This is a comprehensive although not all-encompassing list for winterizing a boat that is stored ashore. Please refer to the various owners' manuals supplied with your boat for more specific information. We encourage you to make your own customized checklist. If you are not a "do-it-yourselfer," most Grady-White dealers offer winterizing services. Contact your dealer for more information.


Routine maintenance
Do a thorough visual inspection, and note any items that need repair. Fixing these items over the winter will get you on the water faster in the spring.

Fresh water system
The system should be drained by running the faucets until dry. We recommend then adding five gallons of water with non-toxic Marine/RV anti-freeze designed for freshwater. Then run all the faucets until the anti-freeze is in all the lines.

Marine head
Thoroughly clean and flush the system with fresh water. Empty the head and holding tank; it is important to make sure all the water is drained. Adding a freshwater Marine/RV anti-freeze to the head system is an extra precaution.

Seacocks
Open all seacocks to let the water drain.

Air conditioner and generator
Run anti-freeze through both of these units as part of winterizing. See the manufacturer owner's manual for recommended procedure.

Perishables
Remove all food, snacks and garbage. Raccoons and other varmints will try to get to them and make an unbelievable mess in the process!

Refrigerator
After removing all items, clean the inside of the refrigerator. Store with the door left open to prevent mold.

Outboard engine
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations in the engine owner's manual.

Compass
Cover to prevent damage from UV rays.

Shower sump and bilge
Drain the sump and bilge water. Remove the garboard drain plug. Make sure the boat is stored with the bow higher to allow any water to drain out.

Clean and wax gel coat
It's easier to clean a boat as soon as it comes out of the water, before marine growth and dirt dry.

Electronics
Remove all detachable and valuable equipment. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for storage.

Cushions
Remove and store cushions in a dry ventilated place indoors.

Metals
Clean all metal hardware such as cleats, chocks and hardtop aluminum with soap and water. Apply a metal protection product.

Drawers and hatches
Leave all interior drawers and hatches open to allow them to breathe.

Batteries
Fully charge then remove and store batteries in a relatively warm and, more importantly, well ventilated place. Note: removal only needs to take place in climates with extended periods of below-freezing temperatures.

Fuel tank
Add fuel stabilizer and make sure the tank is full, being careful not to overfill. Run the engine to ensure the treated fuel passes throughout the fuel system.

Cover
The best boat covers are made of canvas as they protect and at the same time breathe. Shrink wrapping works well; we recommend using shrink wrap vents to allow breathing, and exposing the gunnel gas fill(s), to keep fumes out of the boat.