Boat Winterizing Tips
Its time to use those dreaded words that signal the end of fishing season – boat winterizing. Taking a few steps to care for your motor and components can really save you money, time, and headaches in the long run. Here are some great tips to keep your boat and motor secure all winter.
Do It Yourself Boat Winterizing
If you fish well into the winter months, or want to take on preparing your boat properly for the winter months, here are a few guidelines for areas you want to pay attention to:
- Be sure to add the correct amount of stabilizer/antifreeze – know how much your boat requires!
- Disconnect all batteries.
- Fog the cylinders
- Grease the wheel bearings
- Check the wheels – change or rotate tires
- Check your cover – repair any tears or holes
- If your boat will remain outdoors, wrap your lower unit
- Winterize before the first freeze outside for best results
Winterizing Service
Many local marinas and boat dealerships also offer boat winterizing for a reasonable price. A good shop will also check your system for proper operation, change your lower unit oil and repack your wheel bearings along with your antifreeze and stabilizer treatment. Some shops, like Vic’s Sports Center in Brimfield, Ohio will even winterize while you wait. Call them at 330-673-7600 to schedule your winterizing appointment
Another service you may want to consider if your boat will be left outside is shrink wrapping. Even the best of covers can stress and tear under cold and snowy conditions, leaving your boat exposed to weather and rodents invading. At only $12 per foot, this could save you a much larger repair bill in the Spring, too!
If you don’t have any place indoors to store your boat, you may want to check with your local boat dealership or marina. Boat storage for a few months may not be that expensive. You’ll be rewarded with less weathering and wear and tear on your boat It would be well worth the hassle of uncovering and Spring clean-up, too!
