When should you winterize your boat?

If you are planning on storing your boat for more than a few months, it is best to winterize it. While there are some benefits to leaving the engine running and draining the water from your vessel, these methods can also lead to problems in the spring when you pull the boat out. It’s better just to do it right and get everything ready for storage so that when spring rolls around, all you have left to do is start up again!

Step 1: Review the weather

The first step to winterizing your boat is to determine the winter weather forecast for your region. This can be done by looking at a local newspaper, or watching news coverage on tv or online. Another option is to review your favorite weather app on your phone or tablet. Once you've thoroughly reviewed the weather forecast for your specific area, it's time to get started.

Step 2: Remove items and cover

The second step is to remove all useful items from the boat, including ropes and anchors, that you might need for the winter. These should be stored in a dry place so they don't get damaged.

Next, cover the deck with a tarp or canvas sheet that can be stored away when not in use. For an extra layer of protection against damage from snow buildup over time, place plastic bags filled with sand around the deck area before placing a canvas sheet over everything. This will help prevent cracking due to weight shifts during freezing temperatures as well as keep moisture out of sensitive areas such as electronics wiring under decking surfaces (e.g., fiberglass).

Step 3: Prepare your engine

Now it's time to prep your engine for the winter by using a fogging machine that sprays fogging oil into the engine. This can be done at any time of the year, but we recommend doing it prior to storing your boat. You might even want to do it twice a year if you live in an area where they get a lot of rain or snow! Fogging oil is necessary because of its ability to penetrate into crevices, such as between moving parts and tight spaces like fuel lines and filters. It also helps protect against rusting through use of an anti-corrosive additive.

Fogging oil is usually applied in conjunction with an oil filter change, which is another great way to help ensure that your engines stay healthy over the winter months! And don't forget about transmission fluid too – since they're both lubricants (and therefore prone to corrosion), changing them out at regular intervals will keep things running smoothly during those long periods when they aren't used regularly

Make sure to take care of the following tasks before storing your boat:

☑️Drain all fuel tanks

☑️Change the oil and filters

☑️Inspect the entire boat for any damage or repairs needed

☑️Use antifreeze in the water lines and engine cooling system

Step 4: Prevent mold and mildew

Now it’s time to protect your boat upholstery and interiors against mildew and musty smells over the winter.

The first step in protecting your boat's upholstery and interiors is to use an effective mildewcide. Mildewcides are chemicals that kill or inhibit the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause stains, odors and other problems. A quality product we highly recommend is the

Xanigo Marine Mold & Mildew Preventer Solution.

Next, use a good quality water repellent on any canvas items such as biminis or dodgers to keep them from absorbing water over the winter months. Most people know that they need to do this when it rains out on their boats during the summer months, but few realize that it's just as important to treat their canvas in cold weather too!

The next step is to put a cover over your boat so that snow and ice don't damage it in sub-freezing temperatures (you'll also protect against break-ins). If you have a hardtop, remove it for storing inside as well - leaving it on would make things more difficult for thieves looking for quick cash!

The addition of a fan will help move air around inside your boat by drawing off moisture from underneath furniture cushions where moisture tends to collect after sitting still all winter long without any ventilation at all. Also, dehumidifier units will help reduce humidity levels so mold doesn't grow either.

Lastly, a good water-repellent cover is an essential part of winterizing your boat. You'll want to make sure it's large enough to cover your boat, durable and well made, and that it's easy to store.

Key Takeaways

Boat winterization is a great way to get ready for the next boating season. It's also a great time to check your boat and make sure it's in good condition, so you can have a fun, safe year of boating ahead of you. These preparation tips will save you in the spring from any problems when it's time to take your boat back out onto the water.

It is important to remember that if you do not properly winterize your boat, it could lead to costly damage and repairs. Following these tips will ensure that your boat stays in good shape over the winter months.