If the weather this week is any indication, winter is here to stay. With cold temperatures, snow and ice inevitably heading our way, it is time to ensure your boat is ready for a long winter nap. The proper care now can help avoid costly repairs and loss of use when spring weather finally returns.

Clean everything.

A thorough cleaning is the start of any winterization project, but it is about more than having a clean boat when spring comes. First, it will be far easier to clean the boat shortly after pulling it. As the boat sits, the algae, dirt and water stains will become harder and harder to remove. Second, a clean hull will allow you to detect any possible damage.

Cleaning is about more than the hull. Flush all waterlines, change oil and clean any bilges too.

Unhook or remove equipment.

Electronics, coolers, fishing gear and the like are great on the water, but they should be removed during winter storage. Some items are delicate and react poorly to extreme temperatures — hot or cold. Others can develop problems when sitting for extended periods, which can cause additional problems for your boat if undetected for a couple of months.

Batteries and fuel are an area of much debate during winterization. Batteries should be removed and properly stored. At the very least, they should be disconnected. I learned this the hard way when mice chewed energized wires, and a spark caused a nearby nest to catch fire. Goodbye boat. I recommend topping off your tank with fresh fuel and adding a quality stabilizer. An empty tank will collect condensation (water) and lead to more problems than you need.

Make repairs.

Once the boat is clean, it is time to inspect everything. An excellent bow-to-stern inspection will allow you to discover unknown damage, remember little problems that may have grown and list anything that needs attention. Any damage to the hull, paint, or gel coat should be addressed immediately. These things can only get worse and more costly with time. Although I prefer to address mechanical problems before officially ending the season, some can wait until spring as they generally will not worsen in storage.

Time for the engine.

What you will need:

As stated earlier, winterization does not require a full-service garage. It can be done in your driveway or backyard, with only a few items needing to be purchased:

Garden hose with water supply

Lower unit flushing attachment

Fuel can with 1-2 gallons of fuel

Screwdriver set

Wrench set

Drain pan

Engine oil

Gear oil

Spark plug set

Let’s get started:

≤ Mix fuel and oil as per manufacturer instructions (usually 16:01 ratio)

≤ Attach fuel can to engine.

≤ Attach flushing attachment to lower unit and hose.

≤ Run the engine at low to medium RPMs for 3 to 5 minutes.

≤ Disconnect the fuel supply and let the engine run until the fuel is exhausted.

≤ Remove and replace spark plugs — if necessary, spark plugs can be cleaned and re-installed.

≤ Remove propeller, lower drain screw, and vent screw allowing fluid to drain into the pan.

≤ As oils drain, inspect it for metal flacks, filings, or milky color. Each is a sign of abnormal wear, water, or damage and will require further inspection by a mechanic.

≤ Loosely replace the drain and vent screws. Refill gear oil until you see it seeping from the screws. Tighten screws and continue to fill to total capacity.

≤ Inspect the propeller for damage and replace it if necessary.

≤ While the propeller is off, inspect the shaft for damage, debris, or tangled fishing line. Remove anything you see and inspect the seal for damage.

≤ Replace oil and fuel filters (if equipped)

Wrapping it up.

If you are storing your boat indoors, it is not necessary to cover it for the winter; however, it is recommended. Covering it will help keep everything clean, keep critters out and ensure everything is ready to go.

If your boat is stored outdoors, a cover is mandatory. The cover will keep out snow, rain, ice, critters and dirt — everything you are protecting against. You have two choices — a wrap or a good strong tarp. Shrink wrapping is the best method, but it generally requires hiring a professional and increases your overall cost. You can also cover the boat with tarps. Doing so requires heavy-duty tarps, strong tie-downs, and probably a friend to help, depending on the size of your boat. Please ensure the entire boat is covered, the tie-downs are tight and you inspect it regularly. Any tears, loose straps, etc., need to be addressed immediately.