Why De-Winterize Your Boat?

Most boaters know, winterizing a boat is an essential process to protect it during prolonged storage and from the harsh conditions of cold weather. I used to think that if I did this right, there would be little work to do in the spring. Tick a few boxes and throw her in the water. While proper winterizing will save you some time, you should really take extra care to de-winterize properly, too. Your boat needs attention to detail at this time because storage, especially in the cold, has certain effects on the boat. Fluids inevitably creep into places and sit there for the winter. They can contract or expand, impacting the quality of piping or other places they may have gathered. They can also corrode materials. Those materials–pipes, wires, gaskets, belts, cables, wood, and many more–are influenced by temperature and humidity changes as well. (Have you ever noticed that those tightly fitting doors in your house close more easily in the winter when it is less humid?) No matter how well you have done your winterizing, there will be some impact on your boat in storage.

Bring your boat out of hibernation using these general steps and you will prolong the life and reliability of your boat:

1. Clean the boat: Remove any covers and give the boat a thorough cleaning, including the interior, exterior, and the bilge.
2. Check the battery: Charge the battery and inspect it for any signs of corrosion or damage. Scrub terminals.
3. Inspect the hull: Check the hull for any damage or cracks that may have occurred during the winter.  This will be an important step when putting to boat in the water for the first time too.
4. Check the engine: Inspect the engine for any damage or leaks and check the oil level. You may also need to change the oil if it was not done during winterization.
5. Check the fuel system: Check the fuel lines, filters, and tank for any damage or leaks. Fuel lines become hardened and brittle over time, so take a close look there. You may need to replace the fuel filter if it was not done during winterization.
6. Check the cooling system: Make sure the cooling system is working properly by checking the water pump, hoses and clamps. You may need to replace any worn or damaged parts.
7. Check the electrical system: Check all electrical connections, switches, and lights for any damage or corrosion.
8. Fill up the fuel tank: Fill up the fuel tank with fresh fuel and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the fuel from breaking down.
9. Lubricate moving parts: Lubricate all moving parts such as hinges, latches, and throttle cables.
10. Test the boat: Start the engine and run it for a few minutes to make sure everything is working properly. Check the steering and trim systems as well.
11. Prep the boat for the water: Install the drain plug, put in the safety equipment, and prepare any other necessary items such as the anchor, lines, and fenders.

It’s also a good idea to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations for your specific boat, if you have them, as the steps may vary based on the make and model. Additionally, it may be helpful to have a professional mechanic or boat service provider inspect and service your boat before hitting the water.

Additional Resources:

Zen and the Art of Winterizing

Boating Article:  Five Inboard and Sterndrive Engine Checks

BoatUS Article: Sacrificial Anodes