“Don’t Get Left Out in the Cold!”

Cold snaps can do a lot of damage to your boat! Water left in your engine could cause the engine to freeze and crack. Carefully winterizing your boat’s engine, can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repairs, not to mention the frustration of poor performance in the spring that can be a result of failing to winterize your boat.

In Texas where we have relatively comfortable winters that are sprinkled with the occassional cold spell, forecasts are not always taken seriously and this often results in a lot of damage for boat owners. Your boat may be vulnerable to a sudden freeze if proper precautions are not taken. Even a brief cold spell that lasts only a night or two can do considerable damage. In temperate states such as Texas, boat owners must winterize engines.

A few quick tips for winterizing your boat:

Stern Drives:
Drain the gear case and check for excessive moisture in the oil. This could indicate leaking seals and should be repaired. Grease all fittings and check fluid levels in hydraulic steering or lift pumps.

Outboard Engines:
Flush engine with fresh water using flush muffs or similar device attached to the raw water pickup. Disconnect fuel hose and run engine until it stops. It is important to follow a step by step process to make sure that all fuel is drained from the carburetor to prevent build-up of deposits from evaporated fuel. Use fogging oil in the cylinders to lubricate the cylinder walls and pistons. Apply water resistant grease to propeller shaft and threads. Change the gear oil in the lower unit.

Fuel:
Add a fuel stabilizer by following the instructions on the product.

Bilges:
Make sure the bilges are clean and dry.

Fresh Water System:
Completely drain the fresh water tank and hot water heater. Pump a non-toxic antifreeze into the system and turn on all the faucets including the shower and any wash-down areas until you see the antifreeze coming out. Also put non-toxic antifreeze in the water heater.

Head:
Pump out the holding tank at an approved facility. While pumping, add fresh water to the bowl and flush several times. Add antifreeze and pump through hoses, holding tank, y-valve, macerator and discharge hose.

Interior:
Once you have taken care of the system you should remove any valuables, electronics, lines, PFDs, fire extinguishers, flares, fenders, etc. Open all drawers and lockers and clean thoroughly. Turn cushions up on edge so that air is able to circulate around them or, better yet, bring them home to a climate controlled area. Open and clean the refrigerator and freezer. To keep your boat dry and mildew-free you might want to use some of the commercially available odor and moisture absorber products.


This is in no way a comprehensive and complete checklist for winterizing your boat. You should consult your owner’s manual for thorough information about winterizing your boat, or visit your local dealer for winterization services they may offer.