Winterizing Your Boat for Ashore Storage

Boating is a fun activity for those who like being on the water. Storing your boat properly in winter will ensure that your boat is ready for the water in spring when the last of the snow melts away. Boating in winter is not possible because of the cold temperatures that often cause the water surface to freeze over, making this the best time to carry out repairs and maintenance on your boat. The following are some of the tips of winterizing your boat for storage.

Change the oil

Water and acids in the oil may end up corroding the engine and damaging it. You should change the filter and flush it out before changing your oil. You should always store your boat with fresh engine oil during winter.

Refresh the engine coolant system

You will also need to drain out the current coolant and flush it out with water. You can use antifreeze to replace the coolant. But you need to be very careful about the anti freeze products that you buy and diluting it to manufacturer specifications. The anti freeze solution is great for preventing your engine from freezing and also protecting parts of it from corrosion.

Spraying fogging oil

Winter can take a toll on the moving parts of your engine. Spraying fogging oils is crucial for protecting these moving parts. While your engine is turning over, spray the fogging oil through the spark plug holes or into the engines carburetor depending on the instruction manual.

Remove the drive belts

Drive belts are made of rubber. This rubber can get damaged when kept under tension for long while exposed to extreme temperatures. To prevent them from cracking under the tension stress, you can loosen or remove them and store them away until the end of winter.

Waterproof grease on the steering mechanism

You have probably noticed by now there is a lot of oiling and greasing going on. This is to keep every working part of the engine in great condition while in storage. A large tub of waterproof grease can come in handy for this process. Keep the steering and controls joints well greased up for smooth operation when you take your boat out of storage.

Battery

You should always disconnect your battery when the boat is in storage. Keeping the battery in circuit through the long winter months can drain it since there is a small amount of charge being lost every day. You should also charge the battery every once in a while to make sure it works when it is time to take the boat out of storage.

Fill in the gas tank

This helps to avoid condensation from building up in the empty tank. This condensation not only causes corrosion but can lead to worse damage if it freezes up. A gasoline stabilizer addition can also keep the fuel ready to use when it’s time to take out the boat.

Finally, seal the exhaust ports and other openings where pests and other small animals can enter through.

Posted By: Stowaway Marine  http://stowawaycenter.com/marine/index.html