Boats can face different maintenance issues throughout the year. Boats during the winter can experience even more issues than normal, so it’s important to know the proper steps beforehand. With the proper care, your boat will get through the winter just fine, in fact, it may even come out stronger from it if done properly.
The winter season means more than just pulling your boat out of the water and adding antifreeze. The best way to know the correct procedure is to always check the owner’s manual that came with the boat. There you will find more specific information regarding your personal boat. If it’s your first time caring for a boat during the winter, it’s also a good idea to consult with a professional.
Finding boat storage is also one of the most important things you can do if you expect water temperatures to get that cold.
Make sure the inside of your boat is completely clean when preparing for the winter season. Check that the hull, propellers, shafts, cabinets, and everything else are clean. Remove any loose items such as fire extinguishers, flares, electronics, etc. The colder weather can often mess with these instruments
If you have sprayed the boat down, make sure to move the cushion into a climate-controlled area. The weather can impact the moisture on the cushions and could possibly damage them if not properly taken care of.
Make sure the exterior is also clean and scrubbed down. This means to pressure spray the outside and make sure that any barnacles are scraped off. If any dirt, salt, or barnacles are still attached, the cold weather can freeze them on causing damage to the paint and hull of the boat.
The engine is the most vital part of your boat. It’s what keeps the party going. Checking on it during the winter (and all other seasons) is extremely important. Check the oil of the boat and make sure it’s still in good health. The oil on your boat should be changed every 50-100 hours of running. Also, check to make sure there are no leaks or anything else that can cause damage to the boat itself.
To make sure the engine is safe during the winter, flush the engine with a good anti-freeze using an intake hose connected to the water pump. This will ensure no cold weather damage occurs to the engine.
While it may seem unimportant, covering your boat is one of the best ways to ensure the paint and overall quality of the boat lasts as long as possible. Boats during the winter can often experience damage from frost, snow, and rain. Covering it makes sure that this doesn’t happen, especially in an uncovered storage spot.
If you dont have a properly fitting cover for your boat, a simple tarp also makes a good cover. The thin barrier will make all of the difference when going against colder weather.
Winter boating is something that everyone can enjoy and take advantage of. If you’re looking to join in on the fun or you want to upgrade your experience, check out the amazing boats Hysucat has to offer.