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Boat Winterization Guide & Checklist

Oct. 30 2019 Guide By Christina Ebeling

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Boat Winterization Guide & Checklist

Boat Winterization Services

Winterization guards your boat’s batteries, engines, inboard and outboard and stern drives. Winterization services can also help you to save money and time. Winter weather causes cracked block, corrosion, freezing, fuel degradation and moisture build-up. Ice can also cause leaks, the hull can have stress cracks which indicate damage. Moisture can cause mold and mildew.

There are disadvantages if you do not winterize. Your boat can lose power, there can be a decrease in fuel economy, and there may be possible engine failure.

Winterization Tips:
1. Flush engine with water
2. Stabilize your fuel
3. Fog engine cylinders and carburetor intakes
4. Flush engine block with antifreeze
5. Change oil in engine and transmission
6. Drain and replace gear case lubricant
 7. Disengage battery and store it

DYK that Polyvinyl covers can also help as a water repellent and resistance to mildew? Shrink wrap is also an option to cover your boat. Check out these services by clicking on the image below:

Shrink Wrap For Your Boat


Winterize Different Boat Engines:
Fog the engine
Change the oil
Fill engine block with antifreeze
Top off fuel tank & stabilize the fuel
Drain freshwater tank and water lines and protect them with antifreeze
 Sanitize your systems

Steps to Winterize a Stern Drive:
Drain residual water, fill it with antifreeze solution, then drain and replace gear lube, and remember to check the Pro Shaft.

Winterization of Boat Plumbing and Sanitation Systems:
Pump out the holding tank, remove the intake hose and soak it in antifreeze, and then flush the head to circulate the antifreeze.

Winterize of Boat Water Systems:
Open the faucets and turn on freshwater pump, then pour antifreeze into the water storage tank, and turn on the pump and open the hot water.

De-Winterizing Your Boat in the Springtime:

Ready to get your boat ready for the summer?

  1. Check battery
  2. Test electronics
  3. Change engine oil
  4. Fill cooling system
  5. Inspect gas tank and fuel lines
  6. Prepare your safety equipment
  7. Check belts for wear and tear

Lastly, here are some frequently asked questions to consider before deciding to winterize your boat:

  1. Should you store your boat indoors or outdoors?
  2. Should you winterize the boat’s plumbing, A/C and sanitization systems?
  3. Should you winterize the boat’s outboard engine?
  4. Should you winterize the boat’s inboard engine? The stern drive?
  5. Should you winterize your boat’s fuel and fuel systems?
  6.  Should you winterize your boat’s batteries?