How to Get Your Boat Ready for Storage in the Winter

Boats are one of the largest investments a household can make. The proper care and maintenance is left to marinas by some owners, and others take care of all this themselves. When the boating season ends, it is important to prep the boat properly for the long storage over the cold months. There are many items in and on a boat that can be adversely affected by cold weather, and it is important to properly protect your investment.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Oil Oil filter Drain pan 10 gallons of RV (pink) antifreeze Tool kit-various wrenches and screwdrivers-these will vary based on boat
Oil
Oil filter
Drain pan
10 gallons of RV (pink) antifreeze
Tool kit-various wrenches and screwdrivers-these will vary based on boat

Step 1

Check the owners manual for the boat to determine the manufacturer's recommendations. Different manufacturers suggest different measures for winterization.

Step 2

Change the engine oil and filter. Make sure to drain the oil in a proper drain pan and dispose of old oil and filter properly.

Step 3

Drain the oil from the outdrive lower unit, if the boat has an inboard/outboard motor setup. This will remove any water from the outdrive that could freeze over the storage period. Once the fluid is drained, do not run the boat in gear without refilling the fluid.

Step 4

Drain the fresh water and sewage tanks in a proper location if the boat is equipped with these items.

Step 5

Fill the fresh water tank with 10 gallons of pink RV antifreeze. Pink RV antifreeze is designed not to damage self-contained water systems like those in boats and RVs.

Step 6

Run water in the head, galley and any other area that drains into the waste tank for the boat until it runs pink.

Step 7

Turn off the water pump.

Step 8

Plug in the shore power, if stored in the water or on land. This will help to make sure the batteries remain charged.

Step 9

Remove all valuables from in the cabin and on the deck and properly lock the boat.

Step 10

Powerwash the entire exterior of the boat, and wax with a premium wax to protect the gel coat for the season.

Step 11

Secure the cabin and boat as best as possible. Make sure everything is locked or off the boat for the season.

Step 12

Tape a note to the helm as a reminder of the drained outdrive and antifreeze in the water system.

Tips & Warnings

Several of these steps can be skipped for boats that do not have the equipment mentioned. Boats stored in a yard are recommended to be shrinkwrapped for security.

Several of these steps can be skipped for boats that do not have the equipment mentioned.

Boats stored in a yard are recommended to be shrinkwrapped for security.

Make sure to refill all fluids and drain the water and waste system when the boat comes out of storage.

Article Written By Michael Rippetoe

Michael Rippetoe has been writing for 15 years, and has recently decided to make it his career. He has been a journeyman carpenter, ASE Master Mechanic, certified irrigation professional and currently writes for this site, designs websites, and does professional photography. Rippetoe's articles appear on eHow, Garden Guides, AnswerBag and others.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...