As the days grow shorter and winter's chill begins to take hold, the sad task of preparing the boat for its yearly hibernation has once again arrived. Winterizing your boat is a necessary step to protect your investment while in deep freeze; it's also a good way to ensure that your boat is running in tip-top shape once the season resumes. Although the task does take some know-how and effort, the end result — a boat that starts come spring — is most certainly worth it.
Winter is a time when boats and outboards demand extra attention. Too often, basic motor maintenance gets overlooked, and that neglect can show up fast when spring arrives. A boat that is properly cared for season to season not only performs better — it also holds its value.
1. Starting the Process of Winterizing Your Boat, Trailer & Motor
It is recommended that you consult your owner's manual for both boat and motor before beginning any winterization measures. Each may have some specific recommendations. If you don't feel confident with do-it-yourself tasks, please leave the process to a professional marine mechanic.
Tip: A good fuel stabilizer removes water to prevent corrosion and cleans carburetors and fuel injectors. It also protects your engine from gum, varnish, rust, and corrosion.
Before getting into the nitty-gritty, give your boat, trailer and engine a good and thorough cleaning. This removes the entire season's dirt and leaves the boat ready for spring. (See Cleaning Your Boat from Top to Bottom for detailed guidance.)
First, remove the drain plug, then raise the bow of the boat higher than the stern. Trim the outboard up, open all storage compartments, and remove all contents. This allows water trapped in drainage pipes, livewell plumbing, and bilge lines to fully drain.
Allow the boat to remain in this position for one to two warm, dry days under cover — such as a garage or barn. This drying step is critical to preventing freeze damage.
Remove all items from your boat, including boat seats, electronics, life jackets and vests, and fishing equipment. Electronics such as fish finders and trolling motors should be stored indoors.
Remove the batteries from the boat. Clean the terminals, check fluid levels, fully charge them, and disconnect. Batteries may be stored indoors or left in the boat if periodically charged.
Tip: Check your boat at the first of every month and mark it on a calendar.
2. Winterizing the Outboard Boat Motor
Winterizing an outboard boat engine involves a few steps, but once learned, they aren't all that complicated. Fill all gas tanks to reduce moisture buildup, and inspect hoses, bulbs, and connectors for deterioration.
Change the fuel filter and water separator; add fuel stabilizer to ensure fresh gas in spring.
Attach a motor flusher to your garden hose and allow the engine to idle for 10–15 minutes. This ensures treated fuel circulates through the system.
While running, apply fogging oil through the intake until smoke appears and the engine stalls. This coats internal components and protects against corrosion.
Four-stroke engines should have spark plugs removed and fogging oil applied directly to the cylinders. Turn the flywheel by hand several times to distribute oil evenly.
Inspect spark plugs for wear. Many boaters reinstall old plugs for winter storage and replace them in spring.
Drain the lower unit oil and inspect for cloudiness. If present, consult a certified marine mechanic. If oil appears clean, refill with fresh lower unit lube.
Jimmy Houston Tip: If your outboard wasn’t running right at the end of the season, winter is the best time to have it serviced. Shops are less busy, and repairs will be completed before spring demand hits.
3. Clean the Boat Bilges and Livewells
Bilges and livewells should be thoroughly washed and completely dried. Any remaining water can freeze and cause damage.
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4. Inspect Your Boat's Hull
Inspect the bottom and sides of the hull for cracks, damaged rivets, or weak joints. Minor issues can often be handled at home; major damage should be addressed by a professional.
5. How to Prep Your Boat Trailer for Winter
Check trailer lights for moisture, inspect wiring, bunks, and winch. Jack up each wheel and spin it to check bearings.
Repack bearings if needed and check tires for proper inflation.
Tip: Shop boat trailer accessories at basspro.com here
6. Cover Your Boat
Once all steps are complete, cover the boat securely using a fitted boat cover. Secure tightly to prevent wind damage.
Tip: Shop Boat Covers, Accessories and Bimini Tops at Bass Pro Shops here
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