The Basics of Boat Winterization: 6 Steps for New Englanders
The Basics of Boat Winterization: 6 Steps for New Englanders
Winter: one of the many joys of living in New England. With cold weather approaching, many of us are preparing to winterize our boats for the season. This can be a daunting task for anyone, but particularly if you’re new to the world of boating. It’s a good idea to keep a checklist for this annual project (something even seasoned boaters do!). Lucky for you, our boat service center is well-versed in winterization — we’re here to help you get started with this step-by-step guide to the process!
1. Check your owner’s manuals
First things first: before diving in, you’ll need to look over the owner’s manuals for your boat and engine(s). They’ll tell you the specifics on caring for your motor and boat model!
2. Prep the engine
How you winterize the engine will be dependent on whether you have an inboard or outboard. Review the following notes for each.
Outboard engine:
Flush the engine(s) with fresh water
Drain all water from the engine (s)
Drain fuel from the carburetor (check your owner’s manual for detailed instructions)
Lubricate parts: fogging oil can be used on pistons and cylinders, and water-resistant grease on the threads and propeller shaft
Change gear oil in the lower unit
Inboard engine:
Change oil and oil filters
Flush the engine(s) with fresh water
Add anti-freeze to the system
Spray cylinders with fogging oil
3. Stabilize fuel
To avoid any build-up of varnish in your engine, you’ll need to make sure your fuel is stabilized. Just top off the fuel tank with fresh fuel, add a fuel stabilizer and run the stabilized fuel through your engine.
4. Inspect the stern drive
Winterizing stern drives can be a bit tricky, so as with anything on your boat, be sure to review your owner’s manual before getting started. Generally speaking, the following tasks should be on your to-do list.
Change gear oil in lower unit
Inspect lower unit gear oil o-ring
5. Clean and wax
Wash the exterior of your boat. If needed, you can also use a hull or bottom cleaner to ensure your boat is in “ship shape” before launching in the spring! Don’t forget the interior: clean the cabin, heads, and helm thoroughly. A non-skid deck cleaner helps to remove dirt from every crevice. Apply waterproofing to the canvas and wax any exposed fiberglass.
6. Cover your boat
Now that the hardest part is done, you’ll need to cover your boat to protect it from the harsh winter weather. Tarps are budget-friendly, but won’t cover your boat completely without leaving a few gaps. If possible, shrink-wrap your boat for the best protection when being stored outside. Pro tip: contact Melvin Village to inquire about indoor winter storage!
Schedule service with our NH boat dealer
Winterizing your boat is time consuming and labor-intensive. Fortunately, we offer much more than boat sales and boat rentals on Lake Winnipesaukee: if you need assistance, we’re here for your boat service and repair needs too! Our service department is highly qualified, with years of experience in boat maintenance and unmatched attention to detail. Submit a service request for winterization today!