WINTERIZING YOUR BOAT
Jun 09, 2008
Winterizing Your Boat 11/03/2007 – courtesy of a West Marine Flyer Advertisement
Here is a list of items that you should attend to for winterizing your boat:
- Engines & Drive Train
- Add fuel stabilizer to fuel and run the engine for a few minutes to circulate stabilized fuel.
- Spray fogging oil into the intake while the engine is running.
- Top off fuel tanks to reduce condensation.
- Drain water from inboard and I/O engines and risers.
- Replace water with engine antifreeze.
- Drain crankcase oil and replace it. Add oil stabilizer.
- Replace fuel and oil filters.
- Remove and inspect spark plugs. Spray fogging oil into engine cylinders. Turn the engine using a flywheel.
- Inspect ignition wires and system components. Replace as necessary.
- Inspect all hoses for signs of softening, cracking, or bulges.
- Use an engine flusher to remove salt, silt, and sediment from the engine’s lower unit.
- Replace lower unit gear lube.
- Lubricate all grease points: tilt/trim, steering, control cables, etc.
- Clean and degrease engine.
- Apply touch-up paint as needed.
- Spray corrosion inhibitor on engine exterior.
- Remove prop and inspect for damage. Grease prop shaft. Store prop indoors.
- Potable Water System
- Drain water from all freshwater system lines and pumps.
- Inspect pump impellers for wear and lightly lubricate with Teflon-based grease.
- Inspect hoses for signs of softening, cracking, bulging, leaks or pinholes and replace, if necessary, before filling lines.
- Inspect hose clamps and replace them if necessary.
- Fill all plumbing system lines with non-toxic propylene glycol-based antifreeze.
- Before recommissioning your vessel, add water freshener/purifier tabs to the freshwater tank to remove residual odors and condition newly added water.
- Marine Sanitation Systems
- Empty the waste holding tank at an approved pump-out facility.
- Rinse the holding tank thoroughly to remove residual waste.
- Pump antifreeze through the bowl.
- Lubricate gaskets and seacocks.
- Check hoses for calcification and signs of wear. Replace damaged hoses if necessary.
- Wash out vented loops.
- Fill discharge and intake hoses with antifreeze.
- Add antifreeze to the holding tank to prevent freezing of residual waste.
- Interior
- Clean and drain bilge completely.
- Inspect and lubricate all seacocks.
- Clean out the refrigerator, icebox, and freezer. Block the door open and leave an open box of baking soda inside to absorb odors.
- Remove cushions and curtains and store ashore.
- Check and clean all storage compartments.
- Secure all hatches and ports.
- Place an appropriate number of moisture-absorbing devices in the boat or place a thermostatically controlled heater in a safe area away from combustible materials.
- Check to make sure ventilators are operating properly.
