How To Prepare Your Boat for Winter Storage

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR BAT FR Winter STORAGE Step 1 CHANGE YOUR OIL Any water or acids that have gotten into your oil can corrode the engine. Change 'the filter and flush it out so that no water remains, then add in the new oil. MOTOR OIL Step 2 REFRESH THE COOLANT SYSTEM Drain out the current coolant, then flush with water. Fill with fresh antifreeze, but make sure you've diluted it to the manufacturer's specification. This will prevent parts of your engine from freezing and will protect them from corrosion. MARINE ANTI-FREEZE Step 3 SPRAY WITH FOGGING OIL Get your engine turning over without starting it, and while it's still turning over spray fogging oil into the carburetor or through the spark plug holes, whichever way your manual instructs you to do. This will keep your engine's moving parts protected during the winter cold. ENGINE FÖGGING OIL Step 4 REMOVE DRIVE BELTS When kept under tension for long periods of time, your drive belts may crack under the stress. Loosen or remove them entirely before placing in storage. Step 5 GREASE THE STEERING MECHANISM Greasing the steering and control mechanisms will make sure that these are moving smoothly when it comes time to take your boat out again. Make sure that joints are well covered with grease. WATERPROOF GREASE Step 6 DISCONNECT THE BATTERY Don't allow your battery to drain and die over the winter. Disconnect the battery and top it off with distilled water. Charge it every once in a while to make sure it's set to go when you hook it back up to your boat. BATTERY Step 7- FILL YOUR GAS TANK Condensation can build up in an empty tank, causing the tank to corrode or creating even worse damage if the GASOLINE condensation freezes. Gasoline stabilizer FUEL STABILIZER will make sure your fuel is ready to use when spring comes back around. Step 8 SEAL EXHAUST PORTS ON INBOARD BOATS Some inboard powered boats have large exhaust port openings where pests can enter your engine. You can use duct tape to plug these openings. Step 9 TAKE CARE OF THE ÎNTERIOR 12:00 If you have electronics, remove them, as they're vulnerable to extreme cold temperatures and moisture. Any organic materials, including leather, canvas, or any kind of fabric, should be removed, as moisture can cause these to mold and mildew. Empty water tanks, and run antifreeze through water pipes. Step 10 WASH AND WAX Thoroughly clean your boat inside and out, then cover the body with wax. Wax will prevent rust from corroding your boat's body, and is particularly important if you plan on storing your boat outside. Step 11 USE A COVER A boat cover will protect your boat from dirt, dust, grime and moisture. Covers make sure your boat is as ready to go as possible when the warmer months roll back around. WHERE SHOULD I STORE MY BOAT? OUTDOOR STORAGE PROS • Cheap or free (if in your own yard) CONS • Boat cover mandatory • Exposed to elements, which can cause wear and tear • Takes up yard space • Some may think it is an eyesore • Must be transported to and from the dock BOAT STORAGE UNITS PROS • Relatively inexpensive • Will keep your boat protected from the elements • Storage facilities are widespread and easy to find. CONS • May require transportation to the dock • Larger boats will not fit in standard storage unit sizes DRY STACK STORAGE PROS •Boat stays near dock; may not require special transportation •Often kept in a warehouse, allowing for protection from the elements CONS • More expensive than other options • If not kept in a warehouse, will be vulnerable to winter weather • Large boats will not fit INDOOR STORAGE PROS • Will keep your boat protected from the elements • Common perks include free transportation to and from the dock, maintenance, and monitored security •Requires the least preparation CONS •Typically the most expensive option SPECIAL THANKS TO SCOTT CROFT OF THE BOAT OWNERS ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES (WWW.BOATUS.COM) SpareFoot THIS INFOGRAPHIC WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: Libububulw MARINE ANTI-FREEZE