Taking Care of Your Boat in the Off-Season

When you invest in a boat, you want to ensure it’s taken care of all year. Cold weather can lead to corrosion and other problems if your boat isn’t correctly winterized. Once you’re done using it for the summer or fall, you must ensure it’s protected for the upcoming winter.

Do I Need To Winterize My Boat?

If you live in the northern states of the U.S., the answer is a definitive yes. The damages caused by cold weather, ice, and snow on an unprotected boat can degrade your boat’s appearance and harm essential mechanisms. Failing to take proper care of your boat can create expensive repairs in the spring.

Living in the southern half of the U.S. with less winter weather means you’re gambling by not winterizing your boat. You may think it’s unnecessary, but even one day of freezing weather can harm your boat. Not preparing your boat for cold weather may turn out fine, or you may have costly repairs at the season’s end.

Preparing for Winter

Storing your boat away from the water is not the only thing you need to do to protect your boat. Freezing temperatures can still affect the boat if it’s inland. Be sure to:  

• Clean the inside and outside. Remove cushions and electronics and empty cabinets and drawers. Dirt or barnacles left outside your boat can wear down the siding.
• Drain the boat. Any excess water in the engine, tanks, pipes, or other mechanisms can freeze, expand, and cause permanent damage.
• Perform a maintenance check on the engine. Consider an oil change, too.
• Check the propeller for damage. Corrosion, leaks, and dents should either be fixed or get a new propeller.
• Use a boat cover. Though many people put tarps over their boats, tarps can sometimes scratch the boat. Placing a cover between the tarp and your boat will protect it and provide extra insulation.

Ensure you take proper care of your boat this winter so that you can better enjoy it next boating season.

Looking for Your Next Boat?

If you are ready for your next boat, we can help you find what you need. Contact us today to get started!