How to Get Your Boat Ready for Storage in the Winter
The weather is getting chilly, and it's time to prepare the boat for winter. You've already taken your warm-weather clothes ashore, and you have begun to take inventory of your food and boat supplies. Since the temperature is getting into the 30s at night, you are concerned that some of your boat's systems could be damaged by the upcoming cold weather. You begin your boat winterization work in earnest, pulling out your checklist to make sure you don't forget anything.
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Things You'll Need
- Tools to remove electronics and canvas from boat exterior
- Sail cleaner
- Tools and supplies to clean sailing hardware
- Cleaners for interior cabinets, lockers and refrigerator
- Box of baking soda for refrigerator
- Dehumidifying devices for boat interior
- Replacement hoses for sanitation system
- Non-toxic antifreeze to winterize sanitation system
- Replacement hose clamps and fittings for freshwater systems
- Replacement hoses for freshwater systems
- Non-toxic antifreeze to winterize freshwater systems
- Diagram of boat systems
- Engine oil as needed
- Fuel additives for fuel tank (if needed)
- Electrical system schematics
Instructions
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1
Secure the boat's exterior. Whether your boat spends the winter on land or in the water, remove all nonessential gear from the exterior. Disconnect outside electronics and take them home. Remove biminis, sun awnings and cockpit cushions, and store them below (or at home).
If you have a sailboat, remove the sails and clean them at home. Clean and inspect sailing hardware and equipment according to recommended standards. Store winch handles and other small accessories below (See Reference 1).
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2
Button up the interior. Take home all food, drinks and paper goods stored in cabinets and lockers (including canned drinks and bottles that can freeze). Clean out all cabinets and leave them open for ventilation. Take cushions home, if possible, or prop them on their sides to discourage mildew and odors.
Wipe out the refrigerator, ice box and freezer. Leave lids or doors propped open to minimize mildew, and place a box of baking soda inside to absorb odors. Drain and clean the bilge, and place dehumidifying devices in the cabin as appropriate. Ensure ventilators are working to bring fresh air inside, and lock the hatches. -
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3
Winterize the sanitation system. Empty the holding tank at the marina's pumpout dock, and rinse the tank and lines with water to discourage odor. For each marine sanitation device (toilet), flush all lines and check hoses for cracking and wear. Run non-toxic antifreeze into each toilet and into the intake and discharge hoses. Add antifreeze to the holding tank to prevent any residual contents from freezing.
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4
Winterize the freshwater system. Drain all sinks, water lines and tanks. Check hose clamps and fittings for corrosion, and ensure that hoses are not brittle or cracked. Pump non-toxic antifreeze into the water systems as recommended (See Reference 2).
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5
Secure the boat's essential operating systems. Using the detailed West Marine checklist, winterize the engine, propulsion and electrical systems. Components include: (1) engine; (2) fuel tanks; (3) gear train; (4) stuffing boxes (which hold the engine's drive shaft); (5) steering system; (6) batteries; (7) generators; and (7) electrical circuits and connectors (See Reference 3).
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Keep an eye on your boat. Visit your boat regularly to ensure that all tarps and coverings are intact, and that ice, snow or leaves have not clogged drains or vents. For boats in the water, make sure that docklines are still snugly securing the boat. If your boat is stored ashore, carefully check the jackstands to ensure that loads are evenly distributed and fittings have not loosened with time.
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