Boat Maintenance Tips For Fall
If you live where the temperature drops below freezing, it’s important to winterize all of your boat systems.
Thanks to BoatU.S. for this general winterizing checklist:
Engines
- Fill installed fuel tanks and add stabilizer
- Flush engine(s) with fresh water and applicable hose adapter
- Store engine(s) in lowest position
- Inspect/replace anodes
Generator
- Change oil and filter
- Change fuel filters/separators
- Check coolant level in freshwater-cooling system and add coolant if necessary
- Run non-toxic antifreeze through raw water-cooling system
- Make sure water strainers are filled with non-toxic antifreeze
Other Systems
- Flush and fill air conditioning system with non-toxic antifreeze
Cabin and Head
- Pump out holding tank and add non-toxic antifreeze to head
- Drain water heater
- Drain freshwater system and run non-toxic antifreeze through it
- Run non-toxic antifreeze through fish box refrigeration cooling water supply
- Drain shower sump, washdown system, and other places where water pools
- Remove food
- Open lockers to air
- Verify bilge pump, high water alarm (if equipped), and switch operate properly
- Clean and dry bilges
- Secure all ports and hatches
- Turn off all switchable circuit breakers and battery select switches
For more information, check with your dealer.
Get a Jump On Spring
Before storing your boat for the winter, take note of any maintenance, repairs, or upgrades you’d like completed before next season. If it’s not something that has to wait until spring, consider getting it done now. Come spring, you may have to get in line for these services, thus delaying the start of your boating season.
Live in a Warmer Climate?
Even if you don’t experience a freezing winter, it is still good to use this time to go over your boat to ensure everything is in good working order. Here are a few things you might want to have your dealer check:
- Battery life/connections – Is it time for new batteries?
- Seacocks – Are they working properly?
- Overboard drains – Are they all connected and draining overboard?
- Electronics – Are there any updates available?
Staying on top of your boat’s maintenance will ensure you enjoy more days on the water!