don’t forget to lubricate the propeller shaft, stern glands, and rudder bearings, as these all need to be cared for as well. Lubricate the winch and all other moving parts with a waterproof, dry lubricant.
4. Inspects and Repairs
Before the weather turns cold, inspect your boat thoroughly. Replace significant hardware, such as cleats and deck hardware, if needed.
Also, check other parts, such as the trailer, which may need to be inspected and repaired. Be sure to take care of any scratches or dings on your hull. Do research more on boat detailing costs to keep you ready on proper boat maintenance.
5. Covering the Boat
Covering the boat is an important part of winterizing it. Choose a cover for your boat, such as a tarp or shrink wrap.
Make sure it’s the right size and contains ventilation openings to prevent mold and mildew. Support the cover by using a secure pole or other support in the middle of the boat and along each side to keep it from billowing and sagging.
It’s important to consider using a reinforcing layer, such as canvas, over a tarp, as these materials are more resistant to tearing. Finally, all ties or straps should be tight enough to prevent flapping before storing your boat.
Winterize Boat for Extreme Weather Conditions
It requires careful attention to detail to winterize boat. It is important to inspect, clean, and store your boat correctly.
Following the five essential steps is critical for a safe and successful winterized boat. Book a professional boat detailing to ensure your boat is well-maintained.
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