Preparing your boat for winter is an annual task that isn’t anyone’s favorite thing to do, but it is vital for the longevity of your boat. Dalton Marine has prepared a guide to help you ready your boat for next spring. Keep reading to find some tips that will come in handy when you are ready to take your boat out again. Then, shop our selection of boats at Dalton Marine, located in Dalton and Acworth, GA.
Why is Winterizing Your Boat Important?
Winterizing your boat helps ensure that your boat will be ready for the next boating season. Storing your boat improperly may cause serious and costly issues, such as a bad case of mold or engine corrosion.
Deep Cleaning
Thorough cleaning before storage seems like a no-brainer, but it is often not done correctly or skipped entirely. Some elbow grease and a little extra attention to detail will ensure that you come back to the same clean boat you put in storage a few months prior.
On the outside of the boat, aim to remove as much grime, salt and algae as possible. Wax the hull if the boat will be stored outside. On the inside, make sure to remove organic matter. When such items are left behind, they can attract pests. If the pests don’t get to them first, they eventually become a petri dish for mold. Deep cleaning is important for places you don’t always clean normally. Examine crevices, such as areas between seats, for anything that could be lodged there. Additional cleaning-related tasks to think about are removing life jackets and other accessories that aren’t normally stored on a boat long-term. Finally, dry the entire exterior and interior areas to prevent mold and mildew.
Boat Maintenance
Engine maintenance is important when winterizing your boat because a new engine can be costly. Pay attention to the following areas to save the big bucks: Start by changing the engine oil. Next, make sure the cooling system has new antifreeze. To do this, first flush the system with a freshwater rinse. Then you’ll want to allow the antifreeze to circulate throughout the cooling system and out the exhaust.
Ensure that moving parts are oiled and properly lubricated. Add fogging oil to all moving parts to prevent corrosion. Adding it to key fuel compartments, carburetors, and cylinders provides protection for all moving parts while in storage. Use a fuel stabilizer to keep the tank from freezing condensation. Lastly, topping off the fuel tank so your engine will be good as new for next season.
Storage
As you conclude your winterization process, you’ll need to remove the battery. It is best to store the battery in a dry and cool place. To keep the battery functional, you may want to have a trickle charger connected to it or charge the battery monthly. Finally, you’ll want to cover the boat up tightly to prevent damage from the elements.
Following these steps will keep your boat and its parts safe throughout the cold winter months until you are ready for your next adventure. Come on by Dalton Marine and find out more about winterizing your boat. Our experienced staff is waiting for you! We are conveniently located in Dalton and Acworth, GA.