July 7, 2022
By Staff Report
It's that time of the year in many parts of the United States time to put the boat away for the winter. Here's a checklist for winterizing your boat, courtesy of Boat US. Print it to keep a copy handy.
Engine
____ Fill fuel tanks and add stabilizer to gasoline
____ Change oil and filter
____ Change fuel filters/separators in engine
____ Check coolant level in freshwater-cooling system and add coolant if necessary
____ Run antifreeze through raw-water-cooling system
____ Make sure water strainers are filled with antifreeze
____ Fog cylinders in gasoline engines
____ Top up battery electrolyte level and put batteries on marine charger
Installed Generator
____ Change oil and filter
____ Change fuel filters/separators
____ Check coolant level in freshwater-cooling system and add coolant if necessary
____ Run antifreeze through raw-water-cooling system
____ Make sure water strainers are filled with antifreeze
Other Generator
____ Flush and fill air conditioning system with antifreeze
____ Run antifreeze through watermaker and pickle as per owner's manual
Outboards
____ Fill installed fuel tanks and add stabilizer
____ Turn off fuel supply and fog while running
____ Drain gear case and add fresh lubricant
Outdrives
____ If water intake is in lower unit, flush and run antifreeze through using muffs
____ Drain gear oil and add fresh lubricant
____ Inspect/replace anodes
Belowdecks
____ Pump out holding tank and add antifreeze to head
____ Drain water heater and bypass it
____ Drain freshwater system and run antifreeze through it
____ Run antifreeze through refrigeration, deck washdown pump, etc., per owner's manual
____ Drain shower sump and other places where water pools
____ Remove food
____ Open lockers to air
____ Take home cushions or store on their sides
____ Take home portable electronics
____ Close propane valves and take home portable canisters
____ Verify bilge pump and switch operate properly
____ Clean and dry bilges
____ Secure all ports and hatches
____ Turn off all circuit breakers
In The Water
____ Close all seacocks except for cockpit drains
____ Plug exhaust ports
____ Check docklines and chafe guards center boat in slip
____ Add or adjust fenders for proper placement
Before You Go
____ Tie off tiller/steering wheel
____ Cover/shrinkwrap boat
____ Lock cabin and leave spare key with marina manager
