9 THINGS TO REMEMBER BEFORE WINTERIZING YOUR BOAT

In Minnesota, you protect your boat for 8 months so you can enjoy it for 4. 

Okay, this might be a little extreme, but it is important that you properly winterize your boat so it’s protected. 

In this blog we’re going to look at the 9 steps to winterizing your boat, and explaining why each step is important. 

If you own a boat, this blog is for you. If this is your first year owning a boat, this blog is especially for you! 

Consult your boat’s owners manual.

Every boat is unique, and may require a different type of winterization. Thus, please consult with your boat’s owners manual before following any online winterization tips.  

If you don’t feel confident, leave it to the professionals. 

If you’re not qualified to winterize your boat on your own, that’s okay. There are many professionally who are ready to help. If that’s you, start by contacting your local marine dealer. 

Clean the inside of your boat. 

Cleaning the inside of your boat thoroughly is often forgotten when it comes to winterizing your boat. By cleaning thoroughly, you’re removing any dirt, grime or moisture that’s built up inside your boat, preventing further damage once it freezes. 

Remove the drain plug and drain any water.

Draining that water from your boat may be the most important element when it comes to winterizing. If not properly drained, this water can freeze, and in some cases, can cause your boat’s hull to crack. Simply remove the drain plug and raise the bow of your boat higher than the stern. 

Move all electronics inside.

Any electrical items inside your boat need to be stored inside over the winter months. From fish finders to radios, and even trolling motors, these items must be removed from your boat in the winter.  

Clean bilges and livewells. 

It’s important to wash and dry any bilges and livewells in your boat. If water is left inside, it can freeze and lead to damage. If you’d like, a small amount of antifreeze can be added to both as a preventative measure (just remember to clean it out in the spring before using). 

Inspect the hull of your boat. 

Cold weather can turn small damages to your boat’s hull into much larger, and sometimes create irreplaceable damage. A thorough inspection in the Fall can prevent anything from worsening during the winter elements. 

Give your trailer a once over. 

Looking at your trailer seems odd, but it’s also a good idea to make sure any moisture from your boat hasn’t collected on the trailer in places it shouldn’t (in lights, over wires, etc.). A drying and cleaning can extend the lifespan of your trailer and its features.  

Cover your boat tightly. 

No matter where you’re storing your boat, it’s important to cover it tightly. This can prevent rodents from inhabiting inside during the winter months, or if you store it outside, it can protect from wind, snow and ice damage. 

We hope you got plenty of hours out of your boat this summer!

If you follow these reminders and properly winterize your boat this fall, you should be able to get plenty more next summer. 

Here’s to protecting your time on the water.

-Canvas Craft